06.12.17

Durbin, Duckworth Announce More Than $324,000 in Federal Funding for Cook County Drug Court Program

CHICAGO – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a $324,811 grant to the Circuit Court of Cook County to enhance services provided by the Cook County Drug Court Treatment Program.  The Cook County Drug Court Treatment Program addresses the negative effect of the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol on the criminal justice system in the State of Illinois.  The Drug Court Treatment Program is an alternative sentencing approach for non-violent offenders serving a probation sentence who have been rearrested for felony drug possession.  Defendants who meet the program eligibility requirements are given the opportunity to voluntarily participate in this highly structured, closely monitored, treatment based probation.

“This funding will support programs in Cook County that transition non-violent offenders back into their communities,” Durbin said.  “This investment will help reduce repeat offenses and will enhance public safety and justice in our communities.”

“Alternative sentencing initiatives like the Cook County Drug Court Treatment Program go a long way to reduce recidivism through a more just and sustainable criminal justice system, while also saving taxpayer dollars,” said Duckworth.  “I look forward to continuing my work with Senator Durbin to create more effective treatment programs that help non-violent offenders improve their lives and strengthen public safety in their communities.”

“We know that for many people the road to the criminal justice system starts with addiction and substance abuse. Treatment courts properly treat addiction as a public health issue which is best addressed through services provided in the community. We are grateful for the continued investment in this important work,” said Foxx.

The Cook County Drug Court Treatment Program was established in 1998.  This funding was made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.