New Illinois law will establish emerging adult program for young prisoners

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new law taking effect January 1 could help provide more educational opportunities for young people serving time in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The law requires the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to establish an emerging adults program for 18 to 21-year-olds in prisons.

These people can be transported to the juvenile justice center in Harrisburg to participate in therapy sessions, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.

"This bill provides that when those folks do return home, this population will be able to return home with a diploma and with some skills that will enable them to reintegrate into community and find successful opportunities in the future," said Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago).

Some Republicans are concerned the state may have trouble coordinating transportation and security for people moving to the Harrisburg facility. Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) also hoped some of the young adults could transfer to the future juvenile justice center in Lincoln.

"According to DJJ, they anticipate starting with 20 emerging adults when the program is initiated," said Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). "It has the capacity to scale up to approximately 50 to 60 adults from IDOC within the first year of operation, based on current facility staffing and budget."