Press Release |
Elijah Bell, plagued by what he described as traumatizing abuse as a child, began getting into trouble at a young age. First it was stealing, and then drug use.
Bell, 55, is now sober, lives at a south suburban rehabilitation center and works in a garden. He is one of six graduates from the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Problem-Solving Courts who will be honored during a Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 1) ceremony in Markham.
The ceremony will celebrate graduates from the drug, mental health and veterans’ treatment courts – two from each court. Hosted by the Hon. Daniel E. Maloney, the ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. in the second-floor jury room at the 6th Municipal District Courthouse at 16501 Kedzie Parkway in Markham.
“[The abuse] affected everything about me,” said Bell, who grew up in Garfield Park. “I started having trouble with the law. I was running away from home, all sorts of stuff. I went to prison. I was getting addicted to drugs.”
Following his most recent arrest, Bell was referred to the Markham Mental Health Court, one of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s 20 Problem-Solving Courts. Also known as specialty or therapeutic courts, these courts help prevent high-risk, high-need individuals suffering from an underlying mental health, social or substance use disorder from becoming repeat offenders. Bell consented to a clinical assessment and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He volunteered to be linked to therapy and treatment through the program.
“I am proud of all of our graduates. They have shown hard work and determination in going through these programs,” said Judge Maloney, noting that this is the largest ceremony for the Markham courts. “I wish them success.”
The goals of Problem-Solving Courts are increased public safety for communities, increased treatment engagement by participants, improved quality of life for participants and more effective use of community-based resources that allow diversion from prison. To achieve these goals, programs provide counseling, treatment and intensive supervision. The programs usually take two years to complete, and are available to individuals charged with non-violent offenses.
“Our Problem-Solving Courts and Restorative Justice Community Courts provide help to individuals who need it and help to keep them out of the criminal justice system,” said Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans. “I congratulate all our Markham graduates who have begun new chapters of their lives under the guidance of Judge Maloney and other members of our team.”
Bell said he would recommend the Problem-Solving Courts to others with similar problems. A big step, for him, was to stop thinking of himself as a “victim,” and to take responsibility for his life.
“The difference is that you have to be willing to change – you have to be willing to take advice,” Bell said.
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