“The young people coming through our justice system must be treated as children first and offenders second,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These bills will ensure the rights of minors in custody are protected and that courts have the power to prioritize children’s well-being and rehabilitation over punishment and incarceration.”Senate Bill 2974 would allow juvenile courts to consider restorative justice alternatives at all stages of a case, from diversion to sentencing. Under current law, consideration for restorative justice programs in the case of a juvenile is at the discretion of the district attorney’s office. The bill would also create the Child First Reform Task Force, which would review and study the necessity of juvenile detention centers, complaints that arise out of juvenile detention centers in the state, and community-based alternatives to juvenile detention. Additionally, it would educate courts, law enforcement, community facilities, and all stakeholders on the unique needs of youths, and research-based best practices.