New Horizons: The Emerging Adult Movement and the Quest for Justice Reform

Emerging adults (EAs) are at the epicenter of the mass incarceration crisis in Illinois. Despite extensive research that demonstrates the developmental similarities between EAs (people between the ages of 18-26) and those under the age of 18, they are not afforded the same protections in the criminal legal system as juveniles and are thus disproportionately arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated as compared to other age groups. Meaningfully confronting mass incarceration in our state requires acknowledging the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of this age group.