Programming
All JTDC residents participate in structured programming, school and the behavior management program. Residents are also offered opportunities to participate in activities during their stay.
Structured programming is the construct that provides institutional order, consistency and stability in the day-to-day facility operations.
[i] Daily programming is essential to the smooth operation of any household or facility, regardless of size. The programming piece at JTDC contains best practices in classification, assessment, access to family and attorneys, education, meals, environment, mental health, medical and pro-social activities. JTDC behavior management programming is evidence-based or considered a promising approach. All residents attend Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School, a Chicago Public School, while detained at JTDC. Programming is necessary to ensure that youth in our custody receive constitutionally mandated care. JTDC programming begins at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m.
Activities are additional ancillary services provided to educate and enhance programming. Through partnership with over 60+ community organizations and trained volunteers, JTDC provides a myriad of services and activities spanning the youth’s life and planned community reentry. There are over 63 community stakeholders, 212 activities and over 16,000 visitors and volunteers entering the JTDC each year.