A Blueprint for Youth Justice Reform: Lessons from Juvenile Redeploy Services

Episode Description

In this episode Executive Director John Tuell interviews Mark Werner, Director of Juvenile Redeploy Services for the Circuit Court of Cook County Juvenile Justice Division. Juvenile Redeploy Services, in partnership with Probation, offers an alternative to incarcerating youth in the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Through collaboration with community-based organizations, the program employs a trauma-informed, public safety approach to deliver intensive, evidence-based services and individualized treatment to high-risk youth. Join John and Mark as they explore the initiative’s successes, challenges, and its positive impact on youth and the community.
SEASON THREE: Episode Three | RELEASE DATE: September 30, 2024

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About the Guest

Mark Werner

Director | Juvenile Redeploy Services, Juvenile Justice Division | Circuit Court of Cook County | Chicago, Illinois

Mark Werner has been employed with the Circuit Court of Cook County for 25 years. He is currently the Director of Juvenile Redeploy Services for the Circuit Court of Cook County Juvenile Justice Division. He has also served in several capacities in the Juvenile Probation Department with his last position being Section Chief over Administrative Services and Human Resources. He serves as the department’s liaison to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and he has conducted trainings for DCFS and on dual status youth in the past. He is honored to work with the probation officers and Judges on difficult delinquency cases that involve DCFS or child welfare issues. He helped develop two workgroups that staff high risk cases with child welfare issues with the goal of keeping them from being further entrenched in the juvenile system. In his current position, the Redeploy Program is designed to keep youth out of secure detention and offer intensive therapeutic services. He also serves as faculty for the Illinois Judicial College through the Illinois Supreme Court. Mark has his Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Science in Administration of Justice. He and his wife are former foster parents and adopted their son Josh. He also has two biological daughters, Addison and Isabella. In his spare time, he loves to coach his daughters’ softball teams.