SPRINGFIELD — An initiative from State Senator Robert Peters aims to raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained and limit the use of detention in certain situations where the minor is not charged with a violent crime, making it clear the state is moving away from harsh detention practices and prioritizing rehabilitation.

“Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By raising the age at which a minor can be detained and emphasizing alternative methods, we’re giving young people a fair chance at reformation without subjecting them to the damaging effects of detention at an early age.”

Peters’ measure makes numerous improvements to Illinois’ juvenile justice system. First, the bill raises the age at which a minor may be detained from 10 years old to 12 years old in 2026 and then to 13 years old – in some situations – in 2027. Through the measure, arrest would only be used as a last resort and under strict conditions, and minors can only be detained if there is probable cause to believe they are delinquent and that immediate and urgent detention is necessary, or if they have repeatedly failed to appear at scheduled hearings.

Additionally, the measure would create the youth nonviolent crime resource program – facilitated by the Department of Juvenile Justice – to provide resources to minors declared delinquent for nonviolent crimes. Resources would include mentoring, educational resources, employment training opportunities, behavioral health services and more. The bill would also create the Child First Reform Task, which would review and study the necessity of juvenile detention centers, complaints that arise out of juvenile detention centers in the state, and community-based alternatives to juvenile detention.

These changes are vital for Illinois’ youth, offering them the chance to thrive outside the confines of detention centers. Setting a higher age threshold for arrest and making it harder for minors to be incarcerated provides the opportunity for children to grow and learn without the severe consequences of an early encounter with the justice system.

“Raising the age of detention will prevent the early criminalization of young people, ensuring they have the support and services they need to succeed,” said Peters. “This is about investing in our children’s futures, not locking them up at the start of their lives.”

House Bill 3492 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the House for further consideration.