Illinois is using the savings from repealing the death penalty to improve support for families of homicide victims. Funds for this initiative came from the Death Penalty Abolition Fund, which was established as a result of Illinois’ repeal of the death penalty in 2011. The goal was to make sure that repeal was more than just the death penalty’s absence, but that something better for victims’ families would take its place.
Organizations that coordinate and provide direct services to the families of victims can apply for a grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Read more about the grant, and how to apply, here.
