Summit County, Ohio: Presiding Judge Susan Baker Ross’ Valor Court has earned final certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets.
To receive the certification, Judge Ross submitted an application, underwent a site visit, and provided specific program materials in response to certification standards that went into effect in January 2014.
“It is an honor to work with my Team to help our veterans overcome the challenges that landed them in our justice system. While this Court has been in place for over ten years, this is my first certification as the Presiding Judge since Judge Jones blessed me with taking over for her. I am grateful for the opportunity to be of service.” Said Judge Ross.
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy congratulated Judge Ross and her Re-Entry Court team for receiving final certification.
“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. There are 258 certified dockets in Ohio courts with expertise in areas such as:
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Mental Health
Domestic Violence
Human Trafficking
Veterans Issues
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.
The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team to implement daily operations of the specialized docket. The team is headed by the specialized docket judge and can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, and more.
The Commission on Specialized Dockets has 22 members to advise the Supreme Court and its staff regarding the 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.
###