A private corrections medical service company provides mental health services at the Adult Justice Center. Upon admission to the facility, as part of the intake process, mental health clinicians interview inmates. These specially trained people assist in the determination of placement by performing an intake screening. This screening consists of any past mental health treatments, suicide attempts, medication history, and observation. Through questioning and visual observation, mental health clinicians determine if precautionary housing is needed during the inmate's first few days in custody.
While in custody those who are identified as needing further services are offered one on one counseling, group counseling or brief short-term solution focused therapy to assist them in making the adjustment to being in jail.
Inmates requiring medication are referred a psychiatrist who determines the best course of treatment for each person. He also performs evaluations to determine any changes in medication or whether their medication continues while in custody.
A mental health clinician is appointed to serve the Kane County Mental Health Court. This courtroom is staffed by court appointed personnel who specialize in dealing with defendants who have mental health issues. Treatment plans are proposed and implemented on approval of the judge that may allow the inmate to avoid serving time in prison. Many times inmates are referred to treatment facilities for drug or substance abuse as a part of their probation.
If a special needs inmate requires arrangements to get home or to a relative's house, staff members arrange for them to be issued bus passes or a train ticket in an effort to make sure they get home.
Besides dealing with inmates, our mental health staff also provides training for the Corrections Officer and Patrol Officers of the Sheriff's Department. Officers receive training in how to recognize persons with mental health problems, what to do when encountering a person with mental health issues and how to react appropriately. Other training includes suicide awareness, especially around the family holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We are proud that our facility has become a site for student interns from the Chicago School of Psychology to receive hands on training for those interested in treating persons in a correctional setting.
The Sheriff of Kane County is tasked by state law with the custody and care of persons remanded to the Kane County Adult Justice Center until released by the court. Sheriff Pat Perez and his staff take this task very seriously and make every effort to ensure that each inmate is treated properly and is housed safely until their case is disposed of by the court.