The Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting on September 10 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. This month’s meeting focused on the theme “Addressing our Juvenile Justice Crisis” and featured four panel discussions exploring different facets of the issue.
The first panel featured Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz, who provided an overview of the juvenile justice process and shared insights into how cases are handled within the legal system.
The second panel brought together representatives from law enforcement, probation services, and the Juvenile Detention Center, who discussed the internal operations of the juvenile justice system, including how youth are processed, supervised, and supported once they enter the system.
The third panel focused on supporting services, with representatives from case management teams, and community-based programs highlighting the critical resources available to youth and families. These services play a vital role in intervention, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
The fourth panel elevated youth voice, featuring young people who have been impacted by the juvenile justice system. This panel offered an honest and powerful look into the mindset of today’s youth, their experiences, and their perspectives on what changes are needed to support their growth and success.
The meeting served as a vital platform for education and open dialogue aimed at developing effective and sustainable solutions to support youth in our community.