Gov. JB Pritzker isn't keen on a concept supported by some in Peoria City Council chambers that would see parents punished for crimes committed by their children.
"It's less about policing than it is about helping parents," Pritzker said during a press availability on Thursday in West Peoria. "Every parent, I think, wants the best for their child. So if we can help them get that, I think we will all be better off."
An uptick in juvenile crime in Peoria has led to complaints around the council horseshoe about a revolving door of young offenders who are quickly released from detention after an arrest, only to end back up in custody soon thereafter for a different offense.
Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos and Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria have previously expressed their frustration with how the juvenile justice system works.
Peoria police said 564 juveniles were arrested in 2023. That was up 37% from the previous year.
Pritzker said parents are responsible for their child's upbringing, but they may also be dealing with trauma of their own in addition to their kid's.
"What we really need to do is give parents the resources that they need so that they can help their kids get through these challenging circumstances," Pritzker said.
Holding parents liable for the criminal actions of their kids would require changes to state law. Tennessee is taking a different approach to Illinois. That state passed a law in July allowing the courts to fine the parents of repeat juvenile offenders.
Some council members have also proposed using city ordinance violations to jail repeat juvenile offenders if they can't do so under state law.
Talks are also ongoing to create a new juvenile treatment court in Peoria County to deal with repeat juvenile offender cases.
