It’s hardly news that the juvenile justice system in Illinois is failing the young people it is supposed to serve. In the Cook County detention center alone, advocates and journalists in […]
Sophia Van Pelt
Sophia Van Pelt (pronouns: She/Her/Hers) graduated from Illinois State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Her policy classes sparked an interest in policy analysis which led to her graduating in 2021 with a master's in Applied Economics, also from Illinois State. Her main academic interests are in the fields of Econometrics, Health Economics, and Labor Economics. She hopes to use her data and statistical knowledge to give policymakers a clearer understanding of the possible impact their legislation might have.
Posted inResearch & Analysis
How a FOIA Loophole in Illinois Puts Kids at Risk
A BGA Policy analysis of the 16 county detention centers across Illinois has found that only three successfully have completed audits mandated by federal law to enforce protections against sexual […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Illinois Legislative Oversight is Weak Compared to Other States
Legislative watchdog is ill-equipped compared to other Illinois watchdogs
Posted inResearch & Analysis
How Illinois Courts Are Hidden From FOIA
Transparency allows the people of Illinois to see into the inner workings of their government and hold their elected officials accountable. But there is still one area shrouded in darkness: the judicial branch of Illinois government.