A NEW STATE LAW PUTS AN END TO DETENTION CENTERS KEEPING YOUNG OFFENDERS IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT. 

THE PRACTICE IS ALREADY BANNED AT THE FIVE YOUTH CENTERS RUN BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE. THIS LAW ADDS COUNTY DETENTION CENTERS AS WELL AND WAS SUPPORTED BY SENATOR RACHEL VENTURA OF JOLIET.

IT WAS BACKED BY SENATE MINORITY LEADER JOHN CURRAN.

THE A-C-L-U OF ILLINOIS FILED A LAWSUIT OVER THE ISSUE LAST WEEK. THEY ALLEGE THAT KIDS AS YOUNG AS 11 YEARS OLD ARE BEING LOCKED UP ALONE FOR UP TO 23 HOURS A DAY AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY DETENTION CENTER IN DOWNSTATE BENTON.