Staffing Levels in the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice

The purpose of this report is to provide information to legislative leaders and the general public on the level of employees currently on staff in the secure facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Their numbers have been steadily decreasing over the past three years and are on pace to reach a critical stage unless additional funds are made available, or the number of youth confined and facilities operated are reduced.

This report is based on the observations of teams of trained citizen volunteers who visited each of the eight secure facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice since its inception in July 2006. Most of these visitors had previously visited these same institutions between 2001 and July 2006 when they were operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections-Youth Division. The visits include observation of conditions and interviews with staff and administration as well as residents. Each facility has been visited a minimum of one time per year, and in some instances far more frequently. (2009)