Drug Court Returns To Pike County, Illinois After Nearly Decade-Long Absence

PITTSFIELD — Drug Court is officially back in Pike County, Illinois after being absent for nearly a decade.

Pike County authorities announced Wednesday that the program has been successfully reestablished. The county was once a pilot site for drug court in 2003, but the program was discontinued in 2017 after a local treatment provider shut down.

Judge Zachary Boren is presiding over Pike County Drug Court. The state granted conditional certification in September 2025, and full certification was granted Wednesday, June 10.

The program is designed to address substance use disorders through treatment, accountability and rehabilitation. Drug courts are generally aimed at eligible non-violent offenders and provide intensive, court-supervised addiction treatment instead of a strictly traditional sentencing path.

Brittany Taylor, Pike County Drug Court Coordinator with the Pike County Probation Department, said the program has already begun working with participants and is intended to support long-term recovery while also strengthening public safety.

A key part of the local program is a partnership with Clarity Healthcare, which has established a local Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program within Pike County.

Officials say that partnership expands access to evidence-based treatment services for people working through recovery.

The Pike County Drug Court team includes the judiciary, law enforcement, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the Probation Department and treatment providers.

Officials say community support will also be important. Local businesses, civic organizations, faith communities and community leaders are being invited to learn more about the program and support participants through sponsorships, employment and mentorship opportunities.