BENTON – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says final work is being completed on an innovative partnership between the sheriff’s office, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and mental health provider, Centerstone.

Through this agreement, the sheriff’s office will provide temporary housing for up to 12 detainees who have been found unfit to stand trial and are awaiting transfer to a state inpatient forensic treatment program.

The program creates a unique relationship between partnering agencies to ensure that detainees receive comprehensive mental health and medical care while being housed locally.

The sheriff’s office remains committed to working with state and local partners to find innovative solutions that strengthen public safety and meet needs across Illinois.

The program is expected to launch early next year.