Press Release |
Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced the appointment of William Steward III, Ph.D., as Acting Superintendent of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), effective Dec. 1, following the retirement of Superintendent Leonard Dixon.
Steward currently serves as Assistant Superintendent, a position he has held since May 2025. He brings more than 30 years of combined executive leadership and juvenile justice experience, including prior service as the JTDC’s Deputy Executive Director from 2005 to 2020, where he oversaw operations for the nation’s largest juvenile detention center and directed youth programming, staff training and compliance efforts.
Before returning to Cook County, Steward served as Deputy Director of Residential Services for the Dallas County Juvenile Department, where he managed a $30 million annual budget, supervised more than 300 staff and oversaw four residential programs serving adjudicated youth.
Chief Judge Beach said Steward’s experience will ensure continuity and stability during the leadership transition.
“Our priority is to provide a safe, structured and supportive environment for the young people in our care,” Chief Judge Beach said. “William Steward brings deep institutional knowledge, decades of leadership experience and a strong commitment to fairness, accountability and rehabilitation.”
As Acting Superintendent, Steward will oversee all aspects of the JTDC’s day-to-day operations, including staff supervision, youth programming, facility safety and coordination with court stakeholders and community partners.
Steward is a licensed childcare administrator and holds certification in Adult Mental Health First Aid USA. He also serves as a workgroup member of the Illinois Judicial College Committee on Probation Education (COPE), supporting statewide education and training initiatives.
Chief Judge Beach has also directed the Transition Working Group on the JTDC to continue its review of current policies, staffing models and communication practices. The group will provide recommendations to strengthen coordination, reinforce safety and support effective services for youth.
A search process for a permanent superintendent will begin in the coming weeks.
Media Contact: ocj.press@cookcountyil.gov
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