Jersey County will use Adult Redeploy Illinois implementation funding to expand its drug court to divert eligible individuals from the Illinois Department of Corrections. With increased funding available to outsource the counseling and hire an additional probation officer to oversee program participants, the Jersey County Drug Court will be able to accommodate up to 20 individuals, compared to the current capacity of eight.

The Jersey County Drug Court is a partnership between the circuit judge, State’s Attorney, public defenders, circuit clerk, probation, treatment provider, sheriff’s department and the county board. 

The Jersey County State’s Attorney’s Office will select participants for inclusion into the expanded drug court program. The drug court probation officer will closely monitor the program participants and offer them assistance needed in order to successfully complete the program, connecting them with employment, housing and treatment services. In partnership with a community-based behavioral health agency, dedicated professional staff will provide ongoing counseling to participants as a requirement of the program.

The program is a minimum of 15 months in duration, consisting of four phases of substance abuse treatment. After successful completion and graduation from the program, the individual’s charges are dismissed.