2010 Release Upon Request (RUR) Fact Sheet

Program Description

Target

The Release Upon Request (RUR) program serves youth 12-17 years of age who have been ordered released from the Cook County Temporary Juvenile Detention Center, but who remain there because a parent, guardian or custodian has failed to accept custody. This program is available only in Cook County.

Purpose

The purpose of the RUR program is to ensure that youth are removed from detention within 24 hours of referral. Once that is accomplished, the focus of the program turns to efforts to reunify the family.

Services

Referrals into the RUR program come from juvenile court judges. Youth may be placed in group homes or foster care for up to 21 days, but remain in the legal custody of the parent or guardian. Local providers work closely to coordinate services with the court, the detention center, probation officials and the family.

Delivery Method

RUR is operational in Cook County only.

Program Data

Program Effectiveness

• Through the RUR program 100% of youth were removed from detention centers within 24 hours when, in the absence of a parent or guardian, they would have otherwise been retained in the juvenile detention center.
• Through the RUR program aproximately 80% of youth were successfully reunited with their families.
• The RUR program secures other long term living arrangements for the remaining approximately 20% of youth where preservation with their families was not an option.