The Winnebago County Juvenile Probation Division aims to create a safer community by addressing the problem of delinquency. We accomplish this mission by imposing accountability for violations of the law, equipping offenders with the competencies to live responsibly and productively, assisting in the reparation of victims and ensuring the protection of the community. Offenders under the age of 18 are referred to this department by law enforcement agencies and can remain under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court until the age of 21.

Juvenile Probation also oversees operation of the Juvenile Assessment Center. This is a central reception center for police agencies to bring youth who have been arrested for violating the law or taken into custody for non-criminal reasons, i.e. running away. Probation Officers at this location utilize a screening instrument that determines if the arrested minors should be detained or released back to their guardian. The Probation Officers at this location also conduct assessments of the arrested minors to refer to services and to recommend whether the minors should be referred to court or if the cases should be handled informally with no further court action. Illinois Crisis Intervention Services (ICIS) advocates work with the non-arrest cases that require specific family services.

The Juvenile Resource Intervention Center (JRIC) is also located inside the Juvenile Probation Department.  The JRIC opened in the late fall of 2023 and is an on site therapeutic center for youth on probation or court supervision.  Similar to the Resource Intervention Center for our adult population, the JRIC consists of a therapist who provides individual therapy and group curriculums ranging from topics such as grief and trauma to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  Programs offered through the JRIC target the identified areas of risk and needs that Probation Officers determine through risk assessments and comprehensive assessments from clinicians.

Funding to support the Juvenile Resource Intervention Center – Behavioral Health Program was received through the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board.

Juvenile Probation Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find out how many hours of Public Service Work I have left?

• Call the Juvenile Probation Department at (815) 516-2700 and ask to speak with the Public Service Work Coordinator.

Where do I pay my fines and restitution?

• For Court Costs by mail, send money order to:

Winnebago County Courthouse
Attn: Circuit Clerk
400 West State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61101

Note: (Be sure to include name and case number (00 JD 00)

• For Court Costs in person, bring cash or money order to:

Juvenile Justice Center
Attn: Circuit Clerk
211 S. Court St
Rockford, IL 61101 

Note: (Be sure to bring name and case number (00 JD 00)

• For Restitution by mail, send money order to:

Winnebago County Courthouse
Attn:  Circuit Clerk
400 W. State St
Rockford, IL  61101

Note:  Be sure to bring include name and case number (00 JD 000)

• For Restitution in person, bring cash or money order to:

Juvenile Justice Center
Attn: Circuit Clerk
211 S. Court St.  
Rockford, IL 61101

Note:  Be sure to bring name and case number (00 JD 000)

My child is a runaway or truant, can they go to Juvenile Court for this?

• Runway and Truancy are considered status offenses. Juveniles cannot be referred to Juvenile Court exclusively for runaway. For children that are runaways, parents should contact the local police department and have the minor listed as a runaway or missing person so when police come into contact with the minor, they can pick him/her up and bring them home.
• If a minor is truant from school, parents should contact the local school district for assistance or the Regional Office of Education.

How can juvenile records be expunged or erased?

• It is recommended that you visit the Winnebago County Juvenile Expungement Packet which explains the process and steps to remove the arrest, incident, or case from your juvenile record.

What if I miss my court date?

• Contact your attorney or public defender.