Kane County Teen Helps Change Illinois Domestic Violence Law

Kentyn, a 16-year-old from the Elgin area, experienced firsthand the impact of Illinois’ 1986 Domestic Violence Act when he was arrested after a fight with his brother. With the support of Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser, Kentyn helped advocate for House Bill 3281, which now allows law enforcement to distinguish between adults and juveniles in domestic violence cases. 

​“Everyone deserves a chance to be heard. Everyone deserves a chance to be seen,” said Kentyn. “We all make mistakes in life, and it’s how we bounce back from them that matters—not the mistake itself.”

Kentyn said a brief fight with his brother over a T-shirt led to his arrest. He was placed in the back of a police car and taken to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center for the weekend. 

“I just hope that through this new law, other children—no matter how old they are—can have the chance to make a mistake, bounce back from it, and be given the opportunity to apologize,” he said.

Passed unanimously and signed into law, the legislation gives officers discretion to assess situations and divert many juveniles to social services instead of arrest, helping ensure other families avoid similar trauma. Kentyn, his family and his school resource officer were recognized by the Kane County Board in the form of a proclamation at the full County Board meeting on Jan. 13, 2026.   

Read House Bill 3281, now Public Act 104-0290 here.