[caption id="attachment_17541" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Illinois State Bar Association President Mark D. Hassakis met with leaders from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) on Friday, Feb. 4, to find ways that ISBA can help the Department with its mission of preserving public safety by reducing recidivism. On hand for the meeting were (left to right): Justin Slaughter, IDJJ Director of Programs, Beth Compton, IDJJ Chief Counsel, Arthur Bishop, IDJJ Director, ISBA President Hassakis and Ashley Cross, IDJJ Chief of Staff."][/caption] Illinois State Bar Association President Mark D. Hassakis continued his push to improve the state’s juvenile justice programs by meeting with leaders of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice on Friday, Feb. 4, at the Thompson Center in Chicago. The meeting covered a wide-range of issues the Department faces and focused on ways ISBA can help IDJJ move forward by “laying a brick everyday,” the guiding philosophy of new IDJJ Director Arthur Bishop. Three areas were identified where IDJJ is making improvements. The first is its continued withdrawal from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), where it resided until four years ago. However, IDJJ still operates under IDOC’s administrative policies. The second is passing legislation beneficial to its core mission. This can be seen in the push to update legislation on juvenile expungements.

Ratings of all candidates for judicial office in Illinois in the November 2 election are available on the ISBA web site – www.isba.org/judicialevaluations. “The Illinois Constitution gives voters an important responsibility in deciding who should serve in the office of judge,” said Mark D. Hassakis of Mt. Vernon, president of the ISBA. “Judges make decisions affecting the rights and responsibilities of all citizens, and it’s crucial that qualified individuals serve in these positions.” Candidates for election to judicial vacancies and sitting judges seeking retention in office were rated by two methods. All candidates in Cook County and candidates for the Supreme and Appellate courts statewide were reviewed in a comprehensive evaluation process. All judicial candidates outside of Cook County were rated in a poll of lawyers conducted by ISBA. The comprehensive evaluation process involves a detailed background investigation by members of the ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee, followed by an in-person interview of the candidate. The Committee then decides whether to recommend the candidate for the judicial office being sought. “Our members volunteer countless hours away from their busy law practices to complete these evaluations, which represent the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association,” said Hassakis. “Other lawyers are given the opportunity in the judicial advisory poll to express their own opinions. I urge voters to consider these ratings in choosing how to vote in judicial elections.” The Illinois State Bar Association provides professional services to lawyers, and education and services to the public.

Bloomington attorneys Scott Kording (left) and Mick Hall (second from right), as well as Thomas McClure, a professor and director of legal studies at Illinois State University in Normal, display the “Lawyers Care” plaques they received from Illinois State Bar Association President Mark D. Hassakis (right) at a reception on September 9 at the Bone Student Center on the university campus. Kording, Hall and the university were honored for their many hours of pro bono service to the ISU Mock Trial Program.

Note: This letter was sent to editorial page editors around the state. The appointment last week of a new state juvenile justice chief – a veteran of the state’s child welfare system – signals a new era in juvenile justice reform. Mr. Arthur Bishop is on record favoring a different treatment model for troubled youth that emphasizes rehabilitation and second chances. That is good news, not only for the youth and their families, but for all Illinois citizens. As president of the Illinois State Bar Association, I will work closely with our members to concentrate on the very important issue of juvenile justice reform.  For too long, we have largely employed a system that has failed our youth, spending a staggering $100 million annually to lock them up in state correctional facilities or in detention centers while they await trial. It’s not working – for them or for us. Fortunately, we are beginning to see a reversal of this past trend.  Research from the MacArthur Foundation, a partner in our effort, shows that half or more of our youth sent to prison for lesser crimes return to our communities after discharge from prison without rehabilitation having occurred.  The last thing we want to happen is increased exposure of our youth to hardened criminals as their role models. We already know what works. Leaders in Illinois communities of all sizes, including lawyers, prosecutors and judges, have implemented alternative treatment options that are producing results.  During my presidency, many of our lawyer and judge members of the bar will focus on and celebrate the good work already underway.  In the process, we hope to raise further awareness of this timely issue. The next few years will be crucial ones for juvenile justice reform.