Durbin Attends Will County Problem Solving Courts Graduation Ceremony

Durbin Attends Will County Problem Solving Courts Graduation Ceremony

The Will County Problem Solving Courts aim to reduce recidivism by providing participants with counseling, substance abuse recovery support, and workforce training resources

OLIET-Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered brief remarks at the Will County Problem Solving Courts graduation ceremony, congratulating 23 individuals on completing the program. Officially launched in 2000 with the drug court program, the Will County Problem Solving Courts aim to reduce recidivism by offering participants a structured treatment program which could include individualized counseling, substance abuse recovery support, and access to workforce training resources. Because of the success of the program, Will County's Problem Solving Courts expanded to include a mental health court, veterans court, and the Redeploy Illinois Program. The courts have now supported more than 1,000 participants as they work to rebuild their lives.

"Graduates, as you receive your certificate, I hope you see it as a symbol of your perseverance. By completing this program, you've sent a powerful message to yourself and your loved ones. You've overcome tough challenges to build a healthy, fulfilling life," Durbin said. "Will County's Problem Solving Courts should serve as a model for other local governments-a stellar example of what can happen when we work within our communities to transform the lives of those in need."

Photos of the ceremony are available here.

Durbin has long been a leading voice in bipartisan criminal justice reform grounded in the view that the justice system should be fair, effective, and focused on public safety outcomes-not just punishment. In 2018, Durbin led the passage of the bipartisan First Step Act, which incentivized rehabilitation and expanded access to education, job training, and reentry programming for those in the criminal justice system.

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