Chicago Juvenile Intervention Support Center – Chicago, IL

Juvenile Intervention Support Center (JISC)

The Chicago Juvenile Intervention Support Center (JISC) is a specialized facility operating under the Chicago Police Department (CPD) in partnership with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). Located in the Brighton Park neighborhood, the JISC serves as a diversion and processing center for juvenile offenders arrested in specific police districts. Its primary mission is to divert youth away from the formal criminal justice system through early intervention and social service referrals.

Core Functions

• Station Adjustments: Processing low-level juvenile offenders without formal court charges, offering them a chance to correct their behavior.
• Case Management: Connecting youth and their families with social workers who provide assessments and referrals to community-based organizations.
• Diversion Programs: Providing alternatives to detention, such as peer juries and counseling services, to reduce recidivism.

Operational Context

The center operates 24 hours a day for police processing but social service components may have specific hours. It acts as a central hub where law enforcement, prosecutors, and social service providers collaborate. Access is generally restricted to law enforcement personnel, arrested youth, and their parents or guardians. It is not a general public walk-in facility.