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
Trump and George Soros have this in common: Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent Highlights a Commonality Between Trump and George Soros

President Trump and left-wing billionaire George Soros have more similarities than previously…
FBI arrests self-proclaimed hate crime victim for allegedly setting deadly house fire

FBI Detains Alleged Hate Crime Victim Accused of Setting Fatal House Fire

The FBI in Houston, Texas, has recently reported the arrest of a…
Therapist sitting in front of hyperbaric chambers.

Therapist, 43, Tragically Perishes in Fiery Blaze Inside Oxygen Chamber After Sudden Fire at His Clinic

A PHYSICAL therapist has been burned alive inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber…
Las Vegas security guard Kegia Mitchell sentenced for killing customer Thomas Martin over COVID-19 protocols

Las Vegas Security Officer Kegia Mitchell Sentenced for Fatal Incident Involving COVID-19 Protocols

A security guard from Las Vegas received a prison sentence ranging from…
A Texas family clung to life on their roof, capturing the terrifying flooding in photos and video

Texas Family Documents Harrowing Flood Experience from Their Rooftop in Photos and Video

Jane Towler found herself awake in a small cabin by the Guadalupe…
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…
Texas flood: Search for missing flood victims is personal for local volunteers in Hunt

Search for Missing Flood Victims in Texas Becomes Personal for Hunt Volunteers

HUNT, Texas (KTRK) — Crews from various regions are aligning along the…
Damaged Camp Mystic mailbox in flood debris.

Heart-Wrenching Letters from Camp Mystic Kids Reach Families Days After Texas Floods Tragedy

Letters penned by young campers at Camp Mystic have begun reaching their…
Man wrestling a crocodile.

Outrage as Influencer Colton Macaulay Recklessly Confronts Dangerous Crocodile in Viral Stunt

THIS is the shocking moment influencer Colton Macaulay wrestles a deadly croc,…
Archaeologist unearths mysterious Christian settlement hidden away for centuries

Archaeologist Discovers Long-Lost Christian Settlement Hidden for Centuries

An archaeologist recently discovered what are likely the remains of a long-lost…
Trump calls Butler widow, Secret Service agrees to meeting after call for accountability

Trump Phones Widow of Butler: Secret Service Accepts Meeting Following Demand for Responsibility

The widow of Corey Comperatore, a victim of a shooting at a…
Chicago's 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. wants son to replace him in City Council after retirement, drawing criticism

Chicago Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. faces backlash for proposing his son as successor in City Council’s 27th Ward after retirement

The longest-tenured member of the Chicago City Council is stepping down at…