Monday, June 23, 2014
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The Juvenile Re-entry Specialized Docket of the Mahoning County Juvenile Court has earned final certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets.
To receive certification, the local court had to submit an application, undergo a site visit and provide specific program materials in response to certification standards that took effect in January.
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulated the court and Judge Theresa Dellick for receiving final certification.
“Specialized dockets have proven effective at addressing persistent criminal behaviors,” said Justice O’Connor. “Specialized dockets result in significantly lower recidivism rates, which means offenders become productive members of society, for which we all benefit.”
Specialized dockets are courts that are dedicated to specific types of offenses or offenders and use a combination of techniques for holding offenders accountable while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior.
There are more than 150 specialized dockets in Ohio courts that deal with issues such as drugs and alcohol, mental health, domestic violence and sex offenses.
“Re-entry is a specially designed program which involves intense intervention for juveniles and their families to help ensure a successful transition after a short placement in a residential facility,” Judge Dellick said.
“Those referred to the program are held responsible for their progress and completion of the program is required as part of the disposition process. This program provides a valuable service to individuals, families and society and the overall objective is to reduce recidivism.”