State’s Attorney Glasgow Announces That 20 Problem Solving Court Participants Graduate In Three Ceremonies Held This Week

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January 22, 2021

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that 20 individuals from Will County’s Problem Solving Courts graduated in three separate ceremonies this week, during which family members watched via Zoom.

“These individuals are graduating during an unprecedented time,” Glasgow said. “Substance abuse has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic as people try to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. The ceremonies held this week are a testament to the commitment of these graduates who have persevered on their paths to a better, more productive life despite the challenges posed as a result of Covid.”

The graduation ceremony for eight Mental Health Court participants, who hail from Joliet and Braidwood, was held January 19. On January 20, two ceremonies took place – one for four ARI graduates from Joliet, Braidwood, and Romeoville, and another for eight Veterans Court participants who are from Joliet, Richton Park, Lyons, and Oak Forest. During the Veterans Court ceremony, Chief Judge Daniel Rippy was honored for his dedication to the Problem Solving Courts. Associate Circuit Judge Harvey presided over all three graduation ceremonies.

Glasgow played an integral role in creating each of Will County’s four Problem Solving courts. He spearheaded the creation of the Drug Court – Will County’s first Problem Solving Court – when he wrote and administered the grant that funded its formation. Along with Will County Chief Judge Gerald Kinney, Glasgow established the Mental Health Court in 2010. He also petitioned for the formation of the Will County Veterans Court, and wrote and obtained the grant for the Redeploy Illinois Court to steer qualifying repeat offenders away from prison and into gainful employment.

In addition, Glasgow established three residential facilities to further help Problem Solving Court participants on the path to reentry. The Miller Taylor House and Julie Ann House provide temporary housing, and the Connor Kelly Residence which opened in 2019 provides longer-term transitional housing.

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