Kendall County Mental Health Court To Begin Operating

YORKVILLE, IL - Chief Judge Robert Pilmer, of the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court, and Eric Weis, state’s attorney for Kendall County, announced last week that the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts has certified the Kendall County Mental Health Court to begin operating. The court is designed to help people with mental health needs who have become involved in the criminal justice system as a result.

According to a release, history has shown that incarceration and convictions alone do not address mental health symptoms, leaving an individual with unmet needs and a greater chance of ongoing legal issues.

The court, which also will have a veterans treatment court track, will offer those in the program frequent contact with the judge and the mental health court team, while also getting their treatment needs addressed.

"The mental health court is a much needed piece of the criminal justice system and has been in the planning process for years," Weis said. "The court will allow for offenders to be held accountable for their actions, while receiving mental health services to address mental health issues to prevent recidivism. It is a win-win for all involved."

The program is open to people who are 18 years old or older, live in the Kendall County area, are U.S. citizens or legal residents and have a pending misdemeanor or felony related to a mental health need. Those entering the veterans treatment court must be a current or former service member and eligible for VA healthcare benefits. The mental health court program is voluntary, and individuals must agree to participate before receiving approval to enter the program.

A number of Kendall County agencies played a role in establishing the mental health court, including: the county judiciary, health department, probation and court services, state's attorney's office, public defender's office and the sheriff's office. The Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital also will be involved with participants who are current or former service members.

"The new mental health court could not be undertaken without the support of Kendall County and the initiative of the state's attorney in recommending it to the county board members," Judge Pilmer said. "As seen throughout the nation, more individuals charged with criminal offenses have underlying mental health issues, which if successfully addressed, can result in their leading a productive life in the community."