title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JUNE AS NATIONAL RETURNING YOUTH MONTH
WHEREAS, National Returning Youth Month is recognized in the month of June to raise awareness of the challenges faced by young people reentering their communities after incarceration, and to highlight the importance of providing pathways to rehabilitation, education, employment, and long-term success; and
WHEREAS, each year, thousands of youth in the United States are released from detention or correctional facilities and return to their communities, often facing systemic barriers such as limited access to housing, mental health care, education, and employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has demonstrated national leadership in advancing juvenile justice reform, emphasizing a restorative approach that focuses on rehabilitation over punishment, and reducing reliance on detention through alternatives that keep youth in their communities and connected to families, schools, and supportive services; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) has made significant strides in reducing population size, improving conditions, and partnering with community-based organizations to create a continuum of care for justice-involved youth; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Chief Judge, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, and numerous County departments and community partners have implemented evidence-based programming designed to reduce recidivism, improve educational attainment, and increase access to trauma-informed behavioral health support; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has been a consistent champion for investments in youth opportunity, reentry support, and comprehensive reform that addresses the root causes of youth incarceration and ensures that all young people are given the tools to thrive; and
WHEREAS, acknowledging June as National Returning Youth Month allows us to celebrate the resilience of young people, affirm our commitment to second chances, and recommit ourselves to building a justice system rooted in equity, dignity, and possibility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, meeting this 12th day of June, 2025, does hereby recognize the month of June as National Returning Youth Month in Cook County and encourages residents, agencies, and institutions to support policies and programs that promote successful youth reentry and reduce justice involvement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners commends the continued work of County agencies, staff, and community partners working to create a more just, compassionate, and effective juvenile justice system; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be disseminated to youth-serving organizations and advocates as a sign of Cook County’s commitment to the future of all its young people.
end