There is growing concern over what happens to young offenders in Illinois as they await their first court hearing.
A report by European juvenile justice groups suggests many kids worldwide are kept in solitary confinement and says the arrangement has the potential for long-term harm.
In Illinois, Elizabeth Clarke with the Juvenile Justice Initiative says children as young as 10 are regularly locked up and left alone.
Clarke notes there is reason to believe the situation will improve.
Last year, the Illinois Legislature passed a bill that prohibits the use of room confinement as juvenile punishment unless the youth poses an immediate and severe risk of
self-harm or harm to others.
It took effect January 1 of this current year, and Clarke acknowledges it will take time to build up resources under the new law.
