Will County Drug, Veterans Courts to graduate 16 who beat addictions

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May 27

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces that the Will County Drug Court and Veterans Court will graduate 16 people who have successfully completed the programs and are living drug-free lives.

The Drug and Veterans Courts will hold a graduation ceremony at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 at the Victorian Ballroom of the Jacob Henry Mansion, 15 S. Richards Street in Joliet. 

There will be 14 Drug Court participants and two Veterans Court participants who graduate during the ceremony. Graduates are from Lemont, Frankfort, Plainfield, Chicago, Minooka, Lockport, University Park, Naperville, Joliet, Elwood, New Lenox, Quincy and Steger.  

In Drug Court, prosecutors and defense attorneys work with the judge and treatment providers to help abusers who have committed non-violent offenses battle their addictions. Those allowed into the program are carefully screened and must remain drug free, submit to random drug tests, find employment, follow through with treatment and attend weekly Drug Court sessions. More than 350 participants have graduated from Drug Court since its inception in 1999. 

State’s Attorney Glasgow was one of the first state’s attorney’s to fully embrace the value of drug court programs. He spearheaded the creation of the Will County Drug Court in the late 1990s, and he filed a petition with the 12th Judicial Circuit in 2012 to establish the Will County Veterans Court. Veterans Court provides treatment, counseling and assistance to local veterans who have struggled with mental health and substance abuse disorders.

“Over the years, Drug Court has helped hundreds of non-violent offenders kick their addictions and return to their communities as productive citizens who raise families and hold down jobs,” Glasgow said. “And with our Veterans Court, we have the opportunity to help veterans suffering from substance abuse or mental health issues regain control over their lives. In doing so, we recognize their service to our country.”

The graduation ceremony is open to the public. Veterans’ organizations are encouraged to attend. For more information on Drug or Veterans Court, call (815) 774-7852 or (815) 723-1630.