Illinois may raise the minimum age a minor can be arrested

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois could raise the age at which a juvenile offender could be detained for committing a crime.

Senate Bill 1784 passed the Senate Thursday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

The bill would raise the minimum age at which a minor can be arrested from age 10 to 12.

Arrest would only be possible as a last resort and under strict conditions, such as probable cause that they committed a crime and immediate detention is necessary, or have repeatedly failed to appear at scheduled hearings.

“Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment,” said Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “By raising the age at which a minor can be detained and emphasizing alternative methods, we’re giving young people a fair chance at reformation without subjecting them to the damaging effects of detention at an early age.”

“Raising the age of detention will prevent the early criminalization of young people, ensuring they have the support and services they need to succeed,” said Peters. “This is about investing in our children’s futures, not locking them up at the start of their lives.”