PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Some leaders of Peoria County law enforcement think the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 could use updating to fit the kind of crimes kids are committing today.

The Juvenile Court Act of 1987 lays the groundwork for youth moving through the justice system. 25 News spoke to Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos, who says crime among young people is increasing, and the act doesn’t apply well to the more serious crimes being committed.

“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 says.

According to the Peoria Police Department’s 2024 annual report , juvenile crime

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