By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – “When you incarcerate a woman, you incarcerate the whole family.”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton says that’s what an inmate told her during a recent series of women’s prison tours. Stratton, along with First Lady MK Pritzker, want to improve conditions for women in prison, expand opportunities for them when they are released, and even try to keep them from becoming entangled in the system in the first place.

Stratton said her interest in this issue began while she was a young lawyer working in the juvenile court system. “I would start to see, as time went by, the same children on the child protection side – ultimately end up on the juvenile justice side.”

“Strengthening support services for justice-involved women creates positive ripple effects for their children and our Illinois communities,” the first lady said in a news release. “Through rehabilitation programs and support services, we can help ensure every woman has the resources and opportunities needed for a successful future.” 

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].