In the wee hours of the morning, Illinois’ General Assembly passed a FY2027 budget that includes $1.5 million dollars to extend the Pretrial Success Pilot Program! While we began this session with a call to fully fund this program statewide, we are still incredibly excited that we have another year ahead to demonstrate how this vital program can improve outcomes for people awaiting trial. 

The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice is incredibly thankful to our allies in the General Assembly who gave their all to keep this program alive. We also want to thank all of our partner organizations and the thousands of everyday people across the state of Illinois who raised their voices in support of this critical program. 

We look forward to working with the Illinois Department of Human Services and service providers to ensure that people awaiting trial in several Illinois counties will be able to access case management, mental health care, substance use treatment, transportation, and childcare services. By addressing the underlying challenges that may have brought people into contact with the criminal legal system in the first place, the Pretrial Success Grants Program can improve community safety and ensure people have the resources they need to succeed both during the court process and after their case concludes.

Finally, we are eager to document the positive impact of this program and ensure the Pretrial Success Grants Program is expanded statewide in 2028 so that all Illinois communities can benefit.