OHIO, SUMMIT COUNTY SELECTED FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE GRANT 

Recently, the State of Ohio learned it was one of four states selected as a model state for the Models of Change Program coordinated by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice (NCMHJJ) and funded by a $100,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Previously, four other states were chosen to be part of the program. Twenty-one states applied for the latest grant opportunity.

The goal of the initiative is to develop innovative solutions and strategies to better address the mental health needs of youth in contact with the juvenile justice system. Models for Change seeks to accelerate progress toward a more rational, fair, effective and developmentally appropriate juvenile justice process.

The state was required to choose a county with which to collaborate and the state chose Summit County because of its wealth of social service agencies which network so well in enhancing, expanding and creating programs. The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board (ADM Board) is the hub of such collaboration.

In its grant application, the State specifically noted the Summit County Juvenile Court as an agent of progressive programming. It stated, “Under the leadership of Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio, the court is more than a mechanism of punishment for youthful offenders who enter the juvenile justice system. The court’s philosophy is to hold youth responsible for their actions, but also provide the proper programming and guidance for youth to turn their lives around and become productive members of society.”

The state also cited a specific program at the court that embraces the mission and goals of Model of Change: the Family Resource Center (FRC). Working with the county’s Department of Job and Family Services, the FRC offers youth and family strengthening services in the areas of teen pregnancy, school-to-work, re-entry into the community following commitment to a detention center and domestic violence.            

“This is an incredible opportunity for the Court and the county to continue to make a positive impact among at-risk youth and their families,” said Judge Teodosio.   

Additionally, Judge Teodosio and ADM Board Executive Director Donald C. Davies were named to be part of the State of Ohio Core Team that will work with the NCMHJJ and the seven other state teams to track progress and exchange methods and ideas. The initial meeting occurred October 30^th and 31^st in Washington, D.C. The other individuals that are part of the State of Ohio Core Team are Terre Garner of the Ohio Federation for Children’s Mental Health, Pamela Gulley from the Ohio Department of Mental Health, Joseph Krake of Mental Health Diversion Alternatives, Monique Marrow from the Department of Youth Services, Christine Raffaele from the Ohio Supreme Court, Joyce Starr from the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addition Services, Amy Swanson of Voices for Children and Gayle Channing Tenenbaum from the Public Children Services Association of Ohio.

The Summit County Home Team includes Sheriff Drew Alexander, Summit County Educational Service Center Superintendent Linda Fuline, Job and Family Services Director Sarah Kisner, Dr. Helen Kleminshaw, Joseph S. Kodish of the Legal Defender Office, Oriana House President James J. Lawrence, Family and Children First Council President Bonnie Pitzer, County Executive Russ Pry, Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer and Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh.

        “I think the selection of the State of Ohio for this grant is a testament to the state’s commitment to address issues involving our at-risk youth.” said Judge Teodosio. “That Summit County was chosen as the state’s model community only re-affirms that what we are doing to assist those facing difficult challenges is working.”