JOLIET, Ill. (WAND) – A new facility for mentally ill offenders is on track to open in 2019.
The Illinois Department of Corrections and Capital Development Board are working together on opening a $150 million Inpatient Treatment Center in Joliet. IDOC Director John Baldwin says the final product should be a “national model” for handling mental health treatment in corrections.
“An increasing number of individuals with mental illness are being sentenced to us, and we must provide the highest level of comprehensive care possible to ensure their success,” he said.
The facility, which will take up 180,000 square feet of space in the same area as the Joliet Treatment Center, is expected to serve just over 200 people. It will employ more than 400 professionals to help with operations.
“Mental illness is a serious public health issue that impacts families across our state,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner. “We’re working every day to make sure people have access to the treatment they need to cope and be whole. And, we’re making sure our correctional staff has the training they need to better understand mental illness, recognize when someone is in distress, and diffuse the situation in a positive way. This new facility will only enhance our efforts and lead to more productive outcomes.”
The CDB is looking through proposals for a design-build team through Aug. 29. The group selected will work on design and head construction efforts. Project leaders project the project to break ground in the spring of 2019.
The facility will also be home to a new administration building and utility plant.
