Supported by grant funding currently available through June 30, 2027, the YAB will work with the Juvenile Justice Council to identify issues affecting young people, develop recommendations, participate in community initiatives, and ensure that youth perspectives help inform efforts to strengthen juvenile justice in Lake County. The LCJJC will continue to explore opportunities for additional funding and resources to sustain and expand the YAB beyond the current grant period. The availability of activities and participation supports will depend on available funding and resources.
Ages 14–18
High-school-aged youth who live in Lake County
Are you a young person who wants to make a difference?
We want to hear from you.
Now
Open
The basics
What Is the Youth Advisory Board?
The Youth Advisory Board is a group of young people who provide advice and recommendations to the Lake County Juvenile Justice Council.
YAB members will have opportunities to:
- Share their ideas and perspectives with community leaders
- Identify issues that affect young people in Lake County
- Recommend improvements to juvenile justice programs and services
- Learn about the juvenile justice system and community resources
- Develop leadership, communication, and advocacy skills
- Participate in educational and community activities
- Work with other young people on projects and initiatives
- Help shape the future of juvenile justice in Lake County
You do not have to be an expert—
and you do not have to have experience with the juvenile justice system—to participate. We are looking for young people with different experiences, backgrounds, interests, and perspectives.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
14–18
The initial Youth Advisory Board will focus on high-school-aged youth, generally ages 14–18, who live in Lake County.
We are looking for young people who are:
- Interested in making their community better
- Willing to share their ideas and listen to others
- Interested in juvenile justice, youth services, community issues, or advocacy
- Able to participate regularly
- Willing to work respectfully with other youth and adults
No résumé required
You do not need a particular GPA, résumé, leadership title, or extracurricular activity to apply.
The LCJJC is especially interested in hearing from young people whose experiences and perspectives are not always represented in community decision-making.
The work
What Does the YAB Do?
The Youth Advisory Board will help the Juvenile Justice Council understand what young people are experiencing in their communities.
Members may…
01
Share Their Perspective
Tell the JJC what young people think about issues affecting youth and juvenile justice.
02
Identify Problems
Help identify gaps in programs, services, resources, and opportunities for young people.
03
Develop Recommendations
Work together to develop ideas and recommendations for consideration by the Juvenile Justice Council.
04
Lead Projects
Participate in youth-led community projects, education, outreach, and advocacy.
05
Build Leadership Skills
Develop skills in communication, collaboration, public speaking, problem-solving, and community leadership.
06
Learn About Juvenile Justice
Learn how the juvenile justice system works and how different agencies and organizations work together to serve young people.
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The JJC believes that young people should have an opportunity to help shape conversations and decisions about issues that affect their lives.
Representation
Who Should Apply?
The YAB will seek a diverse group of young people representing different:
- Communities throughout Lake County
- Schools and educational experiences
- Backgrounds and perspectives
- Interests and experiences
- Experiences with youth-serving systems
Lived experience welcome
The JJC is particularly interested in hearing from young people who have had direct or indirect experience with the juvenile justice system, including diversion, deflection, probation, detention, restorative justice, or related services.
You do not have to have this experience to apply.
Expectations
What is the Time Commitment?
YAB members will be expected to participate regularly in meetings and activities.
Members may also participate in:
- Leadership and educational sessions
- JJC meetings or committee activities when appropriate
- Community events
- Youth-led projects
- Other activities connected to the work of the YAB
We’ll help you get there.
The JJC will work with youth and families to identify and address barriers to participation, including transportation, scheduling, technology, and other needs when possible.
Participation supports or stipends may be available when permitted by available funding and grant requirements.
Call to action
How to Apply
Interested in serving on the Youth Advisory Board?
Complete the online application below.
No résumé needed!
The application asks about:
- Why you are interested in joining
- Issues affecting young people in your community
- Your ideas for improving services for youth
- What experiences and perspectives you would bring
- What you hope to learn or accomplish
You do not need to submit a résumé.
Next steps
What Happens After You Apply?
1
Review
Applications will be reviewed as part of the YAB selection process. The JJC will seek to create a group that represents a variety of communities, experiences, and perspectives throughout Lake County.
2
Orientation
Selected members will participate in an orientation before beginning regular YAB activities. Orientation will introduce members to the Juvenile Justice Council, the juvenile justice system, the role of the YAB, leadership, advocacy, and expectations for participation.
3
Set the Priorities
Once the YAB is established, members will have an opportunity to help identify the issues they believe should be priorities for the group.
Contact
Have Questions?
If you have questions about the Youth Advisory Board or the application process, please contact:
Linsay Hale
JJC Coordinator
Lake County Juvenile Justice Council
lakecountyjjc@gmail.com
For schools & partners
Interested in Supporting the YAB?
Schools, youth-serving organizations, community organizations, and other partners can help connect young people with this opportunity.
If your organization would like to help recruit youth, provide information about the YAB, or partner with the LCJJC on youth engagement, please contact the JJC Coordinator.