ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

What ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE does

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is a state government agency of Illinois established under statute 730 ILCS 5/3-2.5-65, responsible for the care, custody, and rehabilitation of youth committed to the Department by Illinois courts. It operates a statewide system comprising six secure youth facilities (IYC Chicago with 130 beds, IYC Harrisburg with 332 beds, IYC Warrenville with 70 beds, IYC Pere Marquette with 40 beds, the PEACE Center at St. Charles, and the Monarch Youth Center at Lincoln with 30 beds), eight aftercare offices across the state, and School District #428 — an ISBE-recognized and accredited school district that provides education from 8th grade through GED and diploma completion. The Department also provides Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs covering carpentry, welding, manufacturing, healthcare, barber/cosmetology, culinary arts, heavy equipment operation, and drone operation through a network of 50+ community partners including Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Elgin Community College, and Lakeland College.

IDJJ's service model is organized around its mission to "build youth skills and strengthen families to promote community safety and positive youth outcomes." Programming includes mental health screening and treatment, substance abuse treatment with four-phase programming, individualized education, vocational certification, family engagement through the Family Advisory Council and electronic visitation via Ameelio Connect and WebEx, and statewide aftercare reintegration services including case management, mentoring, and graduated sanctions. Specialized programs include the trauma-informed Monarch Youth Center (opened late 2025), the PEACE Center (launched January 2024, the first facility in the nation for emerging adults ages 17-20 with high school diplomas), and language access services with 27 certified Spanish translators. The Department's underlying technology stack combines third-party education platforms (Pearson Connexus for credit recovery, Language Live for ELA intervention, SAVVAS Math with Success-Maker, and GED prep), communications tools (Ameelio Connect, WebEx, Propio Language Services, NextTalk TTY), and compliance systems including 19 consecutive PREA audits since 2016.

As a state government agency, IDJJ does not generate commercial revenue. It is funded entirely through Illinois state government appropriations, with a disclosed FY2026 operating budget of $153,842,221 supporting 809 full-time employees as of February 2026. Services are provided at no cost to youth committed by Illinois courts, with the Department holding statutory authority over juvenile justice services in the state and regulatory authority (though not direct jurisdiction) over county juvenile detention centers, including the power to set and inspect minimum standards.

Name

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

Legal name

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice

Website

https://idjj.illinois.gov

Company type

Public

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is a state government agency that operates six secure youth facilities, School District #428, and eight aftercare offices to deliver custody, education, rehabilitation, and reintegration services to court-committed juveniles and their families across Illinois, funded entirely through state appropriations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Juvenile Justice Services

NAICS

Correctional Institutions (922140), Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAKANAG

Correctional Health, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (In-Custody)

Business & Public Services/Security & Investigations Services/Corrections, Detention & Prisoner Transport Services

SECONDARYHLAJAAAH

Correctional/Detention Facility Health Departments

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Public Health, Government & Regulators/Public Health Agencies & Health Departments

SECONDARYBPADAKAJ

Education in Emergencies (EiE) & Safe Schools

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Education & Skills Development Programs

SECONDARYHLAFAAAC

Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs) & Multi-Hospital Systems

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Healthcare Providers & Systems/Acute Care Hospitals & Health Systems

Keywords

• Juvenile justice services
• Youth rehabilitation programs
• Correctional education
• Aftercare reintegration
• Secure youth facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. State Government Budget Appropriation: IDJJ is funded through Illinois state government appropriations. The operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $153,842,221. The department does not generate commercial revenue as it is a state government agency providing public services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

IDJJ is the Illinois state agency that operates secure custody, rehabilitation, education, mental health and substance abuse treatment, career and technical training, and aftercare reintegration services for youth committed to the Department by Illinois courts. Service delivery is carried out through six secure youth facilities (Monarch Youth Center, PEACE Center, IYC Harrisburg, IYC Warrenville, IYC Pere Marquette, IYC Chicago), ISBE-accredited School District #428, and eight regional aftercare offices statewide.

Product overview

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice operates a portfolio of six secure youth facilities across the state (IYC Chicago, IYC Harrisburg, IYC Warrenville, IYC Pere Marquette, Monarch Youth Center at Lincoln, and PEACE Center at St. Charles) offering care, custody, education, and rehabilitation services for justice-involved youth. The department's services are unified around its mission of building youth skills and strengthening families, delivered through: secure residential facilities (ranging from minimum to maximum security, serving juvenile males and females); School District #428 providing accredited education from 8th grade through GED and diploma completion, powered by Pearson Connexus and blended learning; Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs offering industry certifications in partnership with external providers; and Aftercare Services providing statewide reintegration support. Key recent expansions include the Monarch Youth Center (2025) and the PEACE Center (2024), the nation's first emerging adults career and education facility for ages 17-20.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• School District #428: IDJJ's ISBE-recognized and accredited school district providing educational programs for youth in DJJ facilities.
• Monarch Youth Center
• Phoenix Emerging Adults Career & Education (PEACE) Center

Products and services

• Illinois Youth Center - Chicago 130-capacity secure juvenile facility on Chicago's west side providing individualized programming including GED and diploma services, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, medical services, vocational programming, family engagement, and volunteer services such as religious services, musical theatre, and therapeutic canine programs for court-committed youth.
• Illinois Youth Center - Harrisburg 332-capacity Level 2 medium security juvenile male facility opened July 1983, providing remedial and secondary education, GED programs, library services, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, diagnostic services, special education, and mental health programs to youth in southern Illinois.
• Illinois Youth Center - Warrenville 70-capacity facility serving juvenile female and male populations with multi-service needs including GED and diploma programs, inpatient substance abuse treatment, vocational programs, mental health and medical services, parenting education, and family reunification programming. Winner of the 2021 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award.
• Illinois Youth Center - Pere Marquette 40-capacity Level 3 minimum security juvenile male facility with open campus, serving as the first step-down facility dedicated to reintegrating youth back into the community through intense intervention, treatment programming, and community involvement. Winner of the 2023 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award.
• Monarch Youth Center at Lincoln 30-capacity Level 2 medium security juvenile male facility opened in late 2025, designed as trauma-informed, therapeutic, and dorm-like to reduce the harm of incarceration. Allows central Illinois youth to remain closer to their communities and families. Celebrated its inaugural high school graduation in 2026.
• Phoenix Emerging Adults Career & Education (PEACE) Center First-of-its-kind-in-the-nation facility launched January 2024 serving high school graduate young adults ages 17-20 with vocational, career, and life skill development, including personal trainer certification, heavy equipment operation, manufacturing credentials, and immersive virtual reality training delivered in partnership with NIU, Northwestern, and Elgin Community College.
• School District #428 ISBE-recognized and accredited school district operating within all IDJJ facilities, providing general education, GED programs, high school diplomas, a blended learning model, and career and technical education. Curriculum includes Pearson Connexus credit recovery, Language Live literacy intervention, and SAVVAS Math/Success-Maker programs.
• Aftercare Services Statewide reintegration and supervision program implemented statewide in January 2014, providing youth-focused case management, substance abuse and mental health treatment coordination, education and vocational program linkage, workforce development, mentoring, and a graduated sanctions system to reduce recidivism for youth transitioning out of IDJJ custody.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 90% reduction in youth in secure custody since late 1990s/early 2000s (from 2000+ to average of 154 in 2023)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Northern Illinois University (NIU) - Project FlexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNIU's Department of Kinesiology runs Project Flex, an extensive programming partnership using sports programming to make a positive impact on incarcerated youth. Project Flex includes a run club for incarcerated youth at the PEACE Center and personal trainer certification in partnership with ISSA. Professors Zach Wahl-Alexander and Jennifer Jacobs developed the 5K run/walk event.
• Victory XRcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Meta provides immersive virtual reality classrooms to prepare students for carpentry, welding, robotics, and nursing/medical assistant certifications. Available at PEACE Center and multiple youth centers for CTE programming.
• Sim LogcoreTechnology or IntegrationSimulator-based training for heavy equipment operation including backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators. Provides certifications through hands-on virtual training. Available at PEACE Center and IYC Harrisburg.
• Technology & Manufacturing Association of Illinois (TMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership since July 2023 provides online manufacturing education. Youth who complete the program earn a certificate as a Certified Manufacturing Associate. Available at PEACE Center and multiple youth centers.
• Elgin Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPost-secondary educational opportunities for youth at PEACE Center providing college-level coursework and pathways to higher education for justice-involved youth.
• Northwestern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education opportunities at PEACE Center. Also partners through Children & Family Justice Center at Northwestern University School of Law for policy and advocacy work.
• Lakeland CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCustodial Technician Certificate program providing hands-on skills in maintenance including carpet shampooing, floor care, wall/window washing, resume writing, and small business procedures. Also offers Construction Occupations Certificates I & II.
• Larry's Barber CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site training for cosmetology and barber licensing with full clinical hours. Youth can sit for licensing exams at the facility. Available at PEACE Center, IYC Warrenville, and IYC Chicago.
• YouthBuild Illinois / Lewis & Clark Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration offering construction-related courses and certifications including Carpentry, Solar Installation, and Welding at IYC Pere Marquette. Also provides leadership training, career development, and community service opportunities.
• Nova Driving SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnline driver's education courses for eligible youth at all facilities. Partnership addresses transportation barriers to employment and independence upon release.
• Greater West Town ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwelve-week shipping and receiving program preparing trainees for entry-level positions including forklift operator, warehouse associate, material handler. Includes OSHA certification and job placement assistance. Available at IYC Chicago.
• Curt's CafecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPilot culinary/hospitality program at IYC Chicago. Mission to improve outcomes for young adults through work and life skills training. Youth practice culinary techniques, receive instruction for educational gaps, gain confidence, and become job-ready through café lines, classroom instruction, and mentoring.
• D&D ElectricminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSolar electric installation certification partnership at IYC Harrisburg. D&D works in industrial, commercial, and residential installation providing real-world renewable energy training.
• Core Learning ExchangecoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline CTE courses and certification preparation in career fields not previously offered by IDJJ including A/V Technician, Communication, Business Management, Project Management, IT/Application Development, and construction.
• Georgetown Center for Juvenile Justice ReformcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational juvenile justice reform organization providing research, training, and technical assistance to improve juvenile justice systems.
• Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational membership organization for juvenile justice administrators. IDJJ partners through CJCA for Performance Based Standards (PbS) improvement model.
• Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency providing leadership, coordination, and resources for juvenile justice. OJJDP launched PbS in 1995 and provides oversight and funding for juvenile justice reform initiatives.
• John Howard AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois-based organization providing oversight, monitoring, and advocacy for juvenile and adult correctional systems. Represented on IDJJ Advisory Board.
• Children & Family Justice Center, Northwestern University School of LawcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal advocacy and policy center providing representation and advocacy for children and families involved in juvenile justice system. Represented on IDJJ Advisory Board.
• Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide network of organizations working to improve services and outcomes for youth involved in juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
• Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative (JEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState initiative partnered with IDJJ on the 21st Century Transformation Model to transform Illinois' juvenile justice system using evidence from across the country.
• New Life CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrograms at PEACE Center providing leisure time activities and holistic support services for justice-involved young adults.
• Safe Humane ChicagominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDog training program at PEACE Center providing community service opportunities and animal therapy connections for young adults.
• Illinois Department of CorrectionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency collaborating on the Summit of Hope expo and shared services for justice-involved individuals. IDJJ transitioned youth parole from IDOC to IDJJ Aftercare in 2015.
• Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency providing research, data, and technical assistance on criminal and juvenile justice matters.
• Illinois Juvenile Justice CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState commission focused on juvenile justice policy and practice reforms. IDJJ collaborates on system improvements and reform initiatives.
• Redeploy IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState program reducing reliance on incarceration by providing community-based alternatives and support services for justice-involved youth.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD): Texas state agency operating secure juvenile correctional facilities, halfway houses, and parole supervision. Comparable to IDJJ in operating secure facilities and providing rehabilitation, education, and aftercare for committed youth.
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Division of Juvenile Justice: California's state-level juvenile corrections agency operating secure facilities, rehabilitation, and reentry services for court-committed youth. Direct functional analog to IDJJ in scope (secure custody, education, mental health) though currently undergoing significant reform and population reduction.
• Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) - Juvenile Justice: Washington state's consolidated agency overseeing juvenile rehabilitation, including Echo Glen Children's Center and Green Hill School. Comparable in operating secure juvenile facilities plus community-based reentry and rehabilitation services.
• Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (GA DJJ): Georgia state agency operating Regional Youth Detention Centers, Youth Development Centers (secure commitment), and community supervision. Closely comparable to IDJJ's six-facility secure model plus aftercare structure.
• Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS): Massachusetts' juvenile justice agency widely recognized for its community-based, small-facility rehabilitation model. Highly comparable to IDJJ's transformation toward smaller regional, trauma-informed programs.
• North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: North Carolina's state juvenile justice agency operating Youth Development Centers and detention centers plus community supervision. Direct peer with similar secure-facility-and-aftercare service portfolio.
• Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS): Ohio's state juvenile corrections agency running secure facilities, intake, and parole/community services. Comparable in providing residential care, education, mental health, and reentry for juvenile offenders.
• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services - Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services: Pennsylvania's state-level administrator of juvenile justice residential placement and community programs. Comparable in providing secure residential, educational, and aftercare services for court-committed youth.
• Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FL DJJ): Florida's statewide juvenile justice agency overseeing prevention, detention, commitment, and aftercare programs. Direct peer operating secure residential facilities, education, and community supervision for court-committed youth.
• New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) - Juvenile Justice: New York's state agency administering secure juvenile residential facilities (e.g., OCFS facilities) and aftercare/placement for youth in custody. Comparable scope in operating state-run secure juvenile facilities and community reentry.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/illinois-department-of-juvenile-justice

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE