Re-Arrest Rate Lower for Illinois Juveniles

Good news about Illinois juveniles involved in the criminal justice system who are receiving mental health treatment.

McHenry County has a Mental Health Court that strives to resolve criminal justice problems with those affected by mental illness, not just juveniles. We are fortunate in McHenry County to have this Court and to have caring individuals involved.

The following email to others and me let me know of the successful Models for Change program.

"Re-Arrest Rate Lower for Illinois Juveniles Receiving Mental Health Treatment

"This is the dramatic conclusion that was highlighted recently by Models For Change. Illinois is one of the four core Models for Change demonstration sites receiving grant funding and technical assistance from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, whose goal is to accelerate juvenile justice reform.

"Models for Change efforts in Illinois are focused statewide through grants to a wide variety of organizations and entities, including advocacy organizations such as the Juvenile Justice Initiative. The initiative also relies upon lessons learned in five demonstration sites that include: Cook County, DuPage County, Ogle County, Peoria County, and the 2nd Judicial Circuit. These sites are utilizing a wide array of strategies to support local reform and, in doing so, are creating a diverse menu of approaches underway in Illinois.

"This dramatic report is available at http://modelsforchange.net/reform-progress/45

"For a summary on all of the projects in Illinois see: http://modelsforchange.net/reform-progress/39

"For more information on Models for Change in Illinois and any other information
on mental health and justice initiatives for youth contact Debra.Ferguson@illinois.gov"