PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Judge Evans to conduct national search for new director at Juvenile Detention Center

Released On 03/12/2014

Chief Judge sends letter to Cook County Board as he prepares for transition

CHICAGO, IL., March 12, 2014 – The Circuit Court of Cook County will conduct a national search for the next person to lead the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center as it begins to prepare for the transfer of the Center from a federal court appointed administrator to the Circuit Court, according to Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans.

Chief Judge Evans shared his plans with the Cook County Board President and Board Commissioners in a letter hand-delivered at today’s meeting of the Cook County Board.  The letter in its entirety follows:

“As we await the transfer of the administration of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center to my office for the first time in the history of this county, I am pleased to announce that I will soon begin a national search for new leadership to head the JTDC upon the anticipated completion of the transitional administrator’s federal court assignment.

“I intend to build on the progress made by Mr. Dunlap, who was appointed by the federal court when the lack of reform efforts by the executive branch of local government led to intolerable, unconstitutional conditions at the JTDC. Moreover, I will require that only best practices consistent with the principles of restorative justice will be used to both serve the interests of the detained minors while preserving public safety. Suggestions from any person, county agency or board, officeholder or organization who wishes to join me in furtherance of these objectives will be welcomed. 

“I will soon reconvene my original working group of interested parties for a formal presentation of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s assessment of the JTDC. After that presentation takes place, I will forward the assessment to you and invite you to join me on a tour of the JTDC, 1100 South Hamilton Avenue. Any member of your Advisory Board should feel free to join us. 

“As I look to the Board to help me with the necessary resources for the juveniles entrusted to the court’s care and their families, I know we will find that we share the same goals.”