​​​​​​​​About the Juvenile Justice Center
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Visitation Schedule
  • In-person
  • Microsoft Teams Visits
  • Release I​nformation​
  • Phone Calls​
Visitation Rules​
​ Definitions of Juvenile Justice Terms
Programming​
  • Mental Health Services
  • Volunteer and Intern Programs
PREA Compliance​
  • Investigation Policy
  • Third-Party Reporting
  • Victim Advocacy an​d Support Services

Programming

The behavior management program at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center is predicated upon a cognitive model of psychology, Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT). The cognitive-behavioral framework is a model for describing, understanding, and changing behavior. It operates on the fundamental assumption that thinking and attitudes influence our behavior; and therefore, we can change behavior by changing thought patterns and attitudes. Simply put, the cognitive model states that prior to all human behaviors, a person is presented with an initial event. Based on that event, a person has certain self-talk (thoughts) that give rise to feelings and then to the behavior that they chose to exhibit. This behavior results in consequences, which then introduces a new event, and the cycle repeats itself again.

Research indicates that the highest risk factors for reoffending are criminogenic thinking and attitudes; therefore, the JJC uses the cognitive model because its goal is to change such thinking. The model uses techniques to monitor thought patterns, recognize the connections between thinking and behavior, and replace distorted thinking with rational thinking in order to foster more appropriate behavior. The JJC challenges our residents to pay attention to the thought patterns they have and the behaviors and consequences that result from them. This will further challenge the residents to reduce the “automatic” thinking they have developed to specific situations and recognize that the thoughts they have may put them at risk to doing something hurtful or irresponsible.​

Mental Health Services

The JJC has a mental health team consisting of 3 mental health clinicians. The clinicians have their master's degrees and are licensed in the State of Illinois. The mental health team conducts intakes on every juvenile admitted into detention, as well as conducting both individual and group sessions with JJC residents. They also coordinate sessions with outside providers such as therapists, psychologists, DCFS, SASS and substance abuse counselors. Our mental health clinicians are available 7 days a week. A psychiatric nurse practitioner also provides services to the JJC, including evaluating the need for and compliance with psychotropic medications. 

To contact the mental health team, please call 630-406-7480 or email Pam Ely: elypam@16thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov​​.  ​

Volunteer and Intern Programs

  • Volunteers must be 21 years or older.
  • Interns must be in their junior or senior year in college.

The JJC has several volunteer programs: 

  • Chaplains: Volunteer chaplains through the Kane County Sheriff's Office visit the JJC weekly for individual meetings with residents upon request. 
  • Grief Counselors: The Hands of Hope grief counselors visit the JJC weekly to conduct a group session with residents. They are also available for individual sessions upon request. 
  • Tutors: The JJC has volunteer tutors who work with JJC residents on an individual basis to develop educational skills, as well as GED tutoring. 
  • Book Club: The JJC has a weekly book club, staffed by a local librarian and volunteer. Residents attend this meeting on a voluntary and rotating basis. 

To learn more about our Volunteer Program, please call 630-406-7480 or email Pam Ely: elypam@16thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov​.

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