May 22, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Ibis Antongiorgi, Press Secretary to Cook County Board President Todd H. Stroger, at 312-603-0396 or by email at iantongiorgi@cookcountygov.com. 

Stroger Applauds Legislators for Passage of Juvenile Detention Center Transfer Agreement  

May 22, 2007 – Cook County Board President Todd Stroger applauded the passage today in Springfield of legislation to transfer responsibility for the County’s Juvenile Temporary Detention Center from his office to that of the Office of the Chief Judge of Cook County. The legislation now awaits Governor Rod Blagojevich’s signature, which is expected in the next several weeks. The bill formally authorizes the Chief Judge to assume responsibility for the facility.

Stroger has identified turning around the JTDC as one of his administration’s top priorities, and transfer of authority to the Chief Judge – also encouraged by youth advocates and policymakers in the field – has been a top priority. Stroger also solicited a comprehensive audit of financial procedures at the Center, and released those audit results – along with proposed fixes to identified problems – earlier this month. He also appointed a top staffer, Jennifer Koehler, as a full-time onsite senior administrator to help move the Center forward in its effort to improve oversight and management practices.

Other improvements that the Stroger administration has implemented since January 1 include new overtime procedures, an employee review process designed to address issues of absenteeism, and plans to implement a swipe system for employees to sign into the worksite. Those improvements are part of a broader commitment on the part of the Stroger administration to push forward fundamental change in the culture and operating practices of the Center in a way that enhances professionalism, efficiency, and long-term outcomes for young people incarcerated at the JTDC.

“I’m deeply grateful to Senator Don Harmon and House Minority Leader Tom Cross for helping move this bill through the legislative process,” said Stroger. “This was a bipartisan effort that has enormous implications for the future of the Detention Center – and ultimately will positively impact the lives of the young people it houses and their families and communities.”

State Senator Don Harmon (D-39) of Oak Park and State Representative Tom Cross (R-84) of Oswego worked together to build support on both sides of the legislative aisle to win majority support for the bill.

The Juvenile Temporary Detention Center provides secure housing for youth aged 10-16 who are awaiting adjudication of their cases by the Juvenile Division of the Cook County Courts. The Center also cares for youth who have been transferred from Juvenile Court jurisdiction to Criminal Court, who would otherwise be incarcerated in the adult county jail. The Center's mission is to provide its young charges with a safe, secure and caring environment that enhances personal development and improves their chances for success once they return to their communities.

For more information, contact Ibis Antongiorgi, Press Secretary to Cook County Board President Todd H. Stroger, at 312-603-0396 or iantongiorgi@cookcountygov.com. 

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