From the McHenry County Circuit Court:
SAMHSA Rescinds Termination of Federal Drug Court Funding for 22nd Judicial Circuit
WOODSTOCK, IL – The 22nd Judicial Circuit has received official notification from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) rescinding its prior termination of federal funding for the Circuit’s Drug Court Program.
The earlier termination notice, communicated on January 13, 2026, has been formally withdrawn pursuant to federal regulation, and the award will remain active under its original terms and conditions.
This restores the $1 million funding over the course of the next four years.
As a result of this action, the 22nd Judicial Circuit’s Drug Court Program will continue operating as outlined in its existing award agreement, allowing uninterrupted delivery of evidence-based treatment, supervision, and accountability services for justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders.
“This is welcome news for our court, our justice partners, and most importantly the individuals and families served by this program,” said Dan Wallis, Trial Court Administrator for the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
“We are pleased that the administration reversed course and restored not only our grant, but Drug Court grants nationwide, so that clinicians, probation officers, and treatment providers can remain focused on the important work they do every day in our communities.”
The Drug Court Program represents a collaborative effort among the judiciary, probation, treatment providers, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and community partners.
Federal funding through SAMHSA supports staffing, treatment services, and program infrastructure that promote public safety, accountability, and reduced recidivism.
Court leadership worked closely with the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts and justice partners throughout the past several days to assess the potential impacts of the initial notice and to ensure readiness to respond under any scenario.
“The 22nd Circuit would like to recognize and hank the McHenry County Board, the Mental Health Board, the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts and our Justice Partners for the swift and thoughtful response which would have allowed our Problem-Solving Courts to continue their work despite the grant revocation.
Problem-Solving Courts save lives and make our communities safer. Period.
Situations like this underscore the reality that our leadership in McHenry County recognizes this and will do what is necessary and appropriate to continue to serve the needs of our entire county,” stated Chief Judge Michael W. Feetterer.
The 22nd Judicial Circuit remains committed to administering fair, effective, and treatment-informed justice in service to the residents of McHenry County.
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The $1 million provides about 20% of the cost of operating the Drug Court.
