Will County jail to provide drug treatment for some inmates

The Will County Adult Detention Center will provide inpatient drug treatment to some inmates thanks to a new partnership between Will County and Family Guidance Services.

This program is an expansion of the successful drug court Will County runs to help drug users get on the path to recovery, according to a news release from the Will County Board. The drug court operates two recovery homes and provides individuals with the opportunity to have felony charges expunged from their records.

“I’m glad that the country is taking a holistic approach to the problem of addiction,” Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis said. “The drug court has helped individuals suffering from addiction become productive citizens again, and I’m confident that these new inpatient services will help even more people recover as well as save taxpayers money by keeping people out of jail.”

Historically, someone in jail for a nonviolent offense might have been eligible for drug treatment probation. The individual must first have a drug assessment completed to qualify, however, the wait time to have an assessment completed was about eight weeks.

“The reduction in wait time is critically important,” said Will County Board member Beth Rice, D-Bolingbrook.

Family Guidance Services has experience running inpatient drug treatment programs and will operate this new service at the Will County jail.

This will reach a new population for rehabilitation, according to the county.

“This program has the potential to transform so many lives,” said former Circuit Judge Carla Policandriotes, who now consults for Family Guidance Services. “These individuals are often very young, and a felony on their record can have devastating impact on their future.”

The program is funded by grant money and user fees. The inpatient program will start with a pilot program of 15 male inmates.