Social Services Program

Police Social Services Program

The Social Services Program of the Willowbrook Police Department provides specialized assistance to community residents beyond the traditional scope of police work. The program is operated by the department’s Police Social Worker (PSW). A Police Social Worker acts as a liaison between the police department, the community, and various social service agencies that serve Willowbrook residents.

While the PSW does not offer long-term counseling, they assess quality-of-life issues brought to the department’s attention, work to stabilize these concerns, and provide appropriate referrals and follow-up support to resolve the situation—or at minimum, help manage it moving forward.

Jacqueline Alcala, MSW serves as the Police Social Worker for the Village of Willowbrook.  PSW Alcala brings a diverse background in crisis intervention, clinical support, and corrections. She currently serves as a Crisis Case Manager with the Association for Individual Development’s Mobile Crisis Response Team, where she provides in-person crisis intervention and suicide risk assessments in coordination with 988, law enforcement agencies, and community partners.

Previously, she gained hands-on clinical experience as a Clinical Intern at 360 Youth Services, where she supported youth and families in crisis. In that role, she collaborated with schools and law enforcement to deliver coordinated, trauma-informed care.

 Before entering the field of social work, PSW Alcala worked in corrections with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Her responsibilities included overseeing daily operations in a high-security facility, managing the armory, and monitoring housing units. This experience gave her a deep understanding of the justice system and the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, reinforcing her commitment to rehabilitation, reentry support, and public safety.

 PSW Alcala holds a Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Forensic Social Work from Aurora University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is recognized for her compassion, professionalism, and strong commitment to public service.

Assessment/Evaluation

Services offered to referred individuals range from phone consultations to in-person assessments. Each assessment includes a careful review of the individual's psychosocial challenges and presenting concerns. Based on this evaluation, referrals are made to community resources best suited to address the individual’s needs. Typical referrals include:

• Alcohol and drug treatment programs
• Psychiatric evaluations or hospitalization
• Domestic violence shelters
• Financial assistance agencies
• Private or community mental health organizations

Cost of Services

All social services provided by the Willowbrook Police Department are free for Willowbrook residents. In crisis situations, non-residents who have had contact with the department may also receive services at no cost. These individuals are typically referred to appropriate resources within their home communities.

Crisis Assistance

Due to the nature of law enforcement, officers often encounter individuals or families in crisis—such as those facing a severe mental health condition or the loss of a loved one. The Police Social Worker is available to assist either in person or by phone, offering guidance and services as needed. For example, the PSW can help first responders or families with documentation and resources related to involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.

Networking with Community Resources

The Police Social Worker actively seeks to establish and maintain relationships with local social service providers to ensure community needs are met effectively. Agencies interested in the collaboration of resources can contact the PSW at 630-920-2435 or socialworker@willowbrook.il.us.

Types of Referrals

Services are not limited to victims of crime or trauma. A Police Social Worker may be involved in a wide range of situations, including:

• Mental health concerns
• Substance use issues
• Victim advocacy
• Neighbor disputes and mediation
• Hoarding situations
• Elderly assistance
• Youth-related services
• Domestic violence and Orders of Protection
• Bereavement support
• Short-term counseling
• Collaboration with other social service agencies
• Violent Crime Victim Assistance (VCVA)
• Safety planning, emergency shelter access, and protection orders