More than a century ago, Illinois pioneered the approach to treat children differently than adults in the criminal justice system. Our juvenile court system and the Juvenile Court Act favor rehabilitation over punishment for children who are accused of crime.
Every other state in the nation followed our lead in the 20th Century and established separate statutes, courts, and facilities for juveniles.
It’s time for Illinois to take another step forward.
We know that brain science says the prefrontal cortex – which controls decision-making and emotions – is not fully developed until age 25 or later.
Our laws should reflect this reality.
Lawndale Christian Legal Center applauds Senator Lakesia Collins and Representative Lisa Davis for filing legislation to create the Emerging Adult Task Force.
“If we truly want to reduce recidivism, we need laws to keep pace with science and psychology. Emerging adults make decisions that they often regret. These are split-second and emotionally driven moments that a young adult can – with age, experience and most importantly, brain development – process and understand to make smarter choices in the future,” said Cliff Nellis, President and CEO of Lawndale Christian Legal Center. “This is another way we can walk young people through, and away from, the justice system for good.
“Thanks to Senator Collins and Representative Davis, the Emerging Adult Task Force bill is ready to advance in Springfield. We hope this becomes law so that legislative leaders and experts can develop the next model for the nation to appropriately adjudicate young people in our system of justice.”
Senator Collins filed Senate Bill 3316, and Representative Davis filed House Bill 5434.
The foundation of the legislation is instructive:
Emerging adults are disproportionately involved in the criminal justice system. National data consistently show that they have the highest rates of arrest, jail admissions, prison admissions, and rearrest.
Developmental psychology and neuroscience conclude that judgment, impulse control, and psychosocial maturity continue developing into the mid-20s. Emerging adults differ significantly from older adults in risk assessment, susceptibility to peer influence, emotional regulation, and decision-making under stress.
Emerging adults face elevated rates of mental health disorders, trauma exposure, substance use, unemployment, and housing instability. These vulnerabilities are closely linked to system involvement.
Despite these challenges, emerging adults possess a strong capacity for change. Their brains retain high neuroplasticity, and appropriate interventions during this developmental period produce greater long-term benefits than comparable interventions for older adults.
Traditional adult criminal justice responses can be counterproductive for emerging adults. Adult jails and prisons are associated with higher rates of victimization, self-harm, long-term disability, and recidivism.
States and jurisdictions across the United States have created specialized laws or practices for emerging adults. These include extended juvenile jurisdiction, youthful offender statutes, specialized probation units, young adult courts, and correctional units tailored to this age group.
Illinois has taken important steps, including youthful offender parole, the First Time Weapon Offender Program, and the Cook County SEED Program; however, it has not comprehensively examined the full spectrum of policies affecting emerging adults.
Cost-benefit analyses of diversion and developmentally tailored interventions consistently demonstrate significant taxpayer savings – due to reduced incarceration, lower recidivism, and improved education and employment outcomes.
Illinois would benefit from a comprehensive, bipartisan, data-driven review of approaches to emerging adults across the criminal justice system.
Thank you, Senator Collins and Representative Davis for your leadership.
