IL HJR0075

Governor Pat Quinn signed the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act into law on June 12, 2010, allowing Illinois counties to create Veterans' Treatment Courts for military veterans charged with non-violent crimes.

Cook, DuPage, Lake, Madison, Peoria, Will, Winnebago, and several other counties currently operate Veterans' Treatment Courts that provide specialized treatment and counseling for veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse, and service-related disabilities.

Veterans' Treatment Courts serve as an alternative to the regular criminal justice system, requiring regular court appearances, mandatory treatment sessions, and random substance use testing; upon successful program completion, charges may be dismissed.

The resolution encourages all Illinois counties to establish Veterans and Servicemembers Treatment Courts and urges counties with successful programs to assist other counties in implementation.

Copies of the resolution are to be presented to the County Board Chair or President of all 102 Illinois counties.