JUVENILE COURT SEEKING VOLUNTEERS 

The Summit County Juvenile Court is offering an opportunity for individuals to volunteer as a member of the Court’s Citizens Review Board. After candidates have successfully completed a background check, training will be provided by the Court. Board members are asked to review the status of children in the permanent custody of the Children Services Board.  The Citizens Review Board ensures that the needs of the children are being met and that Children Services is using reasonable efforts to facilitate the child’s permanency plan which is typically adoption. 

Board members review each case at least once every six months and more frequently, if necessary. The normal time commitment is a half-day twice a month and, initially, length of appointment varies from one to three years. The Board, in concert with the Magistrate, has the authority to issue orders during and after the review hearings to maintain the child’s welfare or permanency plan. 

The Citizen’s Review Board operates pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code and is supervised by Magistrate Rita Rochford under the direct authority of Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio. 

“This is a great chance to have a real impact on the lives of children,” said Judge Teodosio. “The Citizens Review Board gives the child another voice in the process of finding them a suitable, loving home. It’s a process we take very seriously and I hope there are more people in our community willing to help us help these children.” 

As noted in the Ohio Revised Code, volunteers should have some background in the areas of education, social services, medicine, psychology or related fields. 

Interested parties should contact Magistrate Rochford at 330-643-2963 or via e-mail at rrochford@cpcourt.summitoh.net.