The Franklin County Jail has launched a mental health program aimed at inmates with serious mental illnesses. This program specifically targets individuals who have been deemed unfit to stand trial. Sheriff Kyle Bacon stated that the initiative aims to provide specialized mental health care for criminal offenders in southern Illinois, reducing the need for them to seek care outside of their region.
Read More
Months after its inception, the program has successfully filled 12 dedicated slots for participants, consistently receiving referrals from neighboring counties. The primary objective is to ensure that inmates receive adequate mental health treatment within a secure environment, helping them regain competency for their court proceedings.
Sheriff Bacon noted that the program offers structured support for detainees facing significant mental health challenges while in custody. The initiative is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, covering staff, medication, and treatment costs. According to Sheriff Bacon, this program has become an essential resource for the entire southern Illinois region.