PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Judge Evans now accepting applications for position of superintendent for juvenile detention center

Released On 05/13/2014

Circuit Court conducts national search for new leadership in anticipation of transfer of Cook County’s juvenile detention center to the chief judge

 

The office of Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans is now accepting applications from qualified individuals to serve as superintendent/executive director of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC).  

The search for a superintendent/executive director is a major component of Chief Judge Evans’s preparations for an orderly transition of the JTDC from a federal court appointed administrator to his office. 

The job posting will be available online at various websites, including the court’s web site, www.cookcountycourt.org. Applications will be accepted from May 13, 2014, to June 13, 2014.  

Chief Judge Evans said he will ask a team of juvenile experts to join him for the initial screening of all applicants. The names of the team members will be announced shortly.  

Chief Judge Evans also said he has enlisted the help of the Annie E. Casey Foundation to prepare for an orderly transition of the JTDC to his office. The Casey Foundation is a private charitable organization that has worked with the Circuit Court for more than 20 years to help build better futures for disadvantaged children. 

One of the largest detention centers in the country, the JTDC provides temporary secure housing to minors awaiting adjudication of their court cases. It has an annual budget of approximately $50 million and staff of more than 600. 

The federal court placed the JTDC under a transitional administrator in 2007 when the lack of reform efforts by the executive branch of local government led to intolerable, unconstitutional conditions in the facility. In 2008, the Illinois General Assembly transferred control of the JTDC to the chief judge; however, the administration of the JTDC remains under the transitional administrator until the federal court establishes a timeline for the transition to the Chief Judge. 

To download the job description, which contains instructions on the application process, click here.