NCJ Number
187526
Journal
Trends & Issues Update Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: June 1999 Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Illinois has adopted the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1998, an act that incorporates the philosophy of balanced and restorative justice as its guiding principle.
Abstract
The act attempts to balance three broad concepts in juvenile justice: (1) hold each offender accountable for his or her conduct; (2) have a mechanism in place that allows juvenile justice professionals to intervene early in an offender's career; and (3) increase the participation of the community in the juvenile justice process, including victims. The act attempts to address the concern that juvenile offenders are not always held accountable for their crimes. In addition, the act contains provisions on formal and informal station adjustments, extended jurisdiction juvenile proceedings, early intervention, and increased community and victim involvement. The act also identifies what persons are considered juvenile authorities and articulates the rights of crime victims. Illinois has made significant changes in the way juvenile offenders are handled, although officials indicate it will take time to create the organizational climate required to allow the balanced approach to juvenile justice to work effectively. 4 figures