- Published: Monday, March 18, 2019 01:27 PM
JOLIET — State Senator Pat McGuire spoke before those gathered at a long-awaited groundbreaking of the new In-Patient Treatment Center to be co-located on the grounds of the existing Joliet Treatment Center in a ceremony this morning.
“My hometown of Joliet has been home to state correctional facilities over a span of three centuries. The oldest facility is the Joliet Correctional Center, built in 1858. In a building there called 'north seg,' the statement of faith 'It is never too late to mend' is set in tile in the main entrance floor,” McGuire said.
“We know that dictum is true for individuals. Today's groundbreaking demonstrates that it is true for our state, as well. Illinois is setting right its treatment of offenders with mental illness.
“I thank all who are cooperating in this project, especially Director John Baldwin and his DOC team.”
McGuire has for years focused efforts on bringing the facility to Joliet, including helping to secure the plans and state appropriations for the planned 180,000-square-foot, $150 million facility. The project will be one of the largest state construction efforts in recent years. The 200-bed inpatient treatment center is designed to accommodate male and female inmates and is expected employ more than 400 staff, including physicians, nurse practitioners and licensed psychologists.
