Rick TekipCook County Juvenile ProbationEquip for Equality ConsortiumFebruary 26, 2014

Why Education Advocacy? PO’s goal to help overcome obstacles to success EAU proposed by POs who noticed

1. students leaving JTDC struggled to get back into school

2. students who did not get back into school risked re- detention

3. families struggled to navigate issues surrounding special education & discipline/expulsion

Education Advocacy’s 4 Main Functions1.Re-entry2.School Placement3.Special Education4.Discipline/Expulsions

• Most often, challenges and needs of students are cross-categorical

Challenges Resistance/Sabotage from parents No available parent/guardian Resistance from students Pushback or lack of knowledge from schools Knowing what’s out there & keeping track (laws, policies,

individual school guidelines) Gang issues/boundaries Repeated arrests/VOPs/detentions (back and forth to NBJ) Gaps in school attendance Unique situations Staff shortages and caseload considerations

Challenges Resistance/Sabotage from Parents

Danny’s Survey Amari’s Case

Resistance from Students Karlester’s Case

Gang Issues/Boundaries Ramon, Manuel & Christian’s case Does not only mean leaving the neighborhood

Challenges

Pushback or Lack of Knowledge from Schools Key to effective networking/relationship with schools Natoria’s case

Challenges

Knowing what’s out there & keeping track (laws, policies, individual school guidelines)

Challenges Unique situations

Can be time-consuming & challenging, but a learning experience

Wei’s case

Gaps in School Attendance—Excessive Truancy Gabrielle’s case

Staff Shortages & Caseload Considerations

Important Traits for Dealing with Challenging Situations Networking Confidence Communication Patience & Understanding Kindness & Professionalism Remaining Firm Adhering to Confidentiality but remaining honest Be open-minded

Patience & Understanding

Most importantly, be patient with YOURSELF

Pressures coming from families, court, bosses----forget about it and take your time

Patience & Understanding

Be patient & understanding with your families

There’s history behind what they present

They don’t know the system

Contact Information

Richard (Rick) TekipCook County Juvenile Probation1100 S. Hamilton Chicago, Illinois 60612312-433-5497Richard.tekip@cookcountyil.gov