About Us

Department of Juvenile Justice Mission:

By building youth skills and strengthening families, DJJ promotes community safety and positive youth outcomes.

Annual Report

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice publishes an Annual Report as required by law. The Annual Report provides an overview of IDJJ; where the Department has been and where it is headed.  Critical issues facing the Department are outlined, as well as changes underway to address them.  The most recent report, along with those from prior years, are available on the "Annual Reports and Strategic Plans" page.

Department Statistics

In March 2015, the IDJJ unveiled its comprehensive strategic plan focusing on five core principles:  right-size, rehabilitate, reintegrate, respect, and report.  The final principle, report, focuses on enhancing communications and management systems to strengthen operations, improve outcomes, increase public safety, and inform the public.  Visit the "Data & Reports" page to access Department statistics.

Director's Office:

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  Director - Heidi Mueller

  Director Heidi Mueller was previously named Deputy Director of Programs for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2014. In that role, Mrs. Mueller served as the principal policy-making official for all of the Department's programs including healthcare, behavioral health services, vocational and recreational programming. In addition, Mrs. Mueller conceptualized and implemented the core IDJJ intervention and behavioral management programs.

  Director Mueller earned her degree in Psychology and History from Macalester College. She also received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Chicago Law School.

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  Chief of Staff - Erin Johnson

  The Chief of Staff coordinates and reviews the Department's long-term goals and objectives, evaluates the efficiency of existing policies, procedures, and programs, and monitors compliance. The Chief of Staff directs staff in the review and analysis of Department programs to ensure policy objectives are met.

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  Deputy Director of Operations - William Peyton

  The Deputy Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operations of all five youth facilities within the Department. The Deputy is responsible for all aspects relating to security, staffing, training, investigations and audits.

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  Deputy Director of Programs – Robert Vickery

  The Deputy Director of Programs serves as the principal policy-making official, conceptualizing, developing and implementing program services for the Department. The Deputy assists in the planning and coordination of goals and objectives, and formulates and executes policies and procedures for statewide programs and services that are evidence-based.

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  Deputy Director of Aftercare – Eva Moore

  The Deputy Director of Aftercare exercises principal programmatic responsibility of the formulation and implementation of statewide aftercare policy for all juvenile community supervision, case management, public safety, family, and aftercare services.

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  Chief Financial Officer - Andrew Munemoto

  The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for formulating policies and plans; developing and coordinating operations; advising the Director, Executive Staff, and Youth Center Superintendents in areas of fiscal operations and capital budgeting, accounting, procurement, and federal and state grant formulation.

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  Chief Legal Counsel – NeAngela Dixon (Interim)

  The Chief Legal Counsel provides legal and policy advice on all matters which impact the Department, and directs all legal and policy work of the agency. The Counsel represents the agency on all legal matters with other government entities, including federal, other state, county and municipal offices to ensure that all actions, procedures and functions of the department comply with appropriate laws, rules, and regulations.

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  Senior Policy Advisor - Samantha A. Gaddy

  The Senior Policy Advisor advises the Director and Executive Staff of policy, research, and best-practices in the juvenile field. The Advisor also analyzes legislative proposals and statutes and directs and manages the creation and revision of administrative policies, directives, and rules.

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  Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Sophia Jones-Redmond

  In consultation with the District School Board, the Superintendent develops, administers, and evaluates the statewide educational programs for juvenile facilities, including the academic, career, and technical education programs. The School Superintendent serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the DJJ School District #428.

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  Chief of Professional Development & Training - Marna Goodman

  The Chief of Professional Development and Training is responsible for developing, administering, and directing operations and activities for professional development and training within the agency; develops training programs, establishes policies, and formulates procedure which govern professional development and training needs and requirements for all employees.

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  Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)Officer - Jim Crowley

  The EEO Officer responds to the needs of department employees on sensitive matters such as harassment and discrimination, disability accommodation and employee assistance. The EEO Officer also maintains workforce statistics and reports required by the Department of Human Rights.

Illinois Youth Center Superintendents

At each of the five Illinois Youth Centers, the Superintendents plan, develop, organize, control, direct, and manage the programs and operations of each of the Youth Centers. The Superintendents are responsible for the operational effectiveness of the facility and the overall care and custody of youth.

• Illinois Youth Center Chicago – Superintendent Olukayode Idowu
• Illinois Youth Center Harrisburg – Superintendent Jeremy Burtis
• Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette – Superintendent Jamie House
• Illinois Youth Center St. Charles –  Superintendent John Albright
• Illinois Youth Center Warrenville – Superintendent Tajudeen Ibrahim

IDJJ Procurement

All procurements let by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice that exceed Small Purchase threshold and are subject to the Procurement Code may be viewed on the “Illinois Bid” section of the Illinois Procurement Bulletin. Please click on the link below to access the Illinois Procurement Bulletin.

Illinois Procurement Bulletin