SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois Senate Democrats passed a plan last week to raise the minimum detainment age for minors from 10 to 12 years old. Sponsors and advocates believe the juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment.
Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) argued raising the detainment age can give young people a fair chance and prevent early criminalization.
"There is a carveout for things like aggravated vehicular hijacking and murder for 12-year-olds," Peters said. "I'm sure there's a few other charges. But for violent crimes, there's a carveout for 12-year-olds."
The bill calls on the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission to study and make recommendations to lawmakers regarding availability of youth services to reduce the use of detention and prevent deeper criminal involvement. It also requires research on the impact and advisability of raising the minimum detention age to 14.
"This no longer allows for a child to be put in detention for a few hours or maybe a couple of days," said Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield). "They can't be held for more than 30 days. Instead, this might put them permanently in the DCFS system where all kinds of horrible things can happen."
Peters noted any young people could end up in the DCFS system whether they are 12 or 15. He argued this legislation could invest in the future for youth instead of locking them up at the state of their lives.
"At the end of the day, what we know is we're going to improve the system and I'm willing to work with folks on the other side of the aisle to make sure that everybody has good comfortable services that give dignity to our young people," Peters said.
Senate Bill 1784 passed out of the Senate on a 33-17 vote. Nine Democrats decided not to vote on the proposal.
The measure now moves to the House with Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) as the lead sponsor. Representatives could discuss the bill as early as next week.
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