SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help address youth who are repeat gun offenders.
Advocates say the intersection of mental health and juvenile gun crimes is a complex and pressing issue that must be addressed.
The plan could require probation agencies to conduct an assessment of the minor's needs and identify restorative justice programs for high risk youth, cognitive behavioral therapy, family engagement and mentoring options.
"I've been dealing with juvenile offenders for over 20 years, and I have seen the frequency and increase of the seriousness of juvenile crimes involving firearms," said Bishop Ronnie White from the Chicago Heights Police Department. "We'd like to address this by providing individual services."
House Bill 4091 passed unanimously out of the Senate Saturday. The proposal previously gained unanimous support in the House.
"Without this help and without the services that are provided through this legislation, the direction of their life is not going to be a positive one," said Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights). "We believe that we can help some kids with this version."
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