Police are no longer required to arrest juveniles accused of domestic violence under a new Illinois law that went into effect last week, and can instead divert them to alternative placements.

The legislation , an amendment to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, was introduced by state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Aurora, of the 83rd District, whose constituency includes parts of Batavia, Geneva, Aurora and Oswego. The idea was first spearheaded by Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser.

The new law essentially allows officers to connect juveniles with social services and resources, rather than arresting them, according to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

That might look like, for example, a referral to a mental health treatment resource, or to after-school or community prog

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