Summit County, Ohio – The HOPE Court Program of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas has earned final recertification from the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Specialized Dockets.
To receive the recertification, a local court submits a detailed application, undergoes a visit and report on its practices, and provides specific program materials in response to certification standards that went into effect in January 2014. HOPE Court is honored to receive recertification for the program which was created in 2018 by Judge Alison Breaux.
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy congratulated Judge Breaux and HOPE Court for meeting the standards required for final recertification.
“Specialized dockets offer an alternative to incarceration, and reflect a community’s belief in second chances,” said Chief Justice Kennedy. “They focus on people who are willing to work to
overcome the personal challenges that led to their involvement in the justice system. The court and community partners work together to supervise treatment, training, and support, providing local solutions to local problems under leadership of the local court.”
Courts with specialized dockets address specific treatment needs of people who are charged with a variety of offenses using recommended best-practices that focus on offender accountability, behavior change and recovery.
The certification standards provide a minimum level of uniform practices for specialized dockets throughout Ohio and allow local courts to innovate and tailor programs to meet their community’s needs and resources.
HOPE Court is Summit County’s first and only felony Mental Health Court and is dedicated to assisting individuals with severe mental health diagnoses navigate the court system while establishing stability, recovery and success.
“Recertification of HOPE Court stands as proof that the justice system can be both firm and compassionate, while reducing recidivism, restoring dignity and improving lives,” said Judge Breaux, “and when our participants have the desire and will for change, and we have the resources and a supportive team, we can help turn a moment of crisis into a path toward stability and success.”
The recertification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team to implement daily operations of the specialized docket. HOPE Court is headed by Judge Breaux and includes licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, attorneys and other dedicated team members.