A statewide program for troubled youth is still operating in southern Illinois, but its future is uncertain thanks to the budget impasse.
Jessica Beaty directs Redeploy Illinois in seven southern Illinois counties that make up the First Judicial Circuit. She says it saves the state money by keeping non-violent juvenile offenders out of prison and in community-based therapy and counseling. She says in the two years since the program started in her area, only about 10 percent of youth offenders have had to go to prison.
"Of all of the youth in the circuit, before the program came, we were sending, across the participating counties, an average of 12 youth annually that we sent to DJJ, to youth prison. Since the program has come, last year we were able to cut that by 25-percent, so it was eight total youth. This year, we're down to three."
Beaty says not only does it help the youth; it really benefits all of us.
"We see fewer crime victims. We see fewer crimes being committed. We have a productive, contributing member of society, instead of a career criminal. It's kind of about diverting the path that they're on and getting them on a better path."
Beaty says Redeploy Illinois is funded by a grant through the Department of Human Services. She says the program is still able to serve all of the youth right now thanks to the generosity of Caritas Family Solutions in Carterville, which is providing its highest level of therapy, without any state funds. The state owes Caritas around $100,000.
She says Redeploy Illinois can continue to operate in the First Judicial Circuit until January 31, beyond that, alternative funding sources will have to be found if the state budget impasse continues passed that date.
