SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee unanimously approved a plan Wednesday morning to help provide more educational opportunities for young people serving time in the Department of Corrections.
The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice could be required to establish an emerging adult program for individuals 18 to 21 in prisons. Those people would be transported to a juvenile justice center in Harrisburg, Illinois to participate in therapy sessions, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.
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"The overwhelming majority of incarcerated people return to the communities from which they came," said Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). "They can re-enter with job skills, with training, with personal and professional development that will help them be constructive members of society."
Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) presented the emerging adults proposal during the House Restorative Justice Committee hearing on May 22, 2024.
Some Republican lawmakers are concerned about how the Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice will coordinate transportation and security for individuals moving to the Harrisburg facility.
Senate Bill 426 could be discussed on the House floor before lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn Friday. The proposal passed out of the Senate on a 41-15 vote on May 6.
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