Tracy Hahn

The Illinois Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 outlines a comprehensive framework to enhance criminal justice practices in Illinois. The plan emphasizes evidence-based strategies to address key issues within the justice system. The strategic plan was developed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders, including law enforcement, judiciary, public health, and community organizations. Key priorities in the plan include addressing mental health and substance use disorders among justice-involved individuals; reducing violent and firearm-related crimes; and supporting victims and witnesses of crime. Additionally, the plan aims to improve criminal justice planning, data analysis, and the integration of technology to enhance data capture and sharing. The plan also emphasizes the importance of supporting public defense services and addressing housing needs for those involved with the justice system. The strategic planning process involved analyzing crime data, reviewing past funding allocations, and incorporating stakeholder feedback through surveys and listening sessions. The plan will guide the allocation of JAG funds to effectively support state and local initiatives to improve justice outcomes, advance system reforms, promote racial equity, and support underserved communities in Illinois.

Communities across the country are calling for a re-examination of how the police interface with citizens. Research and evaluation can help inform these conversations by examining existing innovative models within police departments that impact interactions between the police and the public. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority funded the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois at Chicago to conduct an evaluability assessment of one such model, police department-based victim assistance programs. Evaluators assessed four Illinois sites to examine program operations, service provision, and program benefits. The evaluation found increased victim access to, and awareness of, their rights and service options were related to improved victim outcomes. In addition, the programs increased police understanding of trauma and victim behavior, as well as awareness of, and access to, victim-relevant resources. Recommendations for program improvement are provided.

In 2016, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority contracted with Aeffect, Inc. to conduct a statewide victim needs assessment. The study was designed to guide the ICJIA victim services planning process and provide insight into the prevalence of victimization, needs of victims, and their receipt and satisfaction with services. Major findings of the assessment are outlined.

Many victims of intimate partner violence find themselves at increased risk for homelessness as they make efforts to escape violence. The lack of stable, safe, and affordable housing is associated with negative outcomes for these victims. This article describes the relationship between housing instability and victim health and well-being, issues to consider when addressing housing stability for this population, and recommendations for policy and practice.

Mental health courts serve the challenging and extensive service needs of people who have a serious mental illness and are involved in the criminal justice system. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority awarded a grant to Loyola University Chicago to assess the operation of these courts in Illinois.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office implemented its alternative sentencing-focused Deferred Prosecution Program in February 2011. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority awarded a grant to the Loyola University Chicago to evaluate the program in 2013. The program became the model for the Offender Initiative Program, enacted by state law (730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.3) in 2013 to promote public safety, conserve resources, and reduce recidivism.