Illinois Coalition for Fair Sentencing of Children

In early 2008, the coalition released a report, “Categorically Less Culpable: Children Sentenced to Life Without Possibility of Parole in Illinois” which offers an extensive and unprecedented look at the lives of 103 Illinoisans serving life sentences for crimes they committed as children. The report, which draws upon the findings of interviews and an extensive statistical review of the cases, urges the abolition of Illinois’ juvenile life-without-parole sentences and recommends establishing a process by which a parole board can review sentences for juvenile offenders who have been incarcerated for a substantial period of time.

Moving forward, the Illinois Coalition will organize a public and legislative campaign to eliminate JLWOP sentencing in the state of Illinois. The project will include a combination of public and legislative outreach, human rights advocacy, and media work.