This comprehensive handbook is an essential resource for attorneys and advocates working to protect the rights of juvenile clients and dealing with the unique problems faced by minors who become involved with the legal system. Offering clear, in-depth guidance on Illinois’ juvenile justice system, this handbook covers issues concerning predelinquent behavior, in which juveniles are engaging in wrongful — but not necessarily criminal — behavior and delinquency in which juveniles are alleged to have committed criminal acts.
Key topics include obtaining services from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, addressing status offenses like truancy and minors in need of supervision, and dealing with the unique circumstances of addicted minors. With detailed chapters on diversion, pre-adjudication dispositions, and transfer of jurisdiction, this guide provides critical insight into juvenile delinquency motions, trials, pleas, and appeals. It also explores posttrial proceedings, sentencing, and post-disposition review, while incorporating the nuances of federal juvenile law and practice.
Whether you’re navigating complex legal processes or seeking a deeper understanding of Illinois’ juvenile justice framework, this handbook is an indispensable tool for ensuring fair and effective legal advocacy for young people.
Chapter 1 — Introduction to Juvenile Justice
M. Katherine Roller, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Chicago
Chapter 2 — Obtaining Services for Children — Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
Michelle Jenkins Chappell, Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago
Chapter 3 — Status Offenses: Minor Requiring Authoritative Intervention; Truant Minor in Need of Supervision; Minor in Need of Supervision, and Addicted Minors
Patrick C. Keenan-Devlin, James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, Evanston
Chapter 4 — Diversion and Pre-Adjudication Disposition
Tamar L. Sirkin, Attorney at Law, Chicago
Chapter 5 — Transfer of Jurisdiction
Alison R. Flaum, Children & Family Justice Center, Bluhm Legal Clinic Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Chicago
Chapter 6 — Delinquency Motions, Trials, Pleas, and Appeals
John Curnyn, The Law Office of John Curnyn, Evanston
Chapter 7 — Proceeding After Trial, Sentencing
Diane N. Walsh, Office of the Chief Judge, Cook County Juvenile Court, and Jami Vrbancic, Cook County Juvenile Court, Chicago
Chapter 8 — Post-Disposition Review
Craig L. Engebretson, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Justice Bureau, Chicago
Chapter 9 — Federal Juvenile Law and Practice
Nrupa Patel, BRE Law, Decatur
