Mental Health Court graduates nine

The McHenry County Mental Health Court graduated nine participants this evening in a ceremony in Courtroom 204 at 6:30PM.

Judge Weech and the Mental Health Court team were present, as were McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi and several members of his staff. Chief Judge Sullivan and McHenry County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill also attended.

Those graduating tonight expressed appreciation to the team that got them onto the straight-and-narrow path. It definitely wasn't a cakewalk. There is a strong program of evaluation, treatment, abstinence from drugs or alcohol, personal development programs and counseling.

At a previous court hearing, the nine defendants were told that their charges would be dismissed in court this morning. This is one of the huge benefits for completing the rigorous program in this specialty court.

I have attended and observed many court dates of the Mental Health Court since May 2011, and I have witnessed tremendous growth by many participants. The Court program has a high success rate, and that's due to the dedication of the staff and their willingness to keep working with participants, even through very difficult times.