MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF REENTRY RELEASES YOUTH REENTY GUIDEBOOK

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF REENTRY RELEASES YOUTH REENTY GUIDEBOOK

The guidebook serves a single, easy-to-understand resource for system impacted youth seeking legal support, mental health services, employment opportunities, and more.

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Reentry announced the release of the first ever Youth Reentry Guidebook, a comprehensive resource designed to support young people returning to their communities from the criminal justice system. The guidebook connects system impacted individuals and their families with tools and trusted resources to support reentry including legal support, housing assistance, educational opportunities, mental health services, and employment opportunities.

"I believe in second chances. As a former teacher I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential each young Chicagoan has,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Navigating reentry is difficult for anyone, but young people face unique challenges upon returning to their communities. That’s why it’s so critical that our young people have easy access to the guidance and support they need to succeed as they return from detention. Resources like this guidebook build upon our efforts to make reentry a turning point, not a setback, in the lives of young people across Chicago.”

The Youth Reentry Guidebook builds on the City’s on-going efforts to expand opportunities, reduce barriers, and invest in system impacted individuals—particularly young people navigating reentry during critical stages of their lives. The guidebook provides accessible information to help youth and their care takers better understand the options available to them as they their return to their community.

"Too often, young people are told success is on them, even when the system has stacked the deck against them. Reentry is not about proving you can do it alone. It’s about all of us making sure opportunity is real, doors are open, and support is consistent,” said Office of Reentry Director Joseph Mapp. “This Youth Guidebook is one way we’re showing young people that when they come home, they’re coming back to community. We are excited to have this Youth Reentry Guidebook serve as a resource to those young people, their families and community-based organizations returning back to their communities.”

This Youth reentry guidebook was developed with youth experiences at the center to help them know what resources are available to make returning home easier. From outlining the process for getting re-enrolled in school to securing a job, the guidebook connects individuals and their families with community-based organizations focused on youth services.

When asked about the services and programs they wish to see available in their community, youth at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) expressed the need for various resources to further support their reentry.

“Many in this facility are interested in programs that focus on trade, auto mechanics, construction, and accounting,” said an individual at the JTDC facility. “We are particularly interested in programs that will help us stay in school, educational opportunities, mentorship programs and mental health support.”

The Youth Guidebook will outline information including:

Resources for housing, education, jobs, health and legal support in Chicago;

Tips for staying safe, staying focused, and building a support system;

Information about rights and opportunities in the city;

Words of encouragement from young people who have similar lived experience.

Reentry is about more than returning to the community. It’s about having the tools to move forward. This book provides youth with clear, practical guidance at a critical moment in their lives, said Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood. By connecting them to resources, support and opportunity, we are helping them rebuild confidence, strengthen community ties and create pathways to lasting success.

The effort underscores a shared belief among community partners, service providers and young people themselves that every young person deserves the opportunity to return, rebuild and thrive.

The full Youth Guidebook is available here: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/public-safety-and-violenc-reduction/pdfs/Chicago-Youth-Re-Entry-Guide-2026.pdf

Mayor’s Office of Reentry

The Office of Re-entry, which was first established by Mayor Johnson, leads initiatives aimed at providing holistic support to returning residents and their families, ensuring impacted individuals can access the resources they need to thrive. Each year, more than 10,000 individuals return to Chicago following detention or incarceration. The majority return to communities on the South and West Sides.

Mayor’s Office of Community Safety

The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety (MOCS) is committed to investing intentionally in people and communities through the full force of government and a community-driven approach that aims to systemically promote community safety by addressing root causes. For more information visit our website at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/community-safety/home.html.

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