Title
Joint resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation in the amount of $223,600, with offsetting revenue from the Illinois Department of Human Services settlement payment to fund a staff psychologist position within the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Psychological Services Division and increasing full-time headcount by one position.
Staff Summary
* In June 2025, the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court received a settlement payment of $223,600 from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to support behavioral and mental health initiatives within the criminal justice system.
* The Court continues to experience a growing demand for psychological evaluations, competency assessments, and treatment referrals for justice-involved individuals.
* Adding an in-house staff psychologist will expand access to timely psychological services, support case processing efficiency, and strengthen behavioral health coordination across probation.
* The $223,600 IDHS settlement provides a one-time, multi-year funding source which will support this position until expended.
* An emergency appropriation is needed to allocate the settlement funds into the Circuit Court budget with offsetting revenue from the IDHS settlement.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has issued a settlement payment to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court in the amount of $223,600; and
WHEREAS, these funds were awarded as part of a settlement agreement to support behavioral and mental health service delivery within the court system; and
WHEREAS, the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court recognizes the increasing need for timely and professional psychological services to support justice-involved individuals, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce recidivism; and
WHEREAS, the hiring of a full-time staff psychologist would expand access to psychological assessments, trauma-informed services, and competency evaluations, improving both case processing effic...
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