FAQ's

What is the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center?
The Kane County Juvenile Justice Center is a detention facility for juveniles between the ages of 10 and 17. The purpose of the Juvenile Justice Center is to provide safe, humane and secure temporary custody for juveniles pending court proceedings, or those adjudicated on delinquent charges. Juveniles are detained through court orders, warrants, and at the request of local police departments pending detention hearings. Juveniles can also be sentenced to detention for up to 30 days.

Where is the Juvenile Justice Center located?
The Juvenile Justice Center is located at 37W655 Route 38 in St. Charles, IL, approximately 1 mile West of Randall Road next to the Kane County Judicial Center.

Does the Juvenile Justice Center have medical health care services?
Yes. Each resident is provided with medical care from the time of admission throughout their period of detention. This continuous care includes a medical screening for his/her clinical history (by the admitting staff) at the time of admission and a health assessment by the Juvenile Justice Center nurse following the admission. A nursing assessment is routinely given when a resident remains in custody after his or her detention hearing, or when a resident has been sentenced.

Does the Juvenile Justice Center have mental health services?
Yes. The Juvenile Justice Center psychologist and the Kane County Diagnostic Center provide mental health crisis intervention services for residents in the Juvenile Justice Center. Dr. John Cosma is the Juvenile Justice Center’s primary psychologist. He is in the building Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. When Dr. Cosma is not present and services are needed, the on-call psychologist from the Kane County Diagnostic Center is contacted.

Can the juveniles receive money and other items?
No. The Juvenile Justice Center does not have a commissary. The facility supplies the juveniles with clothing, hygiene items and food.

Do the juveniles attend school while they are being detained?
Yes. The Academic Program is staffed by certified teachers who are employed by the Regional Office of Education. The program is a year round accredited school program which allows residents the opportunity to continue their education.

What is the Challenge Program?
The Challenge Program is designed to meet the behavioral and educational needs of court-ordered male residents from 13-16 years of age. The residents live in the facility for a minimum of six months. They are allowed family contact, along with earned outside privileges. Each resident is expected to cooperate and must meet the program’s expectations in order to earn privileges, furloughs and successful discharge. Residents also participate in cognitive based programming such as, Anger Management, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Dad’s Make a Difference, and KCDC Processing Group, among others. Juvenile court, parents/guardians, probation officers, youth counselors, and teachers play important roles in the residents’ stay.

Does the Juvenile Justice Center need volunteers?
Yes. The facility welcomes volunteers to help provide educational and recreational support for the residents. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring in reading and computer skills, library maintenance and art classes. All volunteer activities are provided on site under the supervision of the facility staff. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and complete an application form, interview, and background check.

What are the visiting hours?
Visiting hours are on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm – 8:15 pm and on Sundays from 1:00 pm – 3:25 pm. All visits are in half hour increments. Residents are allowed two 30 minute visits per week with their parent or legal guardian. Please call (630) 406-7480 to schedule a visit.

Can the juveniles receive mail?
Yes. All mail must go through the United States Postal Service. Address mail to: Juvenile Justice Center, {Resident’s Name}, 37W655 Route 38, St. Charles, IL 60175. Only letters or cards are allowed. No packages will be accepted.

What is the difference between the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice?
Other than residents that are sentenced, the residents’ cases at the Juvenile Justice Center are pre-adjudicatory. This means they are still waiting for the outcome of their case or the “disposition” of their case before being released to their parent, guardian, placement, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, etc. The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice would be considered post-adjudicatory. Cases of the residents’ at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice have been adjudicated and the Center was ordered as their disposition. Residents in the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice can remain there until they are 21 years of age. The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is located at 3825 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles, IL 60175. (630) 584-0506.