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Centering Youth and Families to Individualize and Minimize Conditions
SESSION INFO
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Session Type: Workshop
This session highlights innovative work in Chicago’s first Juvenile Court, where two judges, in partnership with Cook County Juvenile Probation, have transformed courtroom practices through a trauma-informed, youth-centered approach. Drawing on comprehensive social investigations and direct engagement with youth and families, these judges have shifted away from traditional probation models—limiting probation conditions to a minimum of four, even in serious cases such as unlawful weapon use, vehicular hijacking, and armed robbery. Participants will explore how this judicial leadership, prioritizes meaningful connections, community stability, and individualized success goals—reducing unnecessary system involvement while maintaining accountability and public safety.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Linda Pauel
Associate Judge, Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services
Judge Linda J. Pauel has served on the bench since 2014, presiding over cases in the Juvenile Justice Division for the past 13 years. A dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion, she has served for the past 7 years on the board of the Alliance of Illinois Judges. During her tenure on the board, she has been a vocal advocate for addressing the inequalities faced by the transgender community and has worked to foster alliances both within and beyond the legal community, particularly among marginalized groups. Committed to education and awareness, Judge Pauel has taught unconscious bias to judges and attorneys since taking the bench. Understanding the power of literacy, she also launched a library program in her courtroom, providing free books to the children who appear before her. Beyond the courtroom, Judge Pauel enjoys exploring the country on her bicycle, watching rugby, listening to reggae music, and cherishing time with her family and friends.
Kathryn Vahey
Deputy Presiding Judge, Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services
Judge Kathryn M. Vahey is the Deputy Presiding Judge for the Juvenile Justice Division of Cook County. She received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Canisius University and an M.A. in Spanish and Iberian Studies from Middlebury College in Madrid, Spain. She spent the following year working as a caseworker at St. Vincent’s Services in Brooklyn, New York, before moving to Chicago and returning to school. Judge Vahey attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law and the School of Social Work. She received her J.D. in 1998 and was admitted to practice law in Illinois. After graduating from law school, she began her legal career as an assistant public defender with the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender. She was assigned to Felony Trial Courtrooms as well as the Problem-Solving Courts, including the Drug Treatment Court and the Veterans Treatment Court. She continued in that capacity until her election to the bench in 2018. (A married mother of two teenage sons she enjoys attending her children’s sports activities as well as reading and cooking.)
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