IL HB4639

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to allow courts, in addition to State's Attorneys, to establish community mediation programs for juvenile delinquency cases

Requires courts to have parties consider participation in restorative practices (conferences or circles) before entering a juvenile sentence, with the goal of identifying and repairing harm, addressing trauma, and strengthening community ties

Participation in restorative practices must be voluntary for all parties, and any resulting agreement must contain only reasonable and proportionate obligations

Agreements reached through restorative practices would be recommended to the court as an alternative to traditional sentencing

Community mediation panels can impose dispositions including community service (up to 100 hours), restitution, counseling referrals, substance abuse screening, and school attendance requirements, with agreements lasting no more than 6 months