Redeploy Illinois is a community-based alternative to incarceration, which keeps kids in their home communities. For decades, most youthful offenders in Illinois were sent to juvenile detention. But 17 years ago, state officials decided there is a better way to help kids headed down the wrong path. .
Maryland s Juvenile Restoration Act has been in effect for more than a year now and its impact has people talking about additional reforms. The act created a path for people who were convicted of crimes as minors and have served 20 years or more to file a motion to have their sentence reduced. More than 200 individuals incarcerated in Maryland are eligible for consideration under the JRA. .
State and local leaders are joining community groups for a call to action this weekend to draw attention to efforts to support at-risk youth in Illinois. Grassroots organizing does not always have the support of elected officials, but in Lake County the State s Attorney is joining in an effort to prevent gun violence and address mental-health issues among young people. Eric Rinehart, state s attorney for Lake County, said when it comes to addressing the cycle of gun violence and helping at-risk youth, the prosecutor s office is a unique position. .