The Department of Probation and Court Services of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court will use funds for a local pilot implementation of Adult Redeploy Illinois. This program will reduce the number of probation violators committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections from DuPage County.

This proposal is the result of a planning process made possible by an earlier grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. A diverse group of criminal justice stakeholders convened in September and October 2010 to discuss local criminal justice system needs along with opportunities to reduce incarceration of non-violent offenders. The planning group agreed to pursue implementation of a “probation violator caseload” which will be implemented as an enhancement to the Department’s Administrative Sanctions Program. This caseload will offer probationers with technical (non-arrest) violations intensive cognitive behavioral services and more frequent supervision as an alternative to returning to court.

Grant funds are requested to pay salaries and benefits for three probation officers who will carry specialized probation violator caseloads. The grant will provide specialized training in a cognitive behavioral supervision protocol. Officers will carry a reduced caseload, allowing them to meet more frequently with probationers and directly provide intensive interventions.  These officers will also facilitate “Thinking for a Change” groups.  Finally, funds will be used to pay for additional community services appropriate for offenders involved in the program. These services may include monitoring technologies, substance abuse and/or mental health treatment, transportation to treatment appointments, and vocational services.

This proposal has been endorsed by the chief judge, state’s attorney, public defender, and several community-based service providers.

Award: $350,000 (18 months – January 1, 2011-July 30, 2012)