Senate Bill 2156 Proposes Child-First Juvenile Justice Reform in Illinois

State Senator Rachel Ventura has introduced Senate Bill 2156, a legislative effort aiming to reform the juvenile justice system by establishing the Child First Reform Task Force. This task force will focus on prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, recommending training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives, and integrating restorative practices. Ventura highlights the importance of a system that emphasizes healing and prevention rather than mere punishment. Elizabeth Clarke of the Juvenile Justice Initiative underscores the necessity of treating children appropriately, advocating for community-based alternatives to detention. The bill, having passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee, awaits further action in the full Senate.