Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court Marks 25 Years, Celebrates 13 New Graduates
On October 8, 2025, the Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court (DRC) held a special graduation ceremony at Kane County Branch Court to honor 13 graduates and commemorate 25 years of problem-solving courts in Kane County. The event highlighted Kane County’s leadership in specialty courts, making it one of only two counties in Illinois to establish all four treatment-focused programs:
Drug Rehabilitation Court (est. 2000)
Treatment Alternative Court for mental health (2006)
Veterans Treatment Court (2018)
DUI Treatment Court (2023)
Drug courts, also known as treatment or specialty courts, aim to reduce substance use disorder and related crimes in the community. For the graduates, the ceremony marked the completion of an intensive, judicially supervised, treatment-focused probation program. Participants complete a rigorous 24–36 month program under the guidance of Judge Christine Downs and a multidisciplinary team, including treatment partners, probation officers, law enforcement, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Kane County Public Defender’s Office.
“These courts are effective in reducing recidivism by providing the opportunity for real, long-lasting change in the lives of the graduates,” said Judge Downs. “We are grateful to our community partners for their support of all of the treatment courts in Kane County.”
During the ceremony the graduates shared their achievements with family, friends and supporters through pre-recorded interviews highlighting each participant’s journey.
Program requirements for Drug Rehabilitation Court include:
Employment, school enrollment, or community service
Completion of substance abuse treatment and other recommended therapies
Regular and random drug testing
Frequent court appearances for progress review
Home visits and regular contact with probation officers
Payment of restitution, fines, and fees
Each graduate’s story was unique, yet all shared a common thread: the courage to overcome addiction and reclaim their lives.
Since its inception, more than 750 individuals have successfully completed the Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court program.
Learn more about Kane County’s specialty courts at courtservices.countyofkane.org/Pages/Specialty-Courts.aspx
