What is a Juvenile Probation Department College Internship?

The Juvenile Probation Department offers an unpaid internship program for undergraduate and graduate (non-clinical) college students.  Fields of study include criminal justice, public policy, industrial organizational psychology, sociology, political science and education.  Our Internship program is composed of three semesters:  spring, summer and fall.  Each semester runs on average 12-15 weeks depending on the semester of enrollment.  The program offers courtroom and case management experience, as well as research and advocacy opportunities.  In addition, the students have an opportunity to shadow our Field Officers and learn about our different specialized units.  

The program provides students with an overview of department policies, procedures and court processes.  Depending on where the student is assigned to, the on-the-job training consists of working with an assigned field probation officer and their families to observe as well as perform job duties which could include interviewing probationers, scoring risks and needs assessments, conducting field visits, attending court hearings, preparing court documents, attending IEP meetings or working with probationers on Intensive Probation.  All of the above mentioned is done under the supervision of the probation officer.

What time commitments are required?

Interns must attend a one day orientation program, and we require a minimum of two full days per week.  Work hours are from 8:30-4:30pm or 9:00-5:00pm. 

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the internship program, undergraduate students must be in their junior or senior year.

Participants are selected based upon a review of interview results and application materials, which include a completed application, a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or practicum director indicating that the student is in good academic standing and that the requested internship is part of an approved curriculum/course credit.  The student also needs to submit an updated resume and unofficial transcript.  Applicants are also subject to a criminal background check. 

How does the application process start?

After seeking guidance from the University or college Internship Coordinator, applicants forward all requested materials to the Juvenile Probation Department’s Internship Coordinator.  Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection.  

When are the application deadlines?

All applications should be submitted 8 weeks prior to the start of the semester.  The student can contact the Internship Coordinator directly to find out the deadline for a specific semester. 

What are the required documents?

• Department Internship Application
• A required letter of recommendation from a faculty member or practicum director indicating that the student is in good academic standing and that the requested internship is part of an approved curriculum/course credit. 
• An updated resume
• A copy of the students unofficial transcripts

For questions contact:

If you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the program, you may contact:

Yvonne Pulido
Cook County Juvenile Probation Officer
Internship Coordinator / Training Division
Cook County Juvenile Probation Department
1100 South Hamilton Avenue, 8th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60612​
(312) 433-6636
(312) 433-5209 (fax)​
yvonne.pulido@cookcountyil.gov