In an 11 a.m. press conference on Friday, July 31, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and other officials gave details on the administration's plan to reform the juvenile justice system.
The plan, named "21st Century Illinois Transformation Model", is a three-phase plan designed to reduce the harm caused to youth in the justice system and give them increased community support and intervention.
Governor Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton formed the plan with the help of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative and community leaders.
The initiative seeks to transition much of the state's juvenile justice system to smaller, dorm-like facilities that provide a more peaceful environment, more family availability, and support services.
“It’s in that spirit that over the next four years, my administration is transforming our juvenile justice system from one that disproportionately harms Black youth, families, and communities to a nation-leading, restorative and therapeutic model that supports all Illinois youth, families and communities more equitably,” Pritzker said. “We’ve developed this model based on decades of research, and I’m particularly proud that here in Illinois, we will be working directly with youth and families who have been impacted by the system as it has existed for years.”
More information on the program is available on the Illinois DJJ website.
