PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - Some leaders in Peoria County law enforcement believe the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 could use updating to fit the kind of crimes being committed by today’s youth.

The Juvenile Court Act of 1987 lays the groundwork for youth moving through the justice system. On Aug. 7, 25News released a special report on increasing juvenile crime. 25News spoke to Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos, who said crime among young people is increasing, and the act does not apply well to the more serious crimes they are committing.

“I don’t know what the answer is or what the solution is, but I think when it comes to violent juvenile offenders, we have to have a complete restructuring of the Juvenile Court Act, because it just wasn’t built for those individuals,” Hoos said.

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