Saying there needs to be better help for juvenile offenders, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading a measure to bring emerging adult programs to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

Standing alongside advocates, experts, and fellow lawmakers, Murphy outlined her proposal at a press conference Thursday.

Senator Murphy says we should do something for our emerging adults to give them a chance. 

The measure would allow the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21-year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services. These services include individual or group therapy, case management, vocational training, and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

Senate Bill 426 awaits further consideration from the Senate.