CHICAGO - Illinois police now have more flexibility when responding to domestic violence cases involving juveniles.

What we know:

A new law ends the long-standing rule that police must arrest juveniles accused of domestic violence.

Instead, officers can now refer them to counseling, family services, or other programs that help address the root of the problem, according to Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser.

The law, known as Public Act 104-0290, was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in August. Mosser and State Rep. Matt Hanson led the effort to change the law.

Why it matters:

Since 1986, officers under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act have had to make arrests in nearly every domestic violence case, even when the situation involved a child. The intention was to protect victims and

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