3/19/25
Today, our guest speaker was Nancy Donahue, DuPage County Chief Assistant States Attorney. She was joined by "Crew". Crew is a facility dog specially trained to work with trained handlers within the Office for the benefit of vulnerable populations served by the State’s Attorney’s Office, especially child victims and witnesses to violent crime See: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/news_detail_T2_R1270.php
The Specialty Courts are "problem solving" courts (https://www.dupagecounty.gov/elected_officials/state_s_attorney/specialty_courts.php):
- Mental Health Court (MICAP) seeks to redirect offenders who have a mental health diagnosis that was a contributing factor in the commission of the crime. MICAP provides a sentencing alternative with the focus on integrated treatment services diverting the offender from traditional prosecution. Applicants who meet the criteria guidelines must be age 17 or above, a DuPage County resident, diagnosed with an Axis I major mental illness, and demonstrate a willingness to participate. Applicants who have prior/current sex offenses, DUI charges and/or other crimes of violence are not eligible for the MICAP program.
- Veterans Court is a problem solving court that offers a second chance to those who often suffer the consequences of military service, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and substance abuse.
- Drug Court: The mission of the Drug Court program is to strive for better outcomes by longer tenure in substance abuse treatment programs producing better outcomes. Program overview including cost effectiveness, eligibility, and application process are found at: https://www.dupagecourts.gov/18th_judicial_circuit_court/programs/drug_court_program.php#collapse70870b1599
- Pre-Trial Diversion Program is designed for first time, non-violent offenders. It provides participants with an opportunity to keep a felony conviction from being permanently entered on their record. Eligibility and application process - see attachment
