10th Graduation, Mental Health Court

The tenth graduation ceremony of the McHenry County Mental Health Court was held tonight at the Government Center. The building was open late today for the 6:30PM ceremony, and Judge Charles P. Weech presided.

McHenry County's Mental Health Court was started in 2007, and with tonight's class 65 have graduated. Defendants in court cases can petition to have their cases transferred  to the Mental Health Court, or one of the other specialty courts. If the transfer is approved, they enter a rigorous program that includes treatment, appropriate prescribed medications, drug screens, classroom work, counseling, occasional community service, and possibility of a week-end in jail for serious infractions. The program might last from one to three years.

Upon completion of the program, they "graduate" in a tasteful ceremony attended by family and friends. Tonight's guests included State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, McHenry County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill, Court Administrator Dan Wallis, and Dr. Rick Kirchhoff (representing the McHenry County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)), along with the full  Mental Health Team, which includes an Assistant State's Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender.

One graduate was recognized for completing his B.A. at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he majored in criminal justice. Another graduate received a $500 educational scholarship from NAMI.

Congratulations to the nine graduates, and thanks to the Court and the Mental Health Court team.