Rosecrance and Winnebago County Juvenile Probation will collaborate on a new $250,000 Youth Recovery Court, the first of its kind in Illinois.
The collaboration will serve youths ages 10-17 in juvenile delinquency court who have committed nonviolent offenses and have a serious mental illness, a history of trauma or mental disorders coupled with substance abuse problem. A three-year grant was awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
From U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin:
“This funding will help Winnebago County achieve outcomes for nonviolent, mentally ill juvenile offenders that reduce recidivism, promote recovery and help keep families together.”
According to the official 17th Judicial Circuit Court statement, the next step is a six-month planning phase before an official start date of April 1, 2012.
• Download the official 17th Judicial Circuit Court statement
• See coverage from Rockford Register Star
• See coverage from WREX-13