Announcement, Press Release |
Twenty-four participants in the Cook County Circuit Court’s Drug, Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Courts celebrated their commencements this week at ceremonies held at the Criminal, Rolling Meadows and Skokie Courthouses.
The Rolling Meadows Veterans, Mental Health and Drug Treatment Courts recognized seven graduates on Tuesday, Dec. 2 – one veteran, two graduates from Mental Health Court and four from Drug Treatment Court. On Thursday afternoon, the Skokie Mental Health Court celebrated three graduates and the Rehabilitative Alternative Probation and Woman’s Rehabilitative Alternative Probation Drug Treatment Courts, also known as (W)RAP, celebrated 14 graduates.
All these courts are alternative programs for individuals charged with non-violent offenses and are among the Circuit Court of Cook County’s 20 Problem-Solving Courts. These programs, which operate in the Criminal Courthouse and all five suburban districts, offer a structured path toward stability and recovery.
Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II said the continued progress of Cook County’s problem-solving courts demonstrates their value to the community.
“I appreciate how hard these courts work to address the underlying problems that can lead people into criminal activity,” said Judge Beach. “These courts can help people lead better lives.”
The Hon. Charles Burns, who presides over the (W)RAP courts, called them criminal justice reform at its finest.
“It allows individuals to address their addictions, achieve lasting recovery, transform their lives and return to the community as respected members,” he said.
The Hon. Sharon Arnold Kanter, who presides over the Skokie Mental Health Court, said she was “profoundly honored and proud” to have worked with her three graduates.
“Every graduate is an inspiration, but these three graduates today are particularly so,” Judge Kanter said. “The roads they traveled to reach this achievement were filled with setbacks and doubt that they would even graduate. Yet, these three people fought on with strength, resilience and tenacity to take control of their lives. They trusted in themselves and in our program that when things are good, not so good, or especially when things are incredibly hard, they have the skills and the resources to not merely survive, but to thrive.”
In Rolling Meadows, the Hon. Joseph Cataldo presides over Drug Treatment Court and the Hon. Jill Cerone-Marisie, Presiding Judge of Rolling Meadows, presides over the Veterans and Mental Health Courts.
Judge Cataldo said that all four of the Drug Treatment Court graduates had reached a point where they had had enough of the addiction lifestyle and knew they needed to take their sobriety seriously.
“They were honest with themselves and summoned the courage to make sacrifices to reclaim their lives, rejoin their communities, and rebuild trust and confidence with their friends and families,” Judge Cataldo said.
Problem-Solving Courts increase public safety and reduce costs by lowering re-arrest and incarceration rates. They also provide participants with treatment, job counseling and other supports that help them reintegrate into their communities. Participants who complete the program, typically in about two years, have their criminal charges dismissed and expunged.
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