JUVENILE SPECIALIST SKILLS PROGRAM, continued

The range of responsibilities which fall to juvenile officers is as varied and complex as the individuals they serve. As such, challenging issues officers are likely to face in their new role will be examined in detail. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate the following core skills:

1. Effective communication with youths and their families.
2. Recognize the stages of development in minors and anticipate behaviors which are characteristic of each stage.
3. Consider aspects of adolescent psychology when assisting runaways, depressed and/or suicidal minors.
4. Be familiar with and maximally utilize Social Service Agencies.
5. Interpret and apply provisions of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act: Chapter 720.
6. Recognize prevalent threats to the well being of minors, including drug and alcohol abuse, street gang involvement, sexual exploitation, accessibility of weapons, violent crime, etc…
7. Recognize hallmarks of physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse in children.

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