Announcement, Press Release |
Following a comprehensive nationwide search, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced the selection of Sara Hemmeter as the court’s first Director of Juvenile Services — a newly established leadership role designed to transform and strengthen the county’s juvenile justice system.
“This appointment represents a significant step forward in our commitment to a more effective, equitable and humane juvenile justice system,” said Chief Judge Beach. “Ms. Hemmeter brings deep experience, proven leadership, and a strong vision for reform that will help improve outcomes for youth, families and communities across Cook County.”
Upon taking office on Dec. 1, 2025, Chief Judge Beach established a Juvenile Transition Committee to develop recommendations for building a model juvenile justice system. A central recommendation was the creation of a Director of Juvenile Services to oversee both juvenile detention and probation, ensuring alignment across departments and advancing a unified, evidence-based approach. The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts approved the position.
The national search was led by an Executive Search Committee co-chaired by Juvenile Justice Judges Kathryn Vahey and Linda Pauel, in partnership with juvenile justice reform leader Paula Wolff and under advisement by national juvenile justice expert Yumari Martinez of Catalyze Justice. The committee — representing diverse perspectives across youth advocacy, community leadership, and the justice system — conducted a rigorous, multi-stage process that included screening more than 100 applicants nationwide, multiple rounds of interviews, and extensive background vetting.
“The diverse perspectives on the Search Committee helped everyone think critically about the type of leader needed to transform our juvenile justice system and focus on identifying individuals who were up to the challenge of creating one that is restorative, accountable, and truly just." Orlando (Chilly) Mayorga added.
Hemmeter, originally from Markham, brings more than 20 years of experience in juvenile justice, child welfare, and legal advocacy, with a career dedicated to system reform and improved outcomes for at-risk youth.
She currently serves as Senior Consultant and Principal at Hemmeter & Associates Consulting, LLC, where she advises government agencies and nonprofit organizations on juvenile justice and child welfare reform, program design, and implementation of best practices.
Previously, Hemmeter held several senior leadership roles with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, including Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Youth and Family Justice, where she oversaw approximately 1,500 staff and a budget of more than $130 million. In that role, she led efforts to transform the juvenile justice operations, including detention services and community-based programming. She also served as senior advisor for juvenile justice programs and held multiple associate commissioner roles overseeing alternatives to detention and residential placement programs
Earlier in her career, Hemmeter served with the Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice, representing youth in family and juvenile court proceedings.
She earned her Juris Doctor from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin.
“Sara brings a unique combination of executive leadership, operations management, and subject-matter expertise to this role. She is a proven transformational leader who has driven meaningful reform in a large, complex juvenile court system,” shared Era Patterson, Executive Director, City of Chicago Office of Public Safety Administration. “Her experience will be essential for the effective implementation of necessary reforms in Cook County.”
As Director of Juvenile Services, Hemmeter will lead efforts to align juvenile probation and detention practices under a unified strategy focused on improving outcomes for youth that come in contact with Cook County’s Juvenile Justice System. Her priorities will include reducing reliance on detention while maintaining public safety, strengthening programming and conditions within detention, expanding community-based and evidence-based services, and advancing trauma-informed, data-driven approaches to policy and practice.
She will also work to enhance coordination across agencies and stakeholders and ensure transparency by keeping the public informed about the system’s progress and transformation.
"We look forward to welcoming Sara and supporting her in this important role to transform our juvenile justice system,” Tara Stamps, 1st District Cook County Commissioner, continues. “I am confident she will surround herself with experts that reflect the communities many of our young people hail from as we reimagine how we serve justice-impacted youth.”
Hemmeter’s appointment marks a critical step in advancing Cook County’s efforts to build a modern, responsive, efficient, and equitable juvenile justice system. She will begin in the role on Monday, May 18, 2026.
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