Improving Illinois’ Response to Sexual Offenses Committed by Youth

Recommendations for Law, Policy, and Practice

The Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission performed extensive scientific and legal research to understand the complex issues of the behavior, treatment, and rehabilitation of juvenile sex offenders and the extent to which current knowledge has resulted in practical applications throughout the state.  The findings from this research shaped the Commission’s recommendations, which aim to increase public safety, improve outcomes for young offenders, and allocate scarce public resources effectively. To do this, Illinois should implement evidence-informed policies for professionals who work with victims and youth offenders; provide individualized, community-based, family-focused treatments and services; and repeal counter-productive sex offender registration requirements and categorical restrictions for young people.