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From Feedback to Partnership: Embedding Youth & Family Voice in Juvenile Probation
SESSION INFO
Monday, August 17, 2026
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Session Type: Workshop
What if feedback wasn’t a checkbox—but a driving force behind how probation systems operate, adapt, and build trust? This session spotlights how Cook County Juvenile Probation is shifting from collecting input to sharing power with youth and families—treating their lived experiences as essential to decision-making, accountability, and system redesign. Through intentional structures, including multiple feedback channels and the innovative Family Navigator role, Cook County is creating meaningful opportunities for youth and families to influence practice in real time. Participants will explore how feedback—both positive and critical—is not only welcomed, but reinforced through transparent response loops and incentives that value participation. This work is helping transform system culture, reduce barriers, and position families as true partners in harm reduction and healing. This highly interactive session moves beyond theory, offering concrete tools and replicable strategies for agencies seeking to authentically center the voices of those they serve.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Melissa Donnelly
Supervisor, Probation Officer, Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services
Melissa Donnelly has been a Cook County Juvenile Probation Officer for 22 years. She studied Elementary Education with a concentration in English at SUNY Oswego State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree. During her time in college she worked for numerous community agencies specializing in direct care of children with disabilities as well as running after school programs for youth in elementary school. Prior to graduating college, she did an internship with Cook County Juvenile Probation that changed the trajectory of her career path. During her tenure with Cook County, Melissa has had diverse experience within the department. She did direct case management in both the South Chicago and Lawndale communities, front end work in the RUR Unit and Adjudication, and is currently a Supervisor of a team of officers in the Woodlawn Community. Melissa has been active with JDAI work in her department, and has presented out that work through the Annie E. Casey Foundation to other jurisdictions both in the country and internationally through site visits at Cook County. Melissa is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Harold and Rosemarie Marx Fund which services court involved youth in Cook County with cultural, education and recreational activities.
Melissa Spooner
Interim Director, Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services
With a passion for facilitating positive change within the juvenile legal systems, Melissa Spooner is a dedicated expert in cognitive behavioral interventions, risk assessment, case management and gender responsive programming. Over the course of 27 years, Melissa has amassed a wealth of experience within Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services, undertaking a variety of roles that span the spectrum of responsibilities and encompass interactions with staff at all organizational tiers. Melissa has successfully implemented specialized training curriculum and programs aimed at equipping probation officers and related personnel with the essential tools to address barriers young people face. With this extensive background, Melissa has ascended to a Section Chief Probation Officer which is an Executive-level position within Juvenile Probation. Melissa’s experience spans direct engagement with young individuals in the community, supervising teams responsible for assisting adjudicated youth, implementing specialized programs, alternatives to detention, probation transformation, data, research and policy. Melissa creates opportunities within the juvenile system to build relationships with stakeholders and provide guidance to help youth and families to navigate challenges. As a seasoned educator, Melissa holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Criminal Justice and a Masters of Art in Administration of Justice. Melissa’s engaging instructional style involves clear communication, dynamic visual aids, and hands-on activities, ensuring participants remain actively involved and eager to learn. Whether face-to-face or online, Melissa prioritizes creating a collaborative and stimulating environment that empowers individuals to grasp new skills effectively while enjoying the process.
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