Murphy: Emerging adults deserve a chance at a fresh start

SPRINGFIELD - Young adults in Illinois Department of Corrections custody could see new educational opportunities thanks to a new law led by State Senator Laura Murphy.

"Incarcerating a young adult creates a gap in their education that can lead to a loss of future opportunities," said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). "We want to give emerging adults the chance at a fresh start when they leave custody and equip them with the tools they need to become productive, responsible members of their communities."

The measure allows the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21-year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services, including individual and group therapy, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

"One of the best ways to ensure that young adults have the ability to find their footing when they rejoin their community is to provide them with educational opportunities," said Murphy. "Developmentally appropriate services can give them the necessary tools to lower their chance of reoffending."

Senate Bill 426 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.