ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH
People often wind up in the criminal legal system because they are struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues.
Is it appropriate for prosecutors, police, and the courts to play a role in helping people with substance use disorders and mental health issues access evidence-based care provided by qualified health care professionals?
CONWAY: |
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| When we do not provide support for those with substance abuse disorders and mental health issues, those individuals can end up going through the system repeatedly, building up an otherwise preventable criminal record. In the State's Attorney's Office and other parts of the justice system, we have professionals trained to provide support both pre- and post-conviction. Not only is it appropriate for us to assist these individuals in finding help, but I intend to expand the resources in the CCSAO to better serve them. |
FIORETTI: |
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| I’ve long been a proponent of keeping those with mental health issues out of the system to the degree possible. I was a loud opponent of the City of Chicago closing its mental health clinics. |
FOXX: |
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| Yes; Our office offers diversion treatment programs for both mental health and drug abuse offenders for both felony and misdemeanors charges. For drug abuse defendants post plea the must complete 18-24 months of probation focusing on treatment, housing, education and employment opportunities. Drug court targets high risk, high need persons charged with non-violent, felony offenses eligible for probation. Participation may include a period of in-custody treatment. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of program requirements determined by case managers. For mental health defendants they must complete 24 months of intensive probation focusing on treatment, medication compliance, housing, and employment opportunities. Mental health court targets high risk, high need persons charged with nonviolent offenses that are eligible for probation. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of program requirements determined by case managers. The eligibility depends on the level of the charges. As with all cases we seek the most effective method of justice versus simply pursuing a conviction for a conviction rate. |
MORE:
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O'BRIEN:
DID NOT RESPOND
PFANNKUCHE:
DID NOT RESPOND
