Lorain County Domestic Relations Court The Court Lorain

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Lorain County Domestic Relations Court The Court Lorain County Justice Center 225 Court Street

Lorain County Domestic Relations Court The Court Lorain County Justice Center 225 Court Street 2 nd and 4 th Floor Elyria, Ohio 44035 Off Site Locations Juvenile Facilities Complex: Pathways, 1076 Infirmary Road Stepping Stone, 1064 Infirmary Road Turning Point, 1080 Infirmary Road Multi-Purpose/Administration, 1070 Infirmary Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 Boys and Girls Detention Home, 9967 S. Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035 http: //loraincounty. com/domesticrelations/

JUDGES Judge Debra Boros (retiring as of 12/31/16) Judge Frank Janik Judge Lisa Swenski

JUDGES Judge Debra Boros (retiring as of 12/31/16) Judge Frank Janik Judge Lisa Swenski New Judge coming in January 2017

Mission Statement n n The primary goal of the Juvenile Court is to reform

Mission Statement n n The primary goal of the Juvenile Court is to reform and deter delinquent behavior. Unlike the adult system, punishment is not the focus. Serve the citizens of Lorain County in a fair and timely fashion Provide “best practice” solutions and programming to families.

How can the public access court services? n Unofficial Complaints -These “pink” sheets can

How can the public access court services? n Unofficial Complaints -These “pink” sheets can be submitted by parents/legal guardians or members of the community (School Officials, LCCS, Probation Officers). - Reviewed by the Intake Department for consideration of a STATUS offense. - If complaint includes element of a crime, it will be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for review. - However, the Prosecutor’s Office is reluctant to file a delinquency charge solely based on a citizen complaint. Police should be called for community incidents (ex. : neighbors disputes and foster parent concerns)

Police/Law Enforcement The majority of complaints in Juvenile Court result from police reports. Police

Police/Law Enforcement The majority of complaints in Juvenile Court result from police reports. Police can refer a juvenile to the Court by certifying their reports to either: - Lorain County Juvenile Court for “Status” offenses (Violations of Probation, Violations of Parole, Tobacco Violations, Curfew, Unruly/ Ungovernable) OR - Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office for Delinquency offenses.

School to Court Referrals n n n n School officials can officially refer the

School to Court Referrals n n n n School officials can officially refer the child after 5 unexcused absences. Attendance Officers will investigate, monitor the attendance and provide interventions to address issues that interfere with attendance. Conferences are held by the Attendance Officers with the child, parent, principal and/or the superintendant (through a step-by-step process) Officers will prepare the case for prosecution after 15 unexcused absences. Prosecution of parent and/or child will be determined by the Lorain County Prosecutor. The Attendance Officers may utilize Pro-Se Mediation through the Court’s Mediation Program. If the child is over the age of 10, mediation is between the parent and child. If under the age of 10, the Attendance Officer develops a case plan for the parent. Families may also be referred for In-Home Behavioral Therapy (IHBT) through a local provider

Contact Information Court Attendance Officers Dale Bruder (440) 326 -4875 (Lorain County JVS, North

Contact Information Court Attendance Officers Dale Bruder (440) 326 -4875 (Lorain County JVS, North Ridgeville, Wellington, Firelands, General Johnnie Wilson) Jesse Ball (440) 326 -4877 (Midview, Sheffield/Sheffield Lake, Keystone, Columbia) All attendance officers will serve the following: Lorain County Academy, Education Alternatives, PEP (Positive Education Program) @ Willow Creek Brandy Signor (440) 326 -4864 (Oberlin, Clearview, Avon Lake) Misty Cain (440) 326 -4872 (Lorain City: Longfellow, Admiral King Elementary, Toni Morrison, Frank Jacinto, Palm, Hawthorne) Owen Kearney (440) 326 -4871 (Lorain City: New Beginnings Academy, Washington, Larkmoor, Garfield, Helen Steiner -Rice, Dohonas) Janina Simmons (440) 326 -4879 (Elyria Schools except Middle & High Schools) Attendance Program Contacts Donna Rivera Wells Program Manager (440) 326 -4874 Jay Grunda, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office (440) 329 -5397

Legal Process Complaint is Alleged / Police Report is Filed Child is admitted into

Legal Process Complaint is Alleged / Police Report is Filed Child is admitted into the DH; Charges are filed by the Prosecutor’s Office and a hearing is held within 24 hours to advise parent/child of the charges and their legal rights Child is not admitted into the DH; Charges are filed officially by the Prosecutor’s Office Given a summons to appear at a future Court date. Child is not charged officially and may be given an opportunity to complete a Diversion Program

Youth ADMITS to the charges as alleged in the Complaint Case may be referred

Youth ADMITS to the charges as alleged in the Complaint Case may be referred to the Investigation & Referral Team for case plan & recommendations The Court may impose an immediate dispositional order (probation, Comm. service, Counseling) Youth DENIES the charges as alleged in the Complaint Case will be set for Pre-Trial, an attorney may be requested, matter continued. Youth may be released from the DH pending Pre-trial; may be placed on In-Home Detention for Supervision.

Referred for evaluations (Psychological, Psychiatric, D/A, IQ) Referred for possible out-of-home placement Referral to

Referred for evaluations (Psychological, Psychiatric, D/A, IQ) Referred for possible out-of-home placement Referral to the I&R Team Present the case to the Children’s Continuum of Care Committee at LCBMH Referral to most appropriate program to address needs & risk

Contact Information n Investigation Team & Referral Jean Frantz, Prog. Manager: (440) 329 -5252

Contact Information n Investigation Team & Referral Jean Frantz, Prog. Manager: (440) 329 -5252 Heather Rider, Education-Prevention Specialist: (440) 329 -5249 Erica Szilagyi, Case Planner: (440) 329 -5656 Jim Carroll, Case Planner: (440) 328 -2212 Giovanna Reising, Case Planner: (440) 329 -5730 Jennifer Drake, Case Planner: (440) 329 -5603

Responsible for DH admissions 24 hrs/day (determining remand/denial, possible Turning Point admission, speaking w/

Responsible for DH admissions 24 hrs/day (determining remand/denial, possible Turning Point admission, speaking w/ law enforcement) Intake Department Conducts Detention Home hearings (within 24 hours) for youth who have been remanded Refers youth to I&R; In-home Detention; Parenting programs and any other program as deemed appropriate

Domestic Relations. Juvenile Division Community Intervention Program General Probation Sex Offender Unit General Community

Domestic Relations. Juvenile Division Community Intervention Program General Probation Sex Offender Unit General Community Control Monitored Time Specialized Services Specialized Dockets Family Drug Court Juvenile Mental Health Court MI-DD & Bellefaire JOP Juvenile Drug Court Success For Youth

Community Control n Juveniles placed on General Community Control are assigned a community control

Community Control n Juveniles placed on General Community Control are assigned a community control officer (CCO). The officer monitors the juvenile's compliance of court orders and case plan through contact with the juvenile, school officials, parents and other people significant in the juvenile's life. n The juvenile and family will be responsible to complete case plan components and follow all rules of community control. The Officer is responsible to make reports to the Court regarding the youth's progression. Rewards and sanctions are administered through continual oversight of the juvenile's progress. n In addition to supervising the youth placed on probation, CCO's assist families in accessing community services, provide security for the Court operations, and assist in collecting information for the Investigation and Referral Team. Monitored Time n While on Monitored Time, the youth will not get direct services from a CCO, but will be required to report to the Community Control department on a predetermined basis. Two Inside CCOs are responsible for this caseload. They will make follow up phone contacts with the youth, parents, and others and report to the Court the progression of the youth. These CCOs also track continued cases and do initial interviews of youths and families referred for additional Court services. n Additional responsibilities of the CCO include tracking continued cases, notifying all parties of hearings, providing security services for the Court, participating in meetings with outside agencies, and assisting families in accessing community services. General Community Control Officers would also provide supervision for those adults placed on supervision for Contributing to the Unruliness or Delinquency of a Minor.

Community Control Sex Offender Program n Juveniles adjudicated delinquent for a sexual offense are

Community Control Sex Offender Program n Juveniles adjudicated delinquent for a sexual offense are referred for a sex offender risk assessment. The assessment determines appropriate recommendations, with options including community treatment, out-of-home placement, or commitment to the Ohio Department of Youth Services. For juveniles who remain in the community, the Community Control Officer (CCO) will design safety plans to provide adequate supervision of the offender and protection for the victim and the community. n Offenders participate in individual and/or group therapy with local agency treatment providers. The CCO maintain frequent contact with the treatment providers to share information, observations, and interventions. Programming lasts between 18 and 24 months. n Based on age and type of offense the Court may classify an offender as a Sexually Oriented Offender Registrant based upon JSORN- Juvenile Sex Offender Registration and Notification laws. Community Intervention Program n The Community Intervention Program (CIP) provides intensive supervision and services to juveniles placed into the program by a Judge or Magistrate as a disposition when adjudicated delinquent for a criminal offense. Juveniles in the program are supervised daily through electronic monitoring, in home meetings, and random site visits at school and work places. n Juveniles placed in the program have a prescribed case plan based on identified needs and problems. The program participant is expected to participate in groups for anger management, character development, and employment skills. Youth ordered into CIP are required to participate in community service and recreational activities to assist in building appropriate social skills. When indicated, program participants will be referred to community providers for mental health

Community Control Mentally Ill - Developmentally Disabled Caseload n Juveniles who are lower functioning

Community Control Mentally Ill - Developmentally Disabled Caseload n Juveniles who are lower functioning and/or have a significant mental health diagnosis are placed on this specialized caseload. These juveniles usually already have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), psychiatric and psychological treatment services, and/or in-home counseling in place prior to Court involvement. They will often need additional assessments, hospitalizations, and other intensive services due to their delinquent actions. n The Community Control Officer (CCO) provides close supervision and facilitates communication between community service providers, the family, and the Court. This facilitation is vital in identifying and overcoming barriers, recognizing progress, and resolving problems of the child and family. Bellefaire / JOP n The Juvenile Offender Project (JOP) is a collaborative effort between the Court, Integrated Services Partnership of Lorain County, the Board of Mental Health, and Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau. This partnership provides an extensive assessment and psychological evaluation for juveniles currently involved with the Court, primarily for offenses of violence that have exhibited significant mental health issues. Bellefaire's evaluation is comprised of multiple testing tools, an assessment of the family, and charts and reports from previous service providers and school systems. Community Resources are recommended and services put in place to assist the juvenile and family. Bellefaire also provides a JOP / residential bed when the need for inpatient treatment is indicated. n A Court employee is designated to monitor and assist in the components of the case plans. The Court staff monitors and documents all contacts with the juvenile and family, attends staff meetings, makes home visits, participates in JOP /4 -C Cluster reviews, and provides transportation services. The MI/DD Community Control Officer works closely with the JOP

Additional Programming Success For Youth n Success for Youth was funded through Reclaim Ohio,

Additional Programming Success For Youth n Success for Youth was funded through Reclaim Ohio, to provide skill development for lower functioning, delinquent youth. Programming offers an opportunity to learn social skills, computer training, and job skills to assist juveniles in obtaining employment and eventual independence. Success for Youth focuses on males and females from Elyria and Lorain, aged 15 - 17, who are experiencing difficulties due to their low level of intellectual functioning. n Catholic Charities collaborates with the Court to provide case management, social skills development, assistance with career development, computer skills and realistic job skills training that is designed to meet educational and employment needs, as well as personal development. Yes Program n The Youth Education Shoplifting Program (YES Program) is an educational, rehabilitative program offered to juveniles referred to Court for first time petty theft/shoplifting offenses. Participants are ordered into the program from both official and unofficial cases heard by the Diversion Specialist. Eduvention/Substance Abuse Education Program n The Court's Eduvention Program is designed to provide drug and alcohol education and information to juveniles, and parents, referred to the Court for misdemeanor alcohol or drug offenses. Juveniles and their parent/guardian can attend the four sessions of the program in lieu of a delinquency charge being filed. Eligible participants are typically, but not exclusively, first time offenders. n A community provider, at no cost to the participants, presents Eduvention off-site from Court operations. A screening instrument is administered to participants to determine the need for further assistance or treatment.

Contact Information n Chief Probation Officer Patricia Wilson (440) 326 -4888 n General Community

Contact Information n Chief Probation Officer Patricia Wilson (440) 326 -4888 n General Community Control/Sex Offender Unit Edward Moore – (440) 329 -5247 (Casework Supervisor) Jerome Fisher - (440) 329 -5702 - Lorain High, Clearview, General Johnnie Wilson, Vermilion Erin Phillips-(440)329 -5702 – Avon, A. Lake, Columbia, Firelands, Keystone, Midv. , N. Ridgeville, Well. Ex. ) Adam Kappa– (440) 329 -5543 – Elyria, Oberlin Andrea Delp – (440) 326 -4006 Sex Offenses: Jeff Keiper – (440) 326 -4891 n Monitored Time Probation Nancie Murello – (440) 329 -5245 (Supervisor) Chad Hambly– 326 -4885 Tim Workman – 329 -5194

Contact Information n Specialized Services Jennifer Kerns – (440) 328 -2213 (Supervisor) Success For

Contact Information n Specialized Services Jennifer Kerns – (440) 328 -2213 (Supervisor) Success For Youth: George Harris – (440) 326 -4884 MI/DD/JOP: Seth Riley– (440) 326 -4890 and Jim Rufo – (440) 329 -5248 n Community Intervention Program Tom Adelsberg, Prog. Mgr. – (440) 326 -4876 Maria Davis, Clerk – (440) 326 -4870 Alex Heier, CCO – (440) 326 -4847 Dominique Wilson, CCO – (440) 326 -4887 Micah Gibbs, Assistant – (440) 326 -4894 n Diversion Program Mildred Gonzalez – (440) 329 -5305 (Diversion Program Specialist) n Eduvention/Substance Abuse Education Program Lisa Drozdowksi – (440) 326 -4880 (Case Aide/Clerk) (until November 20, 2016) Erika Sugarman– (440) 326 -4880 (Case Aide/Clerk) (beginning November 20, 2016)

Specialized Dockets n Juvenile Drug Court -Rewards based program for juveniles who have been

Specialized Dockets n Juvenile Drug Court -Rewards based program for juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent and have significant drug and alcohol issues. -Weekly Court sessions to discuss progress and monitor school progress, drug/alcohol treatment needs, parental concerns and all other case plan components. -Parents of the youth in the program are held accountable for their own substance issues and encourage to attend treatment of their own, if deemed necessary. -Successful completion results in a graduation ceremony and dismissal of charges (via an agreement with the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office). n Family Drug Court -Family Drug Court assists clients of Lorain County Children Services (LCCS) who are drug/alcohol dependent and their children have either been adjudicated abused, neglected or dependent, or the clients are involved with LCCS on unofficial/In-Home cases. -Participation in Family Drug Court is voluntary, but expected once accepted in program. -Weekly court hearings as well as participation in any services deemed appropriate by the Drug Court Team. -The ultimate goals are for participants to retain or regain custody of their children, working towards completion of the case plan components, and maintaining sobriety. n Mental Health Court -A voluntary program that targets youth with serious mental health concerns. -Weekly Court sessions to discuss and monitor school progress, treatment needs, medication protocols, parental concerns and all other individual case plan components. -Focuses on improving the youth’s behavioral and emotional functioning and strengthens the family’s ability to care for the child within the home, reducing the risk for out of home placement. -Successful completion results in a graduation ceremony and dismissal of charges (via an agreement with the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office).

Residential Services Multi-Purpose Building (offices, meeting rooms, classrooms) Juvenile Facilities Complex Turning Point Shelter

Residential Services Multi-Purpose Building (offices, meeting rooms, classrooms) Juvenile Facilities Complex Turning Point Shelter Pathways Group Home for Girls & Stepping Stone Residential Center for Boys

Residential Services Pathways Group Home (for Girls) & Stepping Stone Residential Center (for Boys)

Residential Services Pathways Group Home (for Girls) & Stepping Stone Residential Center (for Boys) • Staff secure for youth ages 13 -17 • Licensed and monitored by the Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Services • 10 Females & 20 males are allotted in the Residential Phase of the program (21 weeks). • Transitioned back into the home through short-incremental visits, leading to an Aftercare phase (where youth is monitored on a regular basis when returned home). • Case plans address risk, needs, familial concerns, substance abuse, vocational skills and education. Turning Point Shelter • A non-secure residential facility providing short-term care (maximum 14 days) for 5 males and 5 females ages 12 -17. • 24 -hour supervision and guidance by trained child-care staff • A social worker provides support services to the juveniles and their families via program referrals. The goal is to assist the family in preventing further official court involvement. • Admissions to the shelter are approved by the Intake Department or via judicial orders.

Contact Information n In-Home Detention John Matakovich, Prog. Mgr. – (440) 326 -4017 TJ

Contact Information n In-Home Detention John Matakovich, Prog. Mgr. – (440) 326 -4017 TJ Staton, Asst. – (440) 326 -4016 n Juvenile Drug Court Jennifer Kerns, Program Supervisor – (440) 328 -2213 Dawn Lucey, CCO – (440) 326 -4886 Bryan Wootten, Assistant – (440) 326 -4072 n Family Drug Court Jennifer Kerns, Program Coordinator – (440) 328 -2213 Marci Murphy, Case Manager – (440) 329 -5698 Tiffany Perris, LCCS Caseworker for FDC cases – (440) 329 -5669 n Mental Health Court Jennifer Kerns, Program Coordinator – (440) 328 -2213 James Rosecrans, Ao. D Assessor - (440) 329 -5790 Jim Rufo, CCO – (440) 326 -4890 Elizabeth Wolanski, Bellefaire JCB, Clinicial Liaison for MHC – (440) 324 -5701 n Residential Facilities Michelle Grove, Program Supervisor/IV-E Coordinator – (440) 326 -4074 Matt Koch, CCO – (440) 326 -4075 Amanda Snider, CCO – (440) 326 -4073

Department of Support Services n n This department provides services and support to the

Department of Support Services n n This department provides services and support to the community and court staff. The department is comprised of the following: » » » The Pay-Back Program Community Service Program Voices for Children Assignment commissioners Juvenile clerks Systems management

Payback Program n The Pay-Back Program has 4 objectives: Ø Ensure the offender’s compliance

Payback Program n The Pay-Back Program has 4 objectives: Ø Ensure the offender’s compliance with Court orders Ø Provide a work experience that allows the offender to make restitution (allowable up to $500 on each case) Ø Provide victims with access to the Court for reasonable recourse Ø Facilitate communication between the Court and all involved parties: i. e. victims, prosecutors, insurance companies, etc. n Restitution collected: Ø Monies collected in 2015 : $32, 747. 97 Ø Work for Pay monies collected : $10, 959. 16 (a total of 1512 hours worked)

Community Service Program n The Program manager is creative in finding and developing sites

Community Service Program n The Program manager is creative in finding and developing sites for juveniles to fulfill their community service obligation. n Works closely with Probation, the Judicial staff, parents and the general public in monitoring and tracking completion of court ordered community service. n In 2015, 235 youth were ordered to complete community service. 127 of those successfully completed the program.

Voices for Children n Voices for Children’s purpose is to provide a guardian ad

Voices for Children n Voices for Children’s purpose is to provide a guardian ad litem (GAL) to the Court to advocate on behalf of the abused, neglected, and dependent children coming before it. n The GAL volunteer undertakes an investigation into the circumstances and family life of the child. They review records, interview parents, relatives and foster parents, talk to teachers, neighbors and most importantly, the child. n Upon completion of the investigation, the GAL appears in court, provides the information and makes a recommendation to the Court as to what course of action is in the best interest of the child.

Contact Information n Pay. Back Program (Restitution) Lisa Taliano, Program Manager: (440) 329 -5237

Contact Information n Pay. Back Program (Restitution) Lisa Taliano, Program Manager: (440) 329 -5237 n Community Service Program Lisa Taliano, Program Manager: (440) 329 -5237 n Voices For Children Timothy Green, Program Manager: (440) 329 -5556 Ed Wacker: (440) 329 -5158 Traci Stamco: (440) 329 -5197