Chester Mental Health Center

The Chester Mental Health Center is the only State of Illinois' maximum security forensic mental health facility for those committed via a court order or deemed an escape risk. The facility is operated by the State of Illinois in Chester, Illinois, and is a part of the Illinois Department of Human Services, formerly the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. It is adjacent to the Menard Correctional Center. The other secure mental health center in Illinois is Elgin Mental Health Center, which houses women as well as men. Chester Mental Health Center is a men's facility.

History

The Board of Charities recommended a separate institution for the criminally insane as early as 1878. In 1879, the legislature authorized such a facility, but the appropriation was not used for this. In 1883, the governor again tried to fund a new institution, but there was disagreement over the site with both Springfield and Joliet as possibilities. In 1889, the legislature established the Asylum for Insane Criminals, and it received its first patients on November 2, 1891. W.T. Patterson transferred from the staff of Elgin State Hospital to become its first Superintendent. Control of the institution was placed with the Commissioners of the Southern Penitentiary at Menard. The original building on the penitentiary grounds was poorly constructed and was eventually torn down. A replacement was built on a separate campus near Chester, Illinois. When the Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities was abolished in 1909, the institute was reorganized and renamed Chester State Hospital effective January 1, 1910. In 1917, the Department of Public Welfare assumed responsibility for Chester State Hospital and retained control until the creation of the Department of Mental Health in 1961 (L. 1961, p. 2666). In 1975, the hospital changed its name to the Chester Mental Health Center.

Today

The hospital is primarily used to care for forensic patients who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity, those persons found unfit to stand trial, and those who cannot be housed in a less secure setting. The patients (not convicts, as they have not been sentenced to a correctional facility) are required by Illinois law to remain confined in a mental hospital for a period of time.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have specific information about the current status or developments related to the "Chester Mental Health Center" in today's era. However, I can provide you with some general information about mental health centers and how they typically function in modern times.

Mental health centers are facilities that provide a range of mental health services to individuals in need. These services may include:

• Crisis Intervention: Many mental health centers offer crisis intervention services to help individuals who are experiencing acute mental health crises. This can involve immediate assessment and stabilization of individuals in crisis.
• Outpatient Services: Mental health centers often provide outpatient services, including therapy and counseling sessions. These services are essential for individuals dealing with various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
• Inpatient Care: Some mental health centers have inpatient units for individuals who require intensive treatment and support. This is especially important for those with severe mental illnesses or who are at risk of harming themselves or others.
• Medication Management: Psychiatrists and other medical professionals at mental health centers can prescribe and manage medication for individuals with mental health conditions that may benefit from pharmacological treatment.
• Support Groups: Many mental health centers organize support groups for individuals with similar mental health challenges. These groups offer a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences and coping strategies.
• Community Outreach: Mental health centers often engage in community outreach efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and provide education on mental wellness.
• Telehealth Services: In recent years, many mental health centers have expanded their services to include telehealth options, allowing individuals to access care remotely, which became especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Research and Education: Some mental health centers are affiliated with academic institutions and engage in research to advance our understanding of mental health and develop better treatment approaches. They may also provide training for mental health professionals.

Attempted closing

In late 2011 Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn attempted to close down this facility, citing cost as the reason. However, it was decided that Chester Mental Health must remain open because there is no other maximum security mental facility to house people found unfit to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity in the state of Illinois.