YOUTH JUSTICE SERVICES

A Better Path Forward Starts Here

Project NOW’s Redeploy Illinois program helps justice-involved youth build the skills, stability, and support they need to move forward—at home, in school, and in their communities.

Helping Young People Build a Stronger Future

Every young person has different strengths, challenges, and goals. Redeploy Illinois connects youth and their families with evidence-based, community-driven alternatives designed to support positive change and reduce youth incarceration.

Services are based on the young person’s individual needs and may include:

Youth Justice - Counseling
Counseling & Therapy

Support for emotional health, behavior, relationships, substance use, grief, and trauma.

Youth Justice - Life Skills
Education & Life Skills

Practical support to help youth succeed in school, employment, and everyday life.

Youth Justice - Family Support
Family & Parent Support

Resources that help caregivers advocate for and support their children.

Youth Justice - Community
Groups & Community Support

Structured opportunities for youth to learn, connect, and contribute.

Youth Justice - Transportation
Transportation

Transportation assistance may be available to help youth participate consistently.

A CLOSER LOOK

Services Built Around Each Young Person

Explore the counseling, education, family, and practical support that may be included in a young person’s individualized service plan.

Support for emotional health, behavior, relationships, substance use, grief, and trauma.

  • Individual and family counseling
  • Substance-use counseling
  • Trauma-informed support
  • Licensed therapy
  • Equine-assisted services

Practical support to help youth succeed in school, employment, and everyday life.

  • Tutoring
  • GED referral and support
  • Interview and résumé preparation
  • Occupational and life skills
  • Goal setting and motivational support

Guidance and resources to help caregivers advocate for and support their children.

  • Advocacy in school settings
  • Parent-child communication and interaction
  • Discipline and behavior-management strategies
  • Budgeting skills
  • Responsible fatherhood support

Additional opportunities and resources that help youth participate, connect, and make progress.

  • Anger-management groups
  • Youth discussion groups
  • Family group sessions
  • Community-service opportunities
  • Food and hygiene assistance
  • Transportation to school and service appointments if assistance is needed
WHO MAY QUALIFY?

Is Redeploy Illinois the Right Program?

Redeploy Illinois serves eligible justice-involved youth who may otherwise face commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Participation is designed for young people who are ready to engage in community-based services and work toward positive change.

Youth must:

  • Be involved with the justice system and facing possible commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Demonstrate a willingness to address harmful or unlawful behaviors
  • Be ready to actively participate in services
  • Work toward healthy, positive choices and successful community reintegration

Not sure whether a young person qualifies?

Eligibility and service needs are reviewed individually. Contact the Redeploy team to discuss the situation and learn what comes next.

GETTING STARTED

What Happens After a Referral?

Every young person’s path is different. The Redeploy team works with the youth, family, and referral partners to identify the right support.

Household Identification
REVIEW The Referral

The Redeploy team reviews the referral and determines whether the youth meets program requirements.

Household Income
Meet the youth and family

Staff learn about the young person’s strengths, needs, circumstances, and goals.

Utility Bills & Lease Information
Create A Plan

Together, the team identifies appropriate services, expectations, and next steps.

Utility Bills & Lease Information
BEGin services

The youth begins participating in counseling, education, groups, transportation, or other assigned support.

Utility Bills & Lease Information
SUPPORT PROGRESS

Staff encourage accountability, stability, positive choices, and long-term community success.

Why IT MATTERS

SUPPORT TODAY CAN SHAPE
A YOUNG PERSON’S FUTURE

With accountability, positive relationships, and the right support, young people can overcome challenges and build a stronger path forward.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions About Redeploy Illinois?

Find answers about eligibility, referrals, available services, and what families can expect from the program.

Redeploy Illinois provides eligible justice-involved youth with structured, community-based alternatives to commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

The program serves eligible justice-involved youth who may otherwise face commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and are ready to actively participate in services.

Yes. Parents and caregivers may contact the Redeploy team with questions. Staff can explain eligibility and whether a formal referral is required.

Services may include counseling, licensed therapy, education support, life-skills development, family support, youth groups, transportation, and connections to community resources.

No. Services are selected according to the young person’s strengths, needs, goals, circumstances, and referral requirements.

Referral requirements may vary. Contact the Redeploy team to learn who can submit a referral and what information is needed.

Families may participate in planning, counseling, educational advocacy, family groups, and other services that support the young person’s progress.

Transportation may be available for school, counseling, and other program-related appointments. Families should discuss their specific needs with program staff.

Program length depends on the young person’s individualized plan, progress, service needs, and referral requirements.

Depending on eligibility and availability, families may also be connected with Project NOW services such as energy assistance, housing support, Head Start, transportation, and other resources.

NEED A LITTLE HELP?

We’re Here to Help You Take the Next Step.

OUR FUNDING PARTNERS

Made Possible Through Partnership

Project NOW’s Youth Justice Services are supported through Redeploy Illinois and the Illinois Department of Human Services. This investment helps provide community-based services that promote accountability, strengthen families, and create positive opportunities for young people.