Governor Ryan Announces Nearly $4 Million to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Services for Juvenile Offenders

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced a statewide $3.7 million substance abuse initiative to expand treatment services for juveniles involved with the criminal justice system. The initiative is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS).

"It is extremely important that we provide substance abuse treatment to youth who have become involved in the criminal justice system in order to help them break the cycle of destructive behavior and give them a better outlook on the future, " Governor Ryan said.

The initiatives will rely on interagency collaboration between the DHS, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, the Department of Corrections, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, local court and probation systems and substance abuse treatment providers.

The goal of the initiative is to establish a system for assessment and placement within community substance abuse treatment programs. The initiative services will include a full continuum of care including recovery homes and models of treatment unique to youth leaving the corrections system and re-entering their communities.

The expansion of alcohol and drug treatment services for youth involved in the criminal justice system is another building block in the Futures For Kids Initiative. Futures for Kids provides a framework to support children and their families through prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare programs.

"A key in ensuring healthy kids and communities is the development of resources supported by the Juvenile Offenders Initiative, " said First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan, chair of Futures for KIDS. "Coordination of this and other youth focused programs is a critical component in the Futures for Kids statewide infrastructure."

The following areas have been funded through the Juvenile Offender's initiative: