As a way to gather more direct information about specific issues, conditions, and practices which people inside Illinois prisons experience, JHA has started responding to those who have written to us by asking specific questions. In March 2021, JHA asked incarcerated people who had written to us the month prior to respond to questions on how they access information – both about COVID-19 and in general – and the extent to which they are able to do so.

It is important that we not only reduce the number of youth in any kind of custody, but also improve the standards of care for those who still end up in county detention facilities, or youth jails, and expand the reach of the Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman so that any youth in county or state custody has access to the protections afforded by this effective oversight.

JHA's 2020 Annual Report highlights some of our most important work from this past year and previews some of the initiatives we will be undertaking in 2021. We will continue to fight for the health and safety of those living and working in prisons during this unprecedented time and to advocate for increased transparency and government accountability.