An interdisciplinary researcher-practitioner partnership: lessons and perspectives from researchers and problem-solving court personnel
Visit Criminal justice Studies
An interdisciplinary researcher-practitioner partnership: lessons and perspectives from researchers and problem-solving court personnel
Stacy DewaldLaura HoneggerMitch CrandallJaclyn Hilderbrand SopcicScott DuBoisa Department of Criminal & Social Justice, University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL, USAb Department of Sociology & Criminology, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USAc Department of Social Work, University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL, USAd Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, Joliet, IL, USAStacy Dewald is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was an assistant professor in Criminal and Social Justice at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois during the partnership with the Will County Problem-Solving Courts. She has a PhD in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to joining academia, she worked as a legal investigator with a Public Defender’s office. Dr. Dewald’s research interests include policing, sexual assault, and problem-solving courts.Laura Honegger is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL, USA. Her areas of research include the intersection of the criminal justice and mental health systems, evidence-based criminal justice diversion programs, mental health disparities, and family violence. Prior to working in academia, she provided counseling and case management to individuals with serious mental health and substance use issues who were in frequent contact with the justice system. Dr. Honegger is a licensed clinical social worker and is a co-founder and co-director of the Interdisciplinary Research on Justice Initiative.Mitch Crandall began his career as an Adult Probation Officer in Stephenson County, Illinois before moving to the Will County Problem-Solving Courts program where he has held several positions including Data and Assessment Specialist, Case Manager, and Grant Coordinator. Mitch received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University, a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from College of DuPage, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Aurora University.Jaclyn Hilderbrand Sopcic is an Assistant State’s Attorney in Grundy County, Illinois. For 4.5 years she was the Lead Prosecutor for Will County’s Felony Problem Solving Courts. ASA Sopcic earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and her Juris Doctor Degree at Chicago-Kent College of Law. She is passionate about research-based advocacy for substance use disorders, problem-solving courts, and peer recovery support specialists.Scott DuBois serves as the Problem Solving Court Coordinator for the Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois. He completed his Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology and Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, Illinois.