Juvenile Justice Council

09/03/2026

Beginning soon, once per week, the JJC will be spotlighting a student nominated by their school principal as someone who exerts good character in their school, home and/or community. The JJC didn't want to leave anyone out if they would like to join in celebrating these students this year! So... we're extending the opportunity to you! Reach out soon if you or your business/church/organization would like to donate 30 (one for each student that will be honored this school year (2 from each jr high and each high school in Iroquois County)) items in recognition that "We see you making positive choices!". In sincere thanks, the JJC promises to showcase each sponsor each week as well.
The reason for this initiative is to highlight and credit youth for making good choices. Studies have proven that this type of approach is an effective prevention method for underage substance use. Too often, teens believe fallacies about what will make them "cool" or have incorrect perceptions of the prevalence of underage use amongst other students at their school. By publicly recognizing youth for making good choices, we enhance protections and reduce the probability of underage use.

09/03/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month—a reminder that sometimes the simplest words can make a meaningful difference. 💙
Check in on the people around you. Reach out. Listen without judgment. Let someone know they matter and that they don’t have to face difficult moments alone.

This month, and every month, let’s look out for one another, speak up with kindness, and say so when someone needs to hear that they are cared about. 💙

We invite you to watch Dan + Shay’s “Say So” and share its important reminder to support one another.

DIRECTED BY DAN SMYERS + LEWIS CATERVERSE 1:I got a call from a ...

09/01/2026

Congrats, Courtney! This is fabulous advice for families! Thanks for all you do!

09/01/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day - a day observed each year to remember those lost to overdose, support grieving families, reduce stigma, and promote evidence-informed prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery.

Overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life. Behind every statistic is a person – someone once loved and valued. And behind every loss is a ripple felt by families, friends, and communities everywhere.

It also points to something else – something hopeful. Overdose is preventable. We know what works. From timely access to care and support, to education, to life-saving interventions, there are proven ways to reduce harm and save lives. Yet too often, these solutions are not fully seen, shared, or embraced. Source: IOAD

08/27/2026

Ni****ne pouches are on the rise among young people, and flavored products are making them harder to ignore. Join Parents Against Va**ng and Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher of on September 17 at 3:00 PM PT to learn what parents need to know about youth use, ni****ne harms, marketing, and prevention.
Free on Zoom. Register here: https://bit.ly/4hxdkKS Source: PAVE

08/26/2026

Congrats, Nicole! Thanks for sharing this wonderful reminder with families. We are grateful for your service to Iroquois County!

Today's TIP the Scale Tuesday post features local celebrity and JJC supporter Nicole Smolkovich. Nicole serves as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, where she works closely with donors, nonprofits, and community partners to strengthen Kankakee and Iroquois Counties through philanthropy and strategic grantmaking. In her role, she helps connect charitable resources with community needs, supports nonprofit organizations, and works to create lasting positive impact throughout the region.

A dedicated community leader, Nicole serves on several local committees and collaborative initiatives, including Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), the KAN-I-Help Policy Council, and the Partnership for a Healthy Community. Through these roles, she helps advance community well-being, disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, and initiatives that improve quality of life for local residents.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Nicole enjoys spending time camping and boating with her husband, Joe, and making memories with family and friends. She is a proud grandmother who loves attending her granddaughters’ sporting events and cheering them on from the sidelines. Nicole is also deeply involved in her community, serving as Co-Chair of the Herscher Labor Day Parade Committee and as a cantor at her church. Whether gathering around a campfire, supporting local traditions, singing at church, or hosting family game nights, Nicole values the connections that bring people together and strengthen communities.

08/24/2026

Back-to-school season comes with more than new teachers, schedules, and school supplies. It’s also a time when kids are navigating new routines, more screen time, big emotions, and growing independence. This fall, Operation Parent is bringing in experts to help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how you can support the young people in your life.

In August, they’ll look at phones, social media, and building healthier technology habits at home and at school. In September, they’ll dive into the developing brain and how stress, screens, substances, and emotions can shape youth wellbeing. Register now to help you feel more informed, more prepared, and ready for whatever the school year brings: https://loom.ly/lvBuVdM Source: Operation Parent

08/21/2026

Iroquois County offers many fun events for youth and families! A collection of updated local events can be found pinned to the top of both the Juvenile Justice Council and TIP the Scale pages. Let’s work together to provide healthy alternatives for youth and stop underage substance use.

08/20/2026

When talking with your teen about not using substances like alcohol or cannabis, the tone you bring sets the stage for everything that follows. Keep it cool, calm, and conversational. Source: https://bit.ly/4dUZsIk
TIP the ScaleJuvenile Justice Council

08/20/2026

🍂 Fall into Prevention this school year!
As backpacks fill with school supplies, make time to fill your child’s emotional toolbox too. One of the strongest protective factors against underage substance use is having a trusted adult who listens, talks openly, and stays involved in their daily life.

This school year, check in often, ask meaningful questions, and remind your child they can come to you about anything. Prevention doesn’t happen in one big conversation—it grows through the small, everyday moments you share together. 💛