MAHONING COUNTY Court receives funds for local services

The funding can be used for alternatives to incarceration.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Juvenile Court was awarded $222,000 Wednesday from the Ohio Department of Youth Services' RECLAIM Ohio program.
Judge Theresa Dellick received a check from Geno Natalucci-Persichetti, ODYS director, during a ceremony at the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center.
RECLAIM Ohio is a funding initiative that encourages courts to develop or buy a range of community-based options to meet the needs of each juvenile offender.
Local courts may use the money for incarcerating youths in a state facility or for programs that provide alternatives to incarceration.
Choices
Because the financial power is in the judges' hands, they are free to make the treatment decision that is in the best interests of the youth and the community, Natalucci-Persichetti said.
He said Judge Dellick has implemented several programs during her tenure that have helped reduce the number of youths who are locked up, looking instead to rehabilitate them locally if possible.
Natalucci-Persichetti complimented the judge for making positive changes in the court and being committed to effective programs.
Natalucci-Persichetti was the guest speaker for a graduation ceremony for the court's residential and day-treatment programs. Three youths were honored for completing the residential program and seven for the day-treatment program.
bjackson@vindy.com