A new pilot program launched by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and Chicago Public Schools aims to allow some West Side teens charged with serious crimes to remain in school and avoid detention while awaiting trial, according to a March 12 announcement.
The initiative is designed to support youth facing criminal charges by keeping them engaged in education and providing access to therapy and mentoring, rather than placing them in pretrial detention. Supporters say this approach could help reduce recidivism rates among young people and improve their chances of graduating.
To participate, eligible teens must attend school five days a week and take part in cognitive behavioral therapy, mentoring, and other services provided by two community nonprofits. Umi Grigsby, deputy chief of policy at the Cook County State Attorney’s Office, said, “We’re hoping that these young people will continue being engaged in their community through school and the community-based organizations so they’re able to hopefully decide that they want to take a different path.”
Three teens have joined the program since it began last month. The goal is to engage up to 60 youth from Little Village and North Lawndale this year. A district spokeswoman said, “By addressing the needs of this population, which often faces the risk of isolation, CPS helps to foster a sense of belonging and community to provide students with the opportunity to continue their education.”
Antwan Turpeau, a research fellow at Chapin Hall who will evaluate the program, said that staying connected with school is one of the top protective factors for adolescents. “School is one of the top protective factors for this age population,” Turpeau said. “Detention often disrupts schooling and credit accumulation.” He also noted that many participants come from underinvested communities affected by trauma: “They’ve seen a lot at a young age and haven’t had the place and the space to process what they’ve been through.”
The program excludes teens charged with murder or certain violent offenses or those on electronic monitoring. Unlike diversion programs where charges are dropped for participation, charges remain but successful involvement may influence sentencing outcomes. The Juvenile Pre-Trial Detention Alternative Pilot Program will be overseen by Judge Beatriz Frausto-Sandoval in Chicago’s 10th police district.
Officials hope that combining regular school attendance with therapy can help prevent further offenses among participants. As Grigsby said about future goals: “We’re really looking at lowering recidivism… making sure that young people feel connected to their community.”
