Graduates complete Cook County Mental Health Court program, celebration held at Skokie courthouse
Share this @internewscast.com

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) — It is graduation season.

On Thursday, a graduation inside a Cook County courtroom celebrated individuals’ successes who have over come legal obstacles by treating underlying conditions.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Inside the Skokie courthouse, there was a celebration for eight graduates from one of the problem-solving court programs.

They were honored for successfully completing the treatments, classes and legal requirements to graduate from the Cook County Mental Health Court.

Today can be the day to change your life, tomorrow is a new day.

Rebecca Acton, Cook County Mental Health Court graduate

The individuals offered the option instead of serving jail time were charged and convicted in the Cook County criminal system for non-violent felonies and then put on probation.

If they complete the therapeutic programs, charges are dropped and the convictions can be expunged from their records.

“The time being here, I am just blown away at what this court is doing,” Cook County Mental Health Court graduate Rebecca Acton said. “This moment today has completely changed our lives.”

Acton nearly died. She flatlined four times after overdosing and had a burglary conviction.

Now, the mother of four with a history of a mental health diagnosis and addiction is sober and eager to start a nursing program to help others.

“She gave me a chance, and that has completely changed my life as I stand here today,” Acton said.

“I’ve been in the criminal justice system for a very long time before this job, and I have seen spectacular success stories,” said Judge Sharon Arnold Kanter with the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Mental Health Court is one of diversion programs from incarceration in Cook County. There is also Drug Court and Veterans Court.

“I am overwhelmed this opportunity for her hoping for so much for her she’s come so far,” said Malcolm Acton, Rebecca Acton’s father.

In all, the program is giving second chances to 3,400 people and reducing the chance of repeat offenders.

“If there is anybody out there that is still struggling, that today can be the day to change your life, tomorrow is a new day,” Rebecca Acton said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, was shot dead by a masked assassin in Kyiv

Shock as Ukraine Special Ops Chief Is Assassinated with Silenced Pistol in Cold Blood

This is the chilling event where a leading Ukrainian special operations official…
Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Brazil over Bolsonaro presidential loss

Trump sets 50% tariffs on Brazil following Bolsonaro’s defeat in presidential race

The U.S. has had a trade surplus of more than $410 billion…
Police searching for man who allegedly kidnapped 3-year-old son in east Alabama

Authorities Seek Man Accused of Abducting His 3-Year-Old Son in East Alabama

AUBURN, Ala. (WIAT) — Auburn police announced that they are searching for…
Las Vegas woman describing shark attack in Florida.

Woman Attacked by Shark in Florida, Suffers Large ‘Barracuda-Sized Bite’ During Her First Visit

A VISITOR was severely injured when a shark bit her during her…
Protesters and federal agents clash during raid at Southern California farm

Clash Erupts Between Protesters and Federal Agents During Southern California Farm Raid

A clash broke out on Thursday involving protesters and federal agents conducting…
Federal audit of Rebuild Florida Program underway

Federal Review Begins for Rebuild Florida Initiative

The Deputy Inspector General for HUD discusses an audit of the Rebuild…

Hakeem Jeffries discreetly removes Instagram photos following Photoshop mishaps with his waistline

A TOP Democrat has been blasted for posting what appear to be…
Freed from ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil files $20 million claim against Trump administration

After Release from ICE Custody, Mahmoud Khalil Sues Trump Administration for $20 Million

In New York, Mahmoud Khalil sat in his apartment holding his 10-week-old…
Carol Reith arrested for animal cruelty, 52 dogs rescued from 200 block of Sky Hill Road, Wauconda police say

Wauconda Police Report: Carol Reith Detained for Animal Cruelty; 52 Dogs Rescued on Sky Hill Road

WAUCONDA, Ill. (WLS) — A woman was arrested for animal cruelty after…
Pennsylvania man who showed father's severed head on YouTube said he wanted to block him from being next Trump

Pennsylvania Man Displayed Father’s Severed Head on YouTube to Prevent His Political Rise

The Pennsylvania man accused of murdering his father and then uploading a…
Is Outlook down? Thousands of users report issues accessing their email

Is Outlook Unavailable? Numerous Users Experiencing Email Access Problems

NEW YORK — Thousands of Microsoft Outlook users experienced issues with the…
Satellite image of Ingram Dam in Ingram, Texas before flash flooding.

Before-and-After Photos Highlight the Devastating Impact of Texas Floods and the Heartbreaking Closure of Camp Mystic

SATELLITE images snapped before and after the Texas floods reveal the complete…