Problem Solving Court Division
The Problem Solving Court Division of the 22nd Judicial Circuit is comprised of Problem Solving Courts, Juvenile Court, and Special Assignment.
Problem Solving Courts address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior through appropriate treatment and support services while also holding defendant’s accountable for their actions. The 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County implemented the Mental Health Court in 2007, Drug Court in 2012, and DUI Court in 2018. These programs are designed with and employ evidence-based practices in an attempt to divert individuals from the traditional criminal justice system. It places them into a program that targets the root cause of the criminal behavior, through various treatment modalities and cogitative behavioral therapies.
Problem-solving courts are also characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders in and outside of the criminal justice system. The 22nd Judicial Circuit’s programs have always involved various justice partners including the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, McHenry County Public Defender’s Office, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Mental Health Board, alongside various treatment and community partners Dedicated employees who have been assigned to the problem-solving court work together to develop court policies and resolve individual cases in a relatively non-adversarial way. Ongoing collaboration between court employees and public agencies, service providers and clinical experts is essential for providing appropriate treatment to problem-solving court participants
The Problem Solving Division is also comprised of the original problem solving court, Juvenile Court. In Illinois, juvenile courts have jurisdiction over minors who fall into specific categories: Delinquency case and Abuse, Neglect & Dependency cases.
Delinquency cases involving minors who have committed acts that would be considered crimes if committed by adults. These cases are akin to criminal proceedings but with a rehabilitative focus. The goal is to help the minor correct their behavior and successfully reintegrate into society.
Abuse, Neglect & Dependency cases involving minors who have been harmed or are at risk of harm due to the actions or negligence of their caregivers, or who lack proper care. Proceedings in the juvenile courts are governed by the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. This act emphasizes the best interests of the minor, aiming to secure care and guidance so the minor can grow into a responsible adult. The act also promotes the removal of juveniles from their homes only when necessary for their safety or the safety of the public. Whenever a juvenile is taken into custody involving a delinquency matter, a minor is taken into custody for delinquent acts, a detention hearing must be held to determine if continued detention is necessary.
Juvenile court proceedings are much more private than adult court proceedings. This is to protect the minor’s privacy and future prospects. Typically, records are impounded and are not publicly viewable.