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Ceremony Brings Number of Will County Drug Court Graduates to 481

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and Park Forest Police Chief Christopher Mannino
Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow addresses the Park Forest Village Board in March 2019 as Police Chief Christopher Mannino looks on. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Joliet, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that 16 individuals from throughout Will County graduated from the Will County Drug Court in a ceremony at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet, bringing to 481 the number of people who have graduated the Drug Court program. The individuals who participated in the ceremony hail from the communities of Joliet, Bolingbrook, Homer Glen, Romeoville, New Lenox, Plainfield, Mokena, and Shorewood.

“The Will County Problem Solving Courts are a model for the nation,” Glasgow stated. “The journey to recovery is a challenging one, but with the support of the community, those battling addictions can take control of their lives, remove themselves from the cycle of addiction, and return to their communities as productive members of society. Our holistic approach keeps non-violent offenders out of state prison and helps them on their path to reentry into the community.”

In Drug Court, prosecutors and defense attorneys work with the judge and treatment providers to help abusers who have committed non-violent offenses battle their addictions. Those allowed into the program are carefully screened and must remain drug-free, submit to random drug tests, find employment, follow through with treatment and attend weekly Drug Court sessions. Circuit

Court Judge Sarah-Marie Jones, who presides over the Drug Court docket, participated in the ceremony.

State’s Attorney James Glasgow spearheaded the creation of the Drug Court – Will County’s first Problem Solving Court – in the late 1990s when he wrote the grant leading to its formation. The Drug Court’s success led him to initiate the formation of the Will County Veterans Court. He also pushed for the creation of a Mental Health Court, as well as a Redeploy Illinois Court to steer qualifying repeat offenders away from criminal activities.

Glasgow also has established three residential facilities to further help Problem Solving Court participants on the path to reentry. The Miller Taylor House and Julie Ann House provide temporary housing and the Connor Kelly Residence, which officially opened its doors June 25, expands upon this vision by providing longer-term transitional housing.

This is a release from Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow’s office.

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