Juvenile Justice Center
Department Head
Honorable Judge Theresa Dellick
Mission Statement:
"Comprehensive Strategy is a planning process that guides communities in developing a strategic plan to prevent and control adolescent problem behaviors.
Comprehensive Strategy focuses upon reducing the prevalence of five adolescent problem behaviors: substance abuse, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and violence. The process examines risk factors, which research demonstrates, place youth at higher likelihood for developing these problem behaviors.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention developed Comprehensive Strategy. It is based upon the following five principles:
· Strengthen the family
· Support core institutions
· Promote delinquency prevention
· Intervene immediately and effectively when delinquent behavior occurs
· Identify and control the small group of serious violent offenders through a range of graduated sanctions (consequences)
Comprehensive Strategy is a data-driven, research based process. Communities that successfully complete Comprehensive Strategy are better positioned to receive future funding."
What We Do:
The Mahoning County Juvenile Court is dedicated to providing individualized justice for our children and to protecting the community, carefully balancing the interests of both. We believe there must be consequences for violations of the laws and that treatment begins with legal consequences. We intend these consequences to teach responsibility and accountability for one’s actions. Our goal is to rehabilitate, whenever possible, without endangering the public.
The Juvenile Court has exclusive original jurisdiction concerning any child who they allege to be a juvenile traffic offender or a delinquent, unruly, abused, neglected, or dependant child. The court also hears and determines any action involving the care and temporary or permanent custody of children. The court’s jurisdiction also includes resolving matters concerning parentage; child-support; visitation; adult behavior concerning the care and condition of a child; and, certain issues dealing with abortion.
In addition to probation and twenty four hour detention services, the Juvenile Court provides and/or supports many programs ranging from prevention to treatment.
Mahoning County Juvenile Court is an active member of the Ohio Family and Children First Initiative.