An attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union says solitary confinement for juveniles is essentially over in Illinois. A federal judge recently signed off on an agreement between the A-C-L-U and the Department of Juvenile Justice. It bans use of solitary for punishment, and mandates that all youth get eight hours a day outside of their cells.
Adam Schwartz is with the A-C-L-U.
"So social isolation is gone, and therefore solitary confinement is gone. And this eight hour rule in Illinois is the most progressive rule in the country right now."
In a statement, a department spokesman said they are pleased with the judge’s decision.