Kane County Treatment Alternative Court Recertified by the Illinois Supreme Court
The Illinois Supreme Court has recertified the Kane County Treatment Alternative Court (TAC), the 16th Judicial Circuit's Mental Health Court. This three-year certification follows a comprehensive review by members of the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. The review process included evaluating the program's policies and procedures, interviewing all team members, attending staffing and court sessions, and confirming that the court meets the Illinois Supreme Court Problem-Solving Courts Standards.
Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, congratulated the Kane County Mental Health Court in a written statement: "On behalf of the Court, I commend Kane County Mental Health Court for implementing evidence-based practices that provide participants with necessary treatment and community interventions to reduce recidivism while enhancing public safety."
Judge Christine A. Downs of the Kane County Treatment Alternative Court expressed pride in the court's recertification: "I am very proud to be part of such a dedicated team. Every member works tirelessly to help participants address their mental illness and separate themselves from the criminal justice system. We are thrilled to have received such positive feedback during the recertification process."
Established in 2006, TAC aims to ensure justice for criminal defendants with mental illnesses, co-occurring disorders, or developmental disabilities, while enhancing public safety and promoting continuity of mental health care within the community. It is an intensive probation program that partners with community-based agencies to address defendants' needs and provide comprehensive case management to reduce future criminal behavior.
Participants work closely with court personnel and the treatment team to facilitate positive behavioral changes and decrease the likelihood of recidivism. Another program goal is to strengthen collaboration between the community, mental health agencies, and the criminal justice system.
