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 What's New in Youth Justice

  

 

  • The JDRC continues to add free on-demand classes to its CLE library for members! Click HERE  for more details.
  • The JDRC has limited funds available in its Trial Attorney Assistance Program for FY 2024-25. These funds may be used for expert evaluations and/or witnesses or investigators and are open to public defenders and appointed counsel representing youth under the age of 18. Click HERE for more information, or email us at JDRC@OSAD.state.il.us.
  • Effective July 28, 2023, Illinois Public Act 103-0379 has abolished and forgiven nearly all monetary assessments (fines, fees and administrative costs) for court-involved youth in both adult and delinquency court with the exception of traffic, municipal, and fish & game violations. For more information on this and other 2023 legislative changes affecting youth visit the JDRC Legislative Updates. JDRC members  can also access our free on-line, on-demand CLE on the topic: Abolition of Fines and Fees for Illinois Youth.
  • The latest Illinois youth detention data report for April 2024 and calendar year 2024 is available. Defenders can review detention admissions, lengths of stay, and the age and admitting offenses of youth by county. Access the reports here.
  • The JDRC Youth Case Law Summaries have been updated through November 18, 2024.

Our Mission

 

To promote excellence in juvenile defense, and fairness for all youth in conflict with the law, through the development of model systems, advocacy, training, and resources.