Bill > HB4639

This bill amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to expand the establishment and use of community mediation programs for juvenile delinquency cases. It allows either the court, the State's Attorney, or both, or an entity designated by the State's Attorney, to create these programs, which aim to involve citizens in addressing juvenile offenses. Crucially, before imposing a sentence, the court will now require parties involved to consider participating in a "restorative practice," such as a conference or circle, as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure. The purpose of these practices is to identify and repair harm, address trauma, reduce future offenses, and strengthen community bonds by focusing on the needs and obligations of everyone involved through a collaborative process. Participation in these restorative practices is voluntary for all parties, and any resulting agreements will only include reasonable and proportionate obligations, which will then be recommended to the court as an alternative to a formal sentence.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4639&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104