File Photo – McHenry County Courthouse | Photo: Google Street View

The McHenry County Circuit Court announced it will receive a $1.6 million grant to implement a treatment program for people with serious mental illness.

The 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County said the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the court a grant in the amount of $1,640,615.

The grant, to be disbursed over the next four years, will be used for implementing Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in McHenry County to support adults with serious mental illness.

AOT is also known as involuntary outpatient commitment.

“Our team continues to excel in pitching programs for funding from sources outside McHenry County, to facilitate the efforts of our County Board in responsibly managing the financial resources of taxpayers,” McHenry County Chief Judge Michael Chmiel said.

“These programs support collective efforts to make the County the great place it is,” Chmiel said.

The implementation of the program establishes a multi-disciplinary AOT team which includes the 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County, the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, the McHenry County Mental Health Board, community partners and other entities.

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The program aims to support community-based treatment for adults, reduce psychiatric hospitalizations and incarcerations and address homelessness.

The circuit court said the program aims to enhance mental health services and improve outcomes for people with serious mental illness, which in turn will contribute to a safer community.

“This initiative reflects McHenry County’s commitment to serving our community members,” said Kelly Scimeca, Director of the Office of Special Projects for the Circuit Court.

“We aim to ease the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with serious mental illness. By providing support, we hope to reduce the strain on vital community resources, including emergency calls, hospital visits, and crisis interventions,” Scimeca said.

“Over the course of this past fiscal year, through the diligence of our Office of Special Projects and Court Administration, we have been able to realize each of four grants which have been sought, which enhances our abilities to meet mandates and deliver services,” Chmiel said. “All bodes well for our Circuit and County.”

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