Navigating Illinois’ Problem-Solving Courts with Judge Holmgren and Matt Kinder

This episode of Justice Speaks continues our series of interviews with State Treatment Court Association leaders. Today, we interview Judge Janet Holmgren, the president of the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts, and Matt Kinder, one of the association’s conference coordinators. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Judge Holmgren, with an impressive 16-year tenure presiding over Problem-Solving courts, provides a unique perspective rooted in years of dedication. She discusses her early endeavors as the presiding judge in the juvenile abuse and neglect courtroom, focusing on rehabilitation and remediation, particularly concerning untreated or under-treated substance abuse and mental health concerns. It wasn’t until 2007, with her pivotal role in the adult Mental Health Court, that Judge Holmgren embraced a dedicated Treatment Court rotation, amplifying her commitment to transformative justice.

She emphasized the nuanced challenges of Mental Health Courts, contrasting them with their Drug Court counterparts, shedding light on these specialized courts’ intricate nature.

Meanwhile, Matt Kinder reveals that he is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 15 years of clinical practice. He became familiar with Problem-Solving Courts while working at an agency for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, many involved in Judge Holmgren’s mental health court. His subsequent role at the Illinois Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Justice saw him collaborate with Problem-Solving Courts statewide, providing tailored training and annual conference coordination. When funding for the Center ceased, the association entrusted him with the conference coordinator role.

Illinois’ Pioneering Spirit

Illinois emerges as an early trailblazer in Problem-Solving Courts, initiating its first adult Drug Court in the mid-1990s. Judge Holmgren highlighted 2013 as a landmark year, witnessing the merger of two organizations, birthing the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts. The consolidation heralded a unified training era, with the annual conference standing as its cornerstone, orchestrated by a devoted team of volunteers.

Annual Conference: A Union of Minds

As Mr. Kinder discusses, the annual conference has witnessed significant growth, culminating in a gathering of over 500 attendees in 2022. Spanning three days in October, the conference brings together national and local experts who offer their educational insights to the attendees. The evening networking session emerges as a highlight, advancing statewide connections and nurturing relationships vital for effective Problem-Solving courts. This session allows the attendees to make new contacts, renew previous connections, and share new ideas on ways to be more effective in the courtroom. 

Charting the Path Ahead

Peering into the future, Judge Holmgren envisions sustained conference growth, emphasizing Problem-Solving court team training needs. The board envisions bolstering its training capabilities and potentially hiring an executive director. One persistent goal revolves around training affordability, ensuring widespread access to expertise, while continuing a strong alliance with the state Supreme Court Administrative Office.

Navigating COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic’s unforeseen challenges demanded flexibility. Judge Holmgren lauds the association’s resilience, transitioning the 2020 conference to an online conference, guaranteeing statewide training access. This virtual adaptation persisted into 2021, returning to an in-person conference in 2022.

In conclusion, Judge Holmgren and Mr. Kinder emphasized collaboration and statewide support, as the cornerstones advancing Illinois’ Problem-Solving Courts towards a brighter future.

We wish to thank Judge Holmgren and Mr. Kinder for joining us on Justice Speaks.  We also wish to thank Reconnect for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Additional Resource

You can watch this interview by going to the Justice Speakers Institutes’ YouTube Channel or by clicking here.