Approach to Youth - Cook County State's Attorney Candidate Questionnaire

What policies will you advance to address the needs of youth who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system – especially youth who are Black, Latinx and experiencing poverty? What policies will you adopt and/or continue to prioritize to address the harms created by the school-to-prison pipeline?

BURKE: To mitigate the disproportionate impact on youth, particularly those from Black, Latinx, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, I will advocate for reforms within the juvenile justice system. With limitations on youth incarceration outlined in the Juvenile Court Act, we must prioritize alternative approaches for rehabilitation. My proposal involves leveraging a diverse array of resources to support vulnerable youth. Emphasizing avenues such as vocational training, apprenticeships, educational enrichment, and community engagement, we can provide pathways for rehabilitation and decrease the likelihood of repeat offenses. Additionally, I am committed to addressing the root causes of the school-to-prison pipeline by tackling biases in disciplinary practices and bolstering support systems for marginalized students. These initiatives are integral to fostering an environment that is fair, inclusive, and conducive to the well-being of our youth, ultimately steering them away from cycles of criminalization.

What policies will you advance to address the needs of youth who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system – especially youth who are Black, Latinx and experiencing poverty? What policies will you adopt and/or continue to prioritize to address the harms created by the school-to-prison pipeline?

FIORETTI: AWAITING CANDIDATE'S RESPONSE

What policies will you advance to address the needs of youth who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system – especially youth who are Black, Latinx and experiencing poverty? What policies will you adopt and/or continue to prioritize to address the harms created by the school-to-prison pipeline?

KOPINSKI: Diversion programs for the mentally ill, drug users, juvenile delinquents and others can be effective in keeping people out of the.criminal legal system, reducing recidivism, and saving taxpayers money. 

The school to prison pipeline needs to be looked at carefully. Rehabilitation of the young in the most effective manner needs to be the goal.  Children need to be taught to value their freedom and independence and avoid losing it by being caught in the criminal justice system.