SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will help provide more educational opportunities for young people serving time in the 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 could be transported to the juvenile justice center in Harrisburg, Illinois 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).

Although, some Republican lawmakers are concerned the Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice may have trouble coordinating transportation and security for people moving to Harrisburg. Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) is also concerned that this law would not allow these adults to 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." 

This law will take effect on January 1. 

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