Optimism, doubt ahead of Johnson’s Treatment Not Trauma mental health plan

Belmont Cragin residents were filing into the cafeteria at Prieto Math and Science Academy last month to weigh in on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s signature plan to overhaul Chicago’s mental health system when they got unexpected evidence that the bold, still largely theoretical plan remains a focus at City Hall.

Into the school walked Johnson, an unannounced guest at the community forum, surrounded by a flock of leading administration officials.

“It’s one of our top priorities,” he told attendees...