A bill that would ask courts to incorporate restorative justice principles into the juvenile sentencing process in Illinois is one step closer to becoming law.

The proposed legislation aims to get courts to consider restorative-justice alternatives at all stages of juvenile-delinquency proceedings.

Patrick Keenan-Devlin. executive director and youth defense attorney at the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, said the philosophy focuses on reparation instead of punishment through efforts such as community mediation programs. He said the approach holds those who’ve caused harm accountable while also seeking to address the needs of both the victim and youth offenders.

"Restorative justice believes that no one should be defined by their worst mistake, and in order to come back from one's worst mistake, one generally has needs that need to be addressed," he said. "And the hope is that if those needs are addressed, they do not commit harm in the future."

The bill passed in the Illinois House last week and gained two new chief co-sponsors. It now goes to the Senate with an action deadline of May 8.

Advocates say jailing children causes significant trauma and hindrances for success while increasing the likelihood for reoffending.

Keenan-Devlin said the legislation does not require jurisdictions to create new programs, but leverages existing services within the juvenile sentencing structure. He said this approach minimizes implementation costs while maximizing utilization of current resources. Advocates hope areas that lack restorative justice practices will be encouraged to develop them.

"I would love to see that restorative justice practices are invested in and available, particularly in cases impacting and involving children pre-sentencing," he said. "But we are looking at a proposal that bakes in restorative justice as part of sentencing, and it's a really critical first step."

There’s been a growing momentum for restorative justice in Illinois. A new state law raises the minimum age for juvenile detention and provides alternatives to jail. Keenan-Devlin said this latest piece of legislation would push the state closer to community-based sentences for children.

Source: Public News Service