Illinois Youth Center-Murphysboro celebrates 100th cadet graduation

[JAN. 5, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger E. Walker Jr. congratulated 11 cadets Wednesday and welcomed their families, local dignitaries and staff to the 100th cadet graduation of the Illinois Youth Center-Murphysboro. IYC-Murphysboro is the state's only juvenile boot camp. More than 1,500 youth have graduated from the center since its opening in 1997.

"Today's graduation is a milestone in the history of IYC-Murphysboro," said Walker. "Since the inception of the center, its mission is to prepare youth for positive and successful lives by helping them develop teamwork as well as self-discipline, self-esteem and self-worth as individuals. The military-style environment helps encourage cadets to reach a higher point in their lives."

The center is located on a 30-acre site in a wooded area adjacent to the Big Muddy River, northeast of Murphysboro. IYC-Murphysboro is designed to house male youth 13-21 adjudicated by the courts as delinquent. The military-style program immerses the youth in a boot camp setting. Youth entering the facility are issued military camouflage fatigues and become known as cadets.

"Education and programming are important tools in positive learning and rehabilitation," said Juvenile Division Deputy Director Kurt Friedenauer. "Cadets learn skills that will help them achieve success in school and have greater self-control and better peer relations."

Educational programming includes academic programs, GED preparation and vocational classes, such as horticulture and construction occupations. Other programming topics are substance abuse, drug education, anger management and relaxation training. Support groups offer Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs. Additionally, cadets are taught life skills that will assist them in completing resumes, applying for jobs and budgeting their money. Other skills include learning basic life-support skills, such as CPR and first aid.

IYC-Murphysboro cadets also participate in community service projects throughout Jackson County, such as providing clearing work for the U.S. Forest Service, as well as clearing and mowing for Lake Murphysboro Park, the city of Murphysboro and Kinkaid Lake. Cadets also are active in constructing storage buildings for families in need as part of the Habitat for Humanity program.

"The cadets take pride in seeing the results of their labor and learn the importance of structure and a good work ethic," said IYC-Murphysboro Warden William Kilquist. "These programs give cadets a feeling of accomplishment and purpose. Through their efforts, teamwork and generosity, the cadets at IYC-Murphysboro are demonstrating a desire to make positive changes in their lives."

Throughout the Illinois Department of Corrections, there are many opportunities for offenders to give back to communities. Details of these programs teach them invaluable lessons while increasing their self-esteem as they help people.

"The governor and I are committed to enhancing the successful re-entry of adult and juvenile offenders into society through rehabilitative programs and services," said Walker. "Reaching out and helping those in a community that has helped and assisted them in many ways offers countless rewards to everyone involved. Such programs not only benefit our communities and help offenders return to society, but also serve as a valuable asset to the taxpayer."

[Illinois Department of Corrections news release]

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