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The Administration staff is comprised of culturally diverse employees in various fields of expertise for the efficient operation of the Juvenile Court and its departments. Judge Dellick and her staff are responsible to Mahoning County citizens by seeking, obtaining and securing outside funding sources through grants and foundation awards.
Responsibilities
A Case Manager daily monitors cases, processing all necessary elements and preparing for the next hearing without any unnecessary delays or continuances, i.e., competency reports, predisposition reports (PDR), evaluations, etc. Case Managers are responsible for all correspondence regarding each specific case, assisting magistrates in the courtroom and coordinating with internal departments and agencies in the community of various programs and services.
Case Managers ensure the case is processed properly working with the Clerk of Courts, and maintaining efficient case flow based upon the time established by the Supreme Court.
Contact Us
For more information, please call us at 330-740-2244, ext. 6529.
A Case Manager daily monitors cases, processing all necessary elements and preparing for the next hearing without any unnecessary delays or continuances, i.e., competency reports, predisposition reports (PDR), evaluations, etc. Case Managers are responsible for all correspondence regarding each specific case, assisting magistrates in the courtroom and coordinating with internal departments and agencies in the community of various programs and services.
Case Managers ensure the case is processed properly working with the Clerk of Courts, and maintaining efficient case flow based upon the time established by the Supreme Court.
Contact Us
For more information, please call us at 330-740-2244, ext. 6529.
The Judge and Deputy Clerk are prohibited by law from giving legal advice or assistance in preparing forms or other matters that come before the Juvenile Court. Ohio Revised Code Sections 2101.41, 2101.99 (C), and 4705.01”
Responsibilities
The purpose of the Clerk of Courts is to receive, examine and record all motions, orders, and other papers filed in each case; enters indexes, dockets and certifies all Judgment entries and Magistrate's Orders, Processes BCI forms for criminal cases, and collects all revenue relating to filing fees, court costs, bonds, fines, and forfeitures. The Clerk of Courts is responsible for transferring cases to other Courts and jurisdictions when required, process applications for Attorney Fees, process and finalize all judgment entries and magistrate's orders and dispose of all cases. Clerks assist the public with questions and filings on their cases.
Responsibilities
The purpose of the Clerk of Courts is to receive, examine and record all motions, orders, and other papers filed in each case; enters indexes, dockets and certifies all Judgment entries and Magistrate's Orders, Processes BCI forms for criminal cases, and collects all revenue relating to filing fees, court costs, bonds, fines, and forfeitures. The Clerk of Courts is responsible for transferring cases to other Courts and jurisdictions when required, process applications for Attorney Fees, process and finalize all judgment entries and magistrate's orders and dispose of all cases. Clerks assist the public with questions and filings on their cases.
The Mahoning County Juvenile Court has long recognized that youth who come into contact with the justice system frequently have a variety of mental health issues contributing to their system involvement. Additionally, a disproportionate number of the children and families we serve have been affected by trauma and loss. Recognizing that delinquency emerges from a variety of factors, and that successful treatment necessitates addressing underlying causes, we offer a several clinical services to assist youth and families.
The aim of Court provided clinical services is consistent with the Court’s overall philosophy of holding youth accountable for their actions, and ultimately reducing recidivism. For youth referred for ongoing counseling services, a thorough diagnostic assessment will be conducted to assist with developing an individualized treatment plan tailored to the youth’s unique needs. Diverse therapeutic techniques are utilized to address identified. In addition, for purposes of safety, the Court’s therapy staff is responsible for screening detained students and assisting with decisions regarding safety.
Clinical Services Department staff receive extensive training related to trauma and resiliency, as well as various therapy specializations. Specialized services for the assessment and therapeutic treatment of youth that have been adjudicated for sexual offenses is available through order of the court.
Community based services/programs will be explored to determine the most appropriate treatment setting and ensure continuity of care. It is important to note that during these processes, the need for the family/caretaker to take an active role in their child’s treatment cannot be overstated.
Who is eligible to participate?
Our services are available to any Mahoning County resident who is seeking help with their minor child(ren). Staff can assist with exploring the benefits and potential risks of services provided at the Court and help to determine the best option for you and your child.
Length of Program?
The length of treatment is determined by the service provided, the nature of the issues addressed, and the agreed upon treatment goals.
Any Program cost to Parents/Youth ?
There is no direct cost to youth or families.
Karen Guerrieri-Marr, LPCC/S, LICDC, SWA
Clinical Supervisor
330-740-2244 Ext. 6412
[email protected]
Michael Wilson, MSW, LSW
Justice Center Counselor
330-740-2244 Ext. 6586
[email protected]
Laura Blanco, LSW
Mediator and Parent Project Facilitator
330-740-2244, ext. 6401
[email protected]
Contracted Counselor
James DeLucia, LPCC/S
Owner and CEO
Innovation Counseling and Wellness Center
(330-333-9448)
[email protected] (business email)
[email protected] (court email)
The aim of Court provided clinical services is consistent with the Court’s overall philosophy of holding youth accountable for their actions, and ultimately reducing recidivism. For youth referred for ongoing counseling services, a thorough diagnostic assessment will be conducted to assist with developing an individualized treatment plan tailored to the youth’s unique needs. Diverse therapeutic techniques are utilized to address identified. In addition, for purposes of safety, the Court’s therapy staff is responsible for screening detained students and assisting with decisions regarding safety.
Clinical Services Department staff receive extensive training related to trauma and resiliency, as well as various therapy specializations. Specialized services for the assessment and therapeutic treatment of youth that have been adjudicated for sexual offenses is available through order of the court.
Community based services/programs will be explored to determine the most appropriate treatment setting and ensure continuity of care. It is important to note that during these processes, the need for the family/caretaker to take an active role in their child’s treatment cannot be overstated.
Who is eligible to participate?
Our services are available to any Mahoning County resident who is seeking help with their minor child(ren). Staff can assist with exploring the benefits and potential risks of services provided at the Court and help to determine the best option for you and your child.
Length of Program?
The length of treatment is determined by the service provided, the nature of the issues addressed, and the agreed upon treatment goals.
Any Program cost to Parents/Youth ?
There is no direct cost to youth or families.
Karen Guerrieri-Marr, LPCC/S, LICDC, SWA
Clinical Supervisor
330-740-2244 Ext. 6412
[email protected]
Michael Wilson, MSW, LSW
Justice Center Counselor
330-740-2244 Ext. 6586
[email protected]
Laura Blanco, LSW
Mediator and Parent Project Facilitator
330-740-2244, ext. 6401
[email protected]
Contracted Counselor
James DeLucia, LPCC/S
Owner and CEO
Innovation Counseling and Wellness Center
(330-333-9448)
[email protected] (business email)
[email protected] (court email)
Justice Center Policies Health & Behavioral Services Programs Staff Information Visitation
Mission
Protect the public; provide for those who appear before the Court using evidence-based methods to reduce recidivism, rehabilitate youth, and support families; comfort and care for victims; establishing and strengthening community partner relationships; and provide juvenile justice education to the community.
Vision
To provide a foundation for the youth, parents, and guardians of Mahoning County, and to build strong families and a caring, safe community.
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction extends to Mahoning County youth 17 and under. If the delinquent act was committed prior to the age of 18, jurisdiction may be extended to age 21. Youth from outside Mahoning County who are accused of an offense in Mahoning County, runaways, or those under court order, may also be detained in the MCJJC.
Overview
The Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center (MCJJC), located in Youngstown, Ohio, was established in 1979, as a 24-hour, 40-bed coed detention facility. The primary purpose of the MCJJC is to provide a secure and safe environment for youth during the Court hearing process on a delinquency charge or while awaiting placement or commitment to another facility.
Ron Chambers, Justice Center Administrator, oversees the daily operations of the MCJJC.
Potential employees must complete a background investigation, psychological evaluation, a physical, and a drug screen to be eligible for employment at the MCJJC.
Students placed in the Justice Center will have an arraignment hearing within seventy-two hours upon admission.
Current News and Future Projects
The MCJJC follows the guidelines and requirements set forth by the Ohio Department of Youth Services.
On July 15, 2015 the MCJJC implemented the R.A.I. Assessment, which gives the Justice Center and the Intake Department a releasing authority.
The MCJJC and other facilities assisted the Northeast Ohio Juvenile Detention Professional Development Project, and the Global Issues Resource Center at Cuyahoga Community College, in the development of a training curriculum for Juvenile Corrections Officers. The curriculum attempts to address deficiencies in staff training that can lead to turnover and increased operational costs. For more information on this curriculum, visit: http://www.creducation.org/cre/jdo/
Statistics
2020 Yearly Totals- Gender:
- 97 Male
- 17 Female
- Race:
- 65 Black
- 35 Caucasian
- 2 Hispanic
- 0 Other
- Average Intake per Month:
- Average Daily Population: 14
- Average Length of Stay: 6.75 days
- Average Age: 15.5
- Recidivism Rate and Percentage
| Number of Admissions | Male | Female | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 prior admission | 18 | 4 | 22 | 19.00% |
| 2 prior admissions |
11 | 1 | 12 | 10.50% |
| 3 prior admissions |
5 | 0 | 5 | 4.50% |
| 4 prior admissions |
3 | 0 | 3 | 3.00% |
| 5-10 prior admissions |
16 | 2 | 16 | 14.00% |
| 11-15 prior admissions |
5 | 0 | 5 | 4.50% |
| 16-20 prior admissions |
1 | 0 | 1 | 1.00% |
| 20+ prior admissions |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1st time admission |
38 | 12 | 50 | 43.50% |
| Yearly Totals | 97 | 17 | 114 | 100.00% |
Housing Information
Each student in MCJJC has a private room on a unit composed of 10 rooms and a large common space. Students are assigned to a unit based on age, charge(s), physical size, and sex. Two Juvenile Corrections Officers Supervise each unit during the waking hours and one supervises during sleeping hours.Placement
At times, the MCJJC place students in placement upon their release from the facility. Students may be released to the following placements:- Home or foster placement
- Residential treatment programs
- Day treatment
- Group homes
- Children and youth services (including Department of Youth Services)
- Transferred to other jurisdictions
- Mental health/Mental retardation agencies
Volunteering
Organizations and/or individuals interested in volunteering at the MCJJC should contact Ron Chambers (330-740-2244 ext. 6446) for information. Those interested must submit a volunteer application to the Court.
| Recidivism Rate and Percentage |
|---|
| Recidivism Rate and Percentage |
|---|
The Intake Department is the first entry point for all referrals and police reports made to the Court. Referrals include police reports; detention admissions; misdemeanor citations; transfer-in for disposition or probation; referrals from schools or others social agencies; as well as phone-ins and walk-ins.
The responsibility of Intake is to divert cases, when appropriate, as stated in Ohio Juvenile Rule 9(A) which states: “In all appropriate cases, formal court action should be avoided and other community resources utilized to ameliorate situations brought to the attention of the court.” The Intake Director reviews and records each referral and expedites those needing immediate attention. The remaining referrals are then forwarded to the Intake Officers to cross-reference information and create the case in the computer. Intake screens all referrals to determine if they should be handled through an informal hearing or referred to the Prosecutor’s Office for official filing. All felonies are referred to the Prosecutor for consideration of official charges. This determination is based on a number of factors such as:
All tobacco and traffic citations are official.
Police reports that are curfews, minor misdemeanors or low-level misdemeanors, whereby the juvenile is a first-time offender, are handled through an Intake Conference or referred to the Probation Officer if the youth is open on probation. Referrals regarding truancy or behaviors that are received from schools, social agencies or families are also addressed by Intake Officers through Intake Conferences. During the conference, the child and parent are given an opportunity to discuss concerns, strengths and issues that have brought them to the attention of the Court. Intake Officers take into consideration the behavior of the child, school status and family dynamics, which may be contributing to the incorrigible behavior. Upon conclusion of the Conference the Officer will make recommendations for Court or community programming that may be appropriate. The OYAS Diversion/Detention Tool is used to score level risk, as is an SBIRT. The following Court programs are options: Parent Project, Counseling, TASC, Girls Circle, Program Services (Boys Programming), the ADHD Program, Community Service and Wrap-around.
Another function of Intake occurs when a youth enters the Detention Center. Each morning the admissions sheets are collected, parents are contacted with an Arraignment time, and copies of the police report and admission are given to the Prosecutor’s Office. The Family Engagement Coordinator will then work with the family and assist the Defense Attorney and Prosecutor with collateral information. The purpose is to provide case management to the family, while providing objective recommendations to the Court for needed programming. The students are given screening tools, such as the ACE, SBIRT, and OYAS that will help guide the decision-making process.
School-Justice Partnership and the Early Warning System
In 2014, The Mahoning County Juvenile Court was one of only four juvenile courts in the nation to be awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to address the following factors:
Intake Officers also facilitate evidence-based programming at participating schools, including Girls Circle, Boys Council, and Men of Honor.
The partnering school districts include: Austintown, Boardman, Campbell, Canfield, Jackson-Milton, Mahoning County High School, Sebring, Struthers, and Youngstown Community School.
Below is the common flow of truancy cases through the Court with schools participating in EWS:
The responsibility of Intake is to divert cases, when appropriate, as stated in Ohio Juvenile Rule 9(A) which states: “In all appropriate cases, formal court action should be avoided and other community resources utilized to ameliorate situations brought to the attention of the court.” The Intake Director reviews and records each referral and expedites those needing immediate attention. The remaining referrals are then forwarded to the Intake Officers to cross-reference information and create the case in the computer. Intake screens all referrals to determine if they should be handled through an informal hearing or referred to the Prosecutor’s Office for official filing. All felonies are referred to the Prosecutor for consideration of official charges. This determination is based on a number of factors such as:
- Prior court involvement
- Age of offender and/or victim
- Type & degree of offense-all felonies are referred to the Prosecutor’s Office
- Injury or property damage to victim
All tobacco and traffic citations are official.
Police reports that are curfews, minor misdemeanors or low-level misdemeanors, whereby the juvenile is a first-time offender, are handled through an Intake Conference or referred to the Probation Officer if the youth is open on probation. Referrals regarding truancy or behaviors that are received from schools, social agencies or families are also addressed by Intake Officers through Intake Conferences. During the conference, the child and parent are given an opportunity to discuss concerns, strengths and issues that have brought them to the attention of the Court. Intake Officers take into consideration the behavior of the child, school status and family dynamics, which may be contributing to the incorrigible behavior. Upon conclusion of the Conference the Officer will make recommendations for Court or community programming that may be appropriate. The OYAS Diversion/Detention Tool is used to score level risk, as is an SBIRT. The following Court programs are options: Parent Project, Counseling, TASC, Girls Circle, Program Services (Boys Programming), the ADHD Program, Community Service and Wrap-around.
Another function of Intake occurs when a youth enters the Detention Center. Each morning the admissions sheets are collected, parents are contacted with an Arraignment time, and copies of the police report and admission are given to the Prosecutor’s Office. The Family Engagement Coordinator will then work with the family and assist the Defense Attorney and Prosecutor with collateral information. The purpose is to provide case management to the family, while providing objective recommendations to the Court for needed programming. The students are given screening tools, such as the ACE, SBIRT, and OYAS that will help guide the decision-making process.
School-Justice Partnership and the Early Warning System
In 2014, The Mahoning County Juvenile Court was one of only four juvenile courts in the nation to be awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to address the following factors:
- Poor school attendance
- Behavioral issues
- Poor academic performance
- Future involvement with the justice system
- Regular multidisciplinary team meetings at the school
- Case management services provided by a Court Intake Officer
- Girls and Boys Programming provided by a Court Intake Officer
- Behavioral health screens by Alta
Intake Officers also facilitate evidence-based programming at participating schools, including Girls Circle, Boys Council, and Men of Honor.
- Girls Circle is a structured support group for females that integrates relational theory, resiliency practice and skills training. The format is designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths, and competence.
- Boys Council builds friendship and brings attention to situations encountered by boys. It also encourages boys to celebrate their differences while helping them reflect on positive and negative life choices.
- Men of Honor emphasizes the importance of being a productive citizen. It provides opportunities to ask questions that males may not feel comfortable asking others. It also focuses on future goals and aspirations and utilizes interactive activities that promote communication.
The partnering school districts include: Austintown, Boardman, Campbell, Canfield, Jackson-Milton, Mahoning County High School, Sebring, Struthers, and Youngstown Community School.
Below is the common flow of truancy cases through the Court with schools participating in EWS:
- EWS meeting—The student’s progress is discussed by the team, who decides if and when to move to the next stage.
- Pre-truancy hearing—This meeting is held at the school with the EWS team. This meeting may be held in a group or individually with the student and family. The goal is to explain the attendance laws, to identify any barriers to school success, and to resolve such barriers.
- Unofficial Court referral—A truancy referral is sent to the Court for unofficial handling.
- Official charges against the student or parent are requested of the Prosecutor.
Probation is a legal status imposed by court order following an adjudication that determines that a child is delinquent, unruly, or a juvenile traffic offender. The child is permitted to remain in his or her home subject to supervision that is provided by the probation department.
To expedite the supervision of offenders and protection of the community, specialized caseloads have been developed. Officers working these caseloads become experts in a particular area and manage offenders who present unique or multiple problems. We provide the following types of probation:
The mission of the Mahoning County Juvenile Probation Department is to provide evidence based services that will protect the community from further delinquency, to enforce graduated sanctions and offer least restrictive rehabilitative opportunities that are in the best interest of the juvenile and their family.
Mission of the Probation Officer: Provides for the protection of the community and its citizens by providing investigations, recommendations and reports for the Courts, enforcing orders of the Courts, and securing supervision and treatment for probationers who are under the jurisdiction of the Mahoning County Juvenile Court and its Probation Department. The Probation Department works to keep the community safe, to assist students in developing competencies, and to hold them accountable for their unlawful behaviors. We strive to remain diligent in our duty to monitor the youth on Probation in Mahoning County.
The EPICS model is designed to use a combination of monitoring, referrals, and face-to-face interactions to provide the offenders with a sufficient “dosage” of treatment interventions, and make the best possible use of time to develop a collaborative working relationship. The EPICS model helps translate the risk, needs and responsivity principles into practice. Community supervision officers or case managers are taught to increase dosage to higher risk offenders, stay focused on criminogenic needs, especially the thought-behavior link, and to use a social learning, cognitive behavioral approach to their interactions. The EPICS model is not intended to replace other programming and services, but rather is an attempt to more fully utilize staff as agents of change.
To expedite the supervision of offenders and protection of the community, specialized caseloads have been developed. Officers working these caseloads become experts in a particular area and manage offenders who present unique or multiple problems. We provide the following types of probation:
- Non-Reporting: Provides Supervision to low risk youth throughout Mahoning County.
- Community-Based: Regular probation supervised by officers assigned to the various geographic areas of Mahoning County.
- Treatment Docket: Intensive Intervention for those individuals with substance abuse issues
- Special Needs: Provides supervision to youths who are adjudicated sex offenders or who have been diagnosed with mental health issues.
The mission of the Mahoning County Juvenile Probation Department is to provide evidence based services that will protect the community from further delinquency, to enforce graduated sanctions and offer least restrictive rehabilitative opportunities that are in the best interest of the juvenile and their family.
Mission of the Probation Officer: Provides for the protection of the community and its citizens by providing investigations, recommendations and reports for the Courts, enforcing orders of the Courts, and securing supervision and treatment for probationers who are under the jurisdiction of the Mahoning County Juvenile Court and its Probation Department. The Probation Department works to keep the community safe, to assist students in developing competencies, and to hold them accountable for their unlawful behaviors. We strive to remain diligent in our duty to monitor the youth on Probation in Mahoning County.
Effective Practices in Community Supervision “EPICS”
The EPICS model is designed to use a combination of monitoring, referrals, and face-to-face interactions to provide the offenders with a sufficient “dosage” of treatment interventions, and make the best possible use of time to develop a collaborative working relationship. The EPICS model helps translate the risk, needs and responsivity principles into practice. Community supervision officers or case managers are taught to increase dosage to higher risk offenders, stay focused on criminogenic needs, especially the thought-behavior link, and to use a social learning, cognitive behavioral approach to their interactions. The EPICS model is not intended to replace other programming and services, but rather is an attempt to more fully utilize staff as agents of change.