This bill will allow the Department of Juvenile Justice to expand the shared services with any state department, most importantly the Department of Child and Family Services, which focuses primarily on youth.

"The juveniles in this program have the opportunity to change their lives and get on the right path for a better future," Hunter said. "By treating troubled youth like criminals, we are denying them the chance to a quality life outside of the prison system and away from a cycle of recidivism. In opening up the shared services process, we are able to apply more programs and personnel trained in juvenile casework, not just parole officers."

In 1996, the Department of Juvenile Justice became its own agency as recognition that young offenders have vastly different needs than adults. Even with that change the Department of Juvenile Justice is required to work solely through the Department of Corrections. Hunter’s measure opens the door to more flexibility by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Currently, Governor Quinn’s office is investigating the costs and benefits to officially merge the Department of Juvenile Justice with the Department of Child and Family Services, but the legislation was introduced before the investigation was proposed.

This legislation has passed the Senate and the House of Representatives and now heads to Governor Quinn for his consideration.