Program Evaluation Summary

Redeploy Illinois programs, which provide community-based services in lieu of incarceration for non-violent juvenile felony offenders, have been successfully initiated in Peoria and St. Clair counties. The Redeploy Illinois Public Act 093-0641, which took effect Dec. 31, 2003, offers counties funding for community-based services including education, recreation, community service, crisis and health intervention, and alternative forms of detention, for non-violent youth who would otherwise be committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention research suggests that non-violent youth are less likely to be involved in subsequent delinquent behavior if they remain in their communities and receive appropriate services that address their underlying needs. Community-based options for juvenile offenders also are generally less costly than institutional care in correctional facilities. Redeploy Illinois programs are being implemented at four sites in Illinois: Macon County, the 2nd Judicial Circuit (serving Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White counties), Peoria County, and St. Clair County.