JUV CT-FITNESS TO STAND TRIAL

Amends the Delinquent Minors Article of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Adds a Part concerning fitness to stand trial. Specifies the unfitness standard for a child. Sets forth procedures to raise the issue of the unfitness of a child. Provides for the legal disposition of a child if fitness cannot be attained. Provides that no facility of the Department of Human Services shall be utilized for performing a fitness evaluation. Provides that the child's counsel must be allowed to be present at the evaluation conducted, if requested by the child's counsel. Provides that when the court orders services to attain fitness, the court shall determine if the child will receive services on an inpatient or outpatient basis. If inpatient, the child shall be placed at a facility approved by the Department of Human Services to provide residential, restoration care and treatment. Provides that if the court orders the child to receive services on an outpatient basis, such services shall be rendered in the community at a program approved by the Department of Human Services. Provides that for a child charged with a misdemeanor, the maximum total period shall be no longer than the length of the sentence that could be imposed if the child were adjudicated delinquent of the misdemeanor offense for which the child was charged, or one year whichever is shorter. Contains a severability provision. Effective July 1, 2024.

• Ann GillespieD
• Rachel VenturaD