New Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Director named

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice has a found a permanent director, from a leader already working for the agency.

Governor J.B. Pritzker announced his appointment of Robert Vickery on Tuesday.

The previous director, Heidi Mueller, announced she was appointed to lead the Department of Children and Family Services last month. Vickery was named the interim director in Mueller’s absence.

“IDJJ’s work to care for justice-involved youth across our state continues to prioritize safety, communities, and family wellbeing,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said. “With many years of impactful experience in juvenile justice, I am confident that Robert Vickery will be an exceptional director for IDJJ as we continue to provide life-changing resources for youth in care.”

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Vickery has been the IDJJ Deputy Directors of Programs since 2017. Before that, he worked at a juvenile detention center and as a probation officer in DuPage County. He also worked with non-profits Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission and Illinois Collaboration on Youth.

“It is a great privilege to lead an IDJJ team that is committed to serving justice-impacted youth and families in Illinois,” Vickery said. “When given access to essential supports and therapeutic services, our kids are capable of lasting change that positively impacts them, their families, and ultimately increases the safety of communities across Illinois.”

Vickery has led the substantial agency-wide advancements to reduce the harm of incarceration on minors by upgrading the youth intake process and working more with community partners.

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“In recent years, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice has been a national leader with respect to innovative and transformative efforts in the youth justice field,” Director of the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University Michael Umpierre said. “Rob Vickery is an outstanding choice to carry on and deepen the agency’s work. Rob is an experienced and respected leader who is deeply dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for youth, families, and communities in Illinois.”

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