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The Logan County Family Court’s Treatment Court program has earned another three years of certification and funding from the Ohio Supreme Court.
The specialized docket overseen by Family Court Judge Dan W. Bratka deals with families with Logan County Children’s Services cases in which substance abuse affects parents’ ability to safely and effectively care for their children. It was established in 2004 by Judge Michael L. Brady, who turned the reins over to Judge Bratka upon his retirement at the end of 2014.
Changes in the Supreme Court’s rules governing specialty dockets took effect in early 2014 and now require that the programs be recertified every three years by the Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets.
In order to receive the certification, the local court had to submit an application, undergo a site visit, and provide specific program materials.
Specialized dockets are courts that are dedicated to specific types of offenses or offenders and use a combination of different techniques for holding offenders accountable while also addressing the underlying causes of their behavior. There are more than 210 specialized dockets in Ohio courts that deal with issues such as drugs and alcohol; mental health; domestic violence; and human trafficking.
Logan County Common Pleas General Division also has a specialty Adult Recovery Court docket for dealing with felony offenders whose criminal behavior can be tied to substance abuse.
“Specialized dockets divert offenders toward criminal justice initiatives that employ tools and tailored services to treat and rehabilitate the offender so they can become productive members of society,” Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said in a news release. “Studies have shown this approach works by reducing recidivism while saving tax dollars.”
Read complete story Wednesday’s Examiner.
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