From Policy to Practice: Advancing Equity and Accountability in Juvenile Probation

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Amanda Halawa is a Section Chief Probation Officer with the Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services, serving in an executive leadership capacity. She currently oversees functions within Labor Relations and Human Resources, while also managing high-impact service contracts that support youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system. In this role, she supports a workforce of approximately 300 employees and leads efforts related to policy development, labor relations strategy, and organizational change. Amanda began her career in probation in April 1998 and brings over two decades of experience across direct service, clinical programming, and system-level leadership. Her professional background includes working with adolescents exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, developing and overseeing clinical programming for youth and families, managing a graduate intern program, and leading training, coaching, and supervision initiatives. She has led and contributed to initiatives advancing trauma-informed practices, alternatives to detention, and equitable system reform. She is a certified trainer in Core Correctional Practices and a facilitator of Think Trauma Training (2nd Edition), certified through the Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions. She regularly provides training and consultation to staff and system partners and is recognized for her commitment to trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and equitable practices within juvenile justice systems. Amanda earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator, and Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider in the State of Illinois.

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 25 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.