CHICAGO (AP) – The Illinois Supreme Court is carrying out a new certification process that’s aimed at bringing accountability to the state’s problem-solving courts.

Problem-solving courts address mental health and addiction issues of people in the criminal justice system by connecting them with treatment.

On Tuesday, the Illinois Supreme Court announced the certification of the Kendall County Drug Court, the Peoria DUI Court and the Tazewell County Mental Health Court – the first problem-solving courts in the state to go through the new certification.
There are more than 100 problem-solving courts operating statewide. All will go through the new certification process.

Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier says problem-solving courts help people “get their lives back on track” and improve the community as a whole.