Judge Charles Burns Briefly Discusses the Rehabilitative Alternative Probation Initiative or RAP Program

Charles Burns has been running the drug court program at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse for more than a decade. Through the Rehabilitative Alternative Probation Initiative or RAP program, he has served as a cheerleader and human crutch for several defendants struggling with substance abuse. Judge Charles Burns and his teams aid the participants of this program to positively navigate their road to recovery. The participants are also provided with the required housing and job opportunities under this program.

Judge Charles Burns offers valuable insight into the Rehabilitative Alternative Probation Initiative or RAP program

Rehabilitative Alternative Probation and Woman’s Rehabilitative Alternative Probation treatment courts are recognized as national mentor courts by the Bureau of Justice Assistance three times under the leadership of Charles Burns. He maintains an innovative approach towards inclusion and equity, criminal record relief, employment assistance and trauma-informed care, which majorly improves program outcomes. Charles Burns is such a dedicated veteran judge that he even provides his mobile phone number to the graduates of the Rehabilitative Alternative Probation Initiative or RAP program in order to lend a sympathetic ear.

If there are more judges like Burns who can oversee programs designed to deal with the root cause of varied crimes, like drug addiction, Cook County can become safer for everyone. The participants of the RAP program are provided with probation in exchange for a guilty plea to a felony drug charge. However, the participants might still end up in prison if they do not fulfill the requirements to graduate from the program, which has been in existence since 1998.

This program has been in existence for decades, and not all the participants graduate. A few relapse, and some of them go on to committing more crimes or end up dead. However, the overall success rate of the program is impressive. 85% of 2019 and 2020 RAP graduates are employed, and it is the successes that keep Charles Burns motivated to lead the program. In fact, the high success rate must be a strong incentive for public officials to expand drug court initiatives like RAP. If there are more judges like Burns in the Cook County who can oversee more programs aimed at dealing with the root cause of a large number of crimes, then the county would become a lot safer in general.

Many RAP participants do not graduate. Some relapse, and a few others even go on to commit more crimes. However, the overall success rate of the RAP program is quite high. 85% of 2019 and 2020 RAP graduates are employed, and it is such impressive victories that keep Burns and his team motivated. The success rate of the program should be a strong enough incentive for public officials to expand drug court initiatives like RAP.

Rehabilitative Alternative Probation is an alternative sentencing approach meant for people who have committed non-violent drug related offenses. RAP is a two-year felony drug treatment program that is focused on supporting people in their recovery from drugs and/or alcohol addiction. The program provides accountability, services and support to help participants in readjusting to the community as a sober and responsible individual. The RAP program has established community partnerships to assist participants with a range of important tasks, including locating and obtaining interim and long-term housing, as well as furnishing the newly obtained housing. The RAP program participants are also provided with the needed career employment and financial credit services, along with mental health counseling and trauma informed treatment. Upon graduation from the program, their probation is terminated satisfactorily, and their convictions expunged.

Drug courts in the United States are aimed at problem-solving rather than punishment. The enthusiasm and commitment maintained by Judge Charles Burns for the RAP program is needed across the country to help individuals struggling with substance abuse.