Illinois would pay sheriffs when state mental health placements are delayed

The Department of Human Services would pay sheriffs for defendants’ care. This would cover defendants awaiting court-ordered inpatient mental health treatment through the department. Payment would follow the sheriff’s terms and include housing and mental health services. The placement deadline would run from the clerk’s sending of the order. Paid days would run from the defendant’s 21st day in the sheriff’s custody.

Sheriffs would receive protection from being held legally responsible for problems during extended custody. The protection would cover sheriffs holding defendants who are awaiting placement for court-ordered inpatient mental health treatment. The protection would apply after the defendant’s 20th day in the sheriff’s care.

Sheriffs would ask when treatment space will be available and whether other secure facilities have room. This would cover defendants awaiting court-ordered inpatient treatment through the Department of Human Services. These rules would not require admission within 60 days or court updates every 30 days. The inquiry would be required if no notice of available placement arrives within 45 days after the clerk sends the placement order.