The Supreme Court of Ohio’s Commission on Specialized Dockets recently voted in favor of recertifying the specialized dockets being operated under the leadership of Summit County Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio.
Local courts operating certified specialized dockets in Ohio are required to apply for recertification every three years, undergo a site visit, and provide specific program materials in response to certification standards that went into effect in January 2014.
Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulated Summit County Juvenile Court and Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio on achieving recertification.
“Specialized dockets divert participants toward criminal justice initiatives that employ tools and tailored services to treat and rehabilitate the participants so they can become productive members of society,” stated Chief Justice O’Connor. “Studies have shown this approach works by reducing recidivism while saving tax dollars.”
Specialized dockets are courts that are dedicated to specific types of participants and use a combination of different techniques for holding participants accountable while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior.
There are more than 210 specialized dockets in Ohio courts. The three specialized dockets being operated by Summit County Juvenile Court include:
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Crossroads: a specialized docket dedicated to cases involving youth who are participating in an intensive probation program for juvenile participants with mental health diagnosis, a substance use disorder or both (dual diagnosis).
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Family Reunification through Recovery Court: a specialized docket for court-involved families that address substance use and other family challenges for the purpose of family reunification.
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Restore Court: a specialized docket that exists to divert juvenile victims of human trafficking and those at high risk from the juvenile justice system to a safe, supportive, and comprehensive system of restorative care.
The standards provide a minimum level of uniform practices for specialized dockets throughout Ohio and allow local courts to innovate and tailor to meet their community’s needs and resources.
“I would like to thank the Commission on Specialized Dockets for once again finding our specialized dockets worthy of recertification,” stated Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio. “My administration values their ongoing support and oversight.”
The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team for implementing daily operations of the specialized docket. The team can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, and is headed by the specialized docket judge.
The Commission on Specialized Dockets has 22 members who advise the Supreme Court and its staff regarding the promotion of statewide rules and uniform standards concerning specialized dockets in Ohio courts; the development and delivery of specialized docket services to Ohio courts; and the creation of training programs for judges and court personnel. The commission makes all decisions regarding final certification.
For more information on the specialized dockets being operated by Summit County Juvenile Court, please click here...