COD Justice Studies Program hosts Nov. 12 lecture on 'Future of Illinois' Juvenile Justice System'

The College of DuPage Justice Studies program's Juvenile Delinquency class invites community members to a virtual guest lecture featuring representatives from the Children and Family Justice Center at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and the Final 5 Campaign to discuss the state of Illinois's juvenile justice system at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.

Speakers include Children and Family Justice Center Policy Director Stephanie Kollmann and Final 5 Campaign representatives Olivia Blocker (pictured left) and Ja'Vaune Jackson (pictured right). The presentation will cover the mission and vision of the Final 5 Campaign and how this intertwines with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's plans to overhaul the state's juvenile justice system.

Since 2010, Kollmann has managed juvenile and criminal justice research and reform projects largely aimed at reducing ineffective and adult-derived approaches to young people, including youth incarceration. She has written and contributed to policy reports issued by the legal clinic, state commissions and community groups on a range of topics. Kollmann regularly advises policymakers around the nation on issues of justice reform and implementation.

The Final 5 Campaign is dedicated to the closure of the final five youth prisons in Illinois. Placing a high value on community investment and youth leadership, the campaign aims to holistically take care of the mental, emotional, financial and material needs of young people.

For questions, email COD Justice Studies Professor Stacie Haen-Darden at haen-dardens@cod.edu.