ACT Court Milestone
Last week, the Access to Community Treatment Court achieved a major milestone, celebrating its first graduation for individuals who have successfully completed the problem-solving court program.
16 individuals were recognized for their efforts. Several graduates shared powerful remarks about their experience before, during, and after the ACT Court program.
R, one of the program’s first participants, said, “All my life, it seems, I’ve been going to jail for the use of drugs. I thought drugs were my best friend. I’m 54 years old, but I’ve been going to jail since I was 12. The drugs kept me occupied and comforted.” She then went on to describe how getting sober had enabled her to be a positive presence in her neighborhood.
Several graduates shared ways they are now giving back to their communities. One woman has been reunited with her children and grandchildren, another was recently promoted to manager of a restaurant where she began working during her probation; others are group leaders and speakers in peer support meetings.
Nearly all of the graduates remarked that, prior to completing the ACT Court program, they had been embroiled in a cycle of committing crimes to support their drug use, leading to arrest, incarceration, and re-entry into challenging communities. All ACT Court participants have been convicted of at least three nonviolent felonies, and have also been to prison at least once–a requirement ensures that the program targets individuals at high risk of incarceration. As an Adult Redeploy Illinois justice reinvestment program, the ACT Court must divert prison-bound individuals into community-based services.
Despite their best efforts, and a deep desire to change, graduates explained, they had not been able to break that cycle. They attributed their current success to the structure and support of the ACT Court, which lasts a minimum of twelve months and combines linkage with community-based services and accountability in the form of frequent judicial contact.
Chicago Appleseed has been instrumental in planning, implementing, and managing the ACT Court for over two years. At our October 16 Annual Luncheon, we will honor the court staff for their commitment to a project that has demonstrated a humane, effective, and cost-effective. A recent graduate will also share his or her story.