New analysis of prison diversion initiative shows 54 percent reduction in juvenile incarceration

New analysis of prison diversion initiative shows 54 percent reduction in juvenile incarceration

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The state of Illinois has diverted thousands of youth from prison and onto the right path, while saving $60 million in incarceration costs, according to the 2012-2013 Redeploy Illinois annual report recently released by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

“Redeploy Illinois’ success is proof that community-based services for juvenile offenders are not only the best tools we have to truly help rehabilitate delinquent youth, but they are also more cost effective,” said IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler. “This program gives youth a second chance at becoming a contributing and law-abiding citizen of their respective communities. Beyond saving dollars, the program mends lives.”

In 2013, the average per capita cost to house a youth at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) was $111,000, while the average annual cost to serve a youth in the Redeploy Illinois program was less than $7,000. IDJJ data reflect 238 fewer youth were committed from Redeploy Counties in 2012. Although 2013 IDJJ data are not yet available, this trend is expected to continue as Redeploy Counties served 352 youth in 2013.