Lorain County
Domestic Relations Court
The Court
Lorain County Justice Center
225 Court Street
2nd and 4th Floor
Elyria, Ohio 44035
Off Site Locations
Juvenile Facilities Complex:
Pathways, 1076 Infirmary Road
Stepping Stone, 1064 Infirmary Road
Turning Point, 1080 Infirmary Road
Multi-Purpose/Administration, 1070 Infirmary Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035
Boys and Girls Detention Home, 9967 S. Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035
http://loraincounty.com/domesticrelations/
JUDGES
Judge Debra Boros
Judge Frank Janik
Judge Lisa Swenski
Mission Statement
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The primary goal of the Juvenile Court is to
reform and deter delinquent behavior.
Unlike the adult system, punishment is not
the focus.
Serve the citizens of Lorain County in a fair
and timely fashion
Provide “best practice” solutions and
programming to families.
How can the public
access court services?
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Unofficial Complaints
-These “pink” sheets can be submitted by parents/legal
guardians or members of the community (School Officials,
LCCS, Probation Officers).
- Reviewed by the Intake Department for consideration of a
STATUS offense.
- If complaint includes element of a crime, it will be forwarded
to the Prosecutor’s Office for review.
- However, the Prosecutor’s Office is reluctant to file a
delinquency charge solely based on a citizen complaint.
Police should be called for community incidents (ex.:
neighbors disputes and foster parent concerns)
Police/Law Enforcement
The majority of complaints in Juvenile Court
result from police reports. Police can refer a
juvenile to the Court by certifying their reports
to either:
- Lorain County Juvenile Court for “Status”
offenses (Violations of Probation, Violations of
Parole, Tobacco Violations, Curfew, Unruly/
Ungovernable)
OR
- Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office for
Delinquency offenses.
School to Court Referrals
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School officials can officially refer the child after 5
unexcused absences.
Attendance Officers will investigate, monitor the
attendance and provide interventions to address
issues that interfere with attendance.
Conferences are held by the Attendance Officers
with the child, parent, principal and/or the
superintendant (through a step-by-step process)
Officers will prepare the case for prosecution after
15 unexcused absences.
Prosecution of parent and/or child will be
determined by the Lorain County Prosecutor.
The Attendance Officers may utilize Pro-Se
Mediation through the Court’s Mediation Program.
If the child is over the age of 10, mediation is
between the parent and child. If under the age of
10, the Attendance Officer develops a case plan for
the parent.
Families may also be referred for In-Home
Behavioral Therapy (IHBT) through a local provider
Contact Information
Court Attendance Officers
Dale Bruder (440) 326-4875
(Lorain County JVS, North Ridgeville, Wellington,
Firelands)
Jesse Ball (440) 326-4877
(Midview, Sheffield/Sheffield Lake, Keystone,
Columbia)
Brandy Signor (440) 326-4864
(Oberlin, Clearview, Avon, Avon Lake)
All attendance officers
will serve the following:
Lorain County Academy, Education
Alternatives, PEP (Positive
Education Program) @ Willow
Creek
Attendance Program Contacts
Mechelle Cave (440) 326-4879
(Lorain City: Longfellow, New Beginnings grades 16, Admiral King Elementary, Toni Morrison,
Frank Jacinto, Garfield, Hawthorne)
Donna Rivera Wells
Program Manager
(440) 326-4874
To be determined (440) 326-4872
(Lorain City: General Johnnie Wilson, New
Beginnings grades 7-8, Washington, Larkmoor,
Palm, Helen Steiner-Rice, Dahonas)
Jay Grunda,
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office
(440) 329-5397
Legal Process
Complaint is Alleged /
Police Report is Filed
Child is admitted into the DH;
Charges are filed
by the Prosecutor’s Office and
a hearing is held within 24 hours to
advise parent/child of the charges
and their legal rights
Child is not admitted into the DH;
Charges are filed officially
by the Prosecutor’s Office
Given a summons to appear
at a future Court date.
Child is not charged officially
and may be given an opportunity
to complete a
Diversion Program
Youth
ADMITS
to the charges
as alleged
in the Complaint
Case may be
referred to the
Investigation &
Referral Team
for case plan &
recommendations
The Court may
impose an
immediate
dispositional
order (probation,
Comm. service,
Counseling)
Youth
DENIES
the charges as
alleged in the
Complaint
Case will be set
for Pre-Trial,
an attorney
may be
requested,
matter continued.
Youth may be
released from
the DH pending
Pre-trial; may be
placed on
In-Home
Detention for
Supervision.
Referred for
evaluations
(Psychological,
Psychiatric,
D/A, IQ)
Referred for
possible
out-of-home
placement
Referral
to the
I&R
Team
Present the case
to the Children’s
Continuum of
Care Committee
at LCBMH
Referral to
most
appropriate
program to
address
needs & risk
Contact Information
 Investigation
& Referral Team
Anna Cacchione, Prog. Manager: (440) 329-5656
Heather Melendez, Education-Prevention Specialist: (440) 329-5249
Jim Carroll, Case Planner: (440) 328-2212
Giovanna Reising, Case Planner: (440) 329-5730
Jennifer Drake, Case Planner: (440) 329-5603
Jean Frantz, Case Planner: (440) 329-5262
Responsible for DH
admissions 24 hrs/day
(determining remand/denial,
speaking w/ law
enforcement)
Intake Department
Conducts Unofficial
hearings as well
as hearings for Shoplifting
and Unruly Behavior
Refers youth to I&R; Inhome Detention;
Parenting programs and any
other program
as deemed appropriate
Community Control
General
Probation
General
Community
Control
Specialized
Services
Sex
Offender
Unit
MI-DD &
Bellefaire
JOP
Success
For Youth
Community
Intervention
Program
Status
Probation
Monitored
Time
Community Control
Community Control
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Juveniles placed on General Community Control are assigned a community control officer (CCO). The officer monitors
the juvenile's compliance of court orders and case plan through contact with the juvenile, school officials, parents and
other people significant in the juvenile's life.
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The juvenile and family will be responsible to complete case plan components and follow all rules of community control.
The Officer is responsible to make reports to the Court regarding the youth's progression. Rewards and sanctions are
administered through continual oversight of the juvenile's progress.
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In addition to supervising the youth placed on probation, CCO's assist families in accessing community services,
provide security for the Court operations, and assist in collecting information for the Investigation and Referral Team.
Monitored Time
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While on Monitored Time, the youth will not get direct services from a CCO, but will be required to report to the
Community Control department on a predetermined basis. Two Inside CCOs are responsible for this caseload. They
will make follow up phone contacts with the youth, parents, and others and report to the Court the progression of the
youth. These CCOs also track continued cases and do initial interviews of youths and families referred for additional
Court services.
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Additional responsibilities of the CCO include tracking continued cases, notifying all parties of hearings, providing
security services for the Court, participating in meetings with outside agencies, and assisting families in accessing
community services. General Community Control Officers would also provide supervision for those adults placed on
supervision for Contributing to the Unruliness or Delinquency of a Minor.
Community Control
Sex Offender Program
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Juveniles adjudicated delinquent for a sexual offense are referred for a sex offender risk assessment. The assessment
determines appropriate recommendations, with options including community treatment, out-of-home placement, or
commitment to the Ohio Department of Youth Services. For juveniles who remain in the community, the Community
Control Officer (CCO) will design safety plans to provide adequate supervision of the offender and protection for the
victim and the community.
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Offenders participate in individual and/or group therapy with local agency treatment providers. The CCO maintain
frequent contact with the treatment providers to share information, observations, and interventions. Programming lasts
between 18 and 24 months.
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Based on age and type of offense the Court may classify an offender as a Sexually Oriented Offender Registrant
(JSORN).
Community Intervention Program
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The Community Intervention Program (CIP) provides intensive supervision and services to juveniles placed into the
program by a Judge or Magistrate as a disposition when adjudicated delinquent for a criminal offense. Juveniles in the
program are supervised daily through electronic monitoring, in home meetings, and random site visits at school and
work places.
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Juveniles placed in the program have a prescribed case plan based on identified needs and problems. The program
participant is expected to participate in groups for anger management, character development, and employment skills.
Youth ordered into CIP are required to participate in community service and recreational activities to assist in building
appropriate social skills. When indicated, program participants will be referred to community providers for mental health
and substance abuse issues.
Community Control
Mentally Ill - Developmentally Disabled Caseload
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Juveniles who are lower functioning and/or have a significant mental health diagnosis are placed on this specialized
caseload. These juveniles usually already have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), psychiatric and psychological
treatment services, and/or in-home counseling in place prior to Court involvement. They will often need additional
assessments, hospitalizations, and other intensive services due to their delinquent actions.
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The Community Control Officer (CCO) provides close supervision and facilitates communication between community
service providers, the family, and the Court. This facilitation is vital in identifying and overcoming barriers, recognizing
progress, and resolving problems of the child and family.
Bellefaire / JOP
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The Juvenile Offender Project (JOP) is a collaborative effort between the Court, Integrated Services Partnership of
Lorain County, the Board of Mental Health, and Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau. This partnership provides an
extensive assessment and psychological evaluation for juveniles currently involved with the Court, primarily for
offenses of violence that have exhibited significant mental health issues. Bellefaire's evaluation is comprised of multiple
testing tools, an assessment of the family, and charts and reports from previous service providers and school systems.
Community Resources are recommended and services put in place to assist the juvenile and family. Bellefaire also
provides a JOP / residential bed when the need for inpatient treatment is indicated.
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A Court employee is designated to monitor and assist in the components of the case plans. The Court staff monitors
and documents all contacts with the juvenile and family, attends staff meetings, makes home visits, participates in JOP
/4-C Cluster reviews, and provides transportation services. The MI / MRDD Community Control Officer works closely
with the JOP participants.
Additional Programming
Success For Youth
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Success for Youth was funded through Reclaim Ohio, to provide skill development for lower functioning, delinquent
youth. Programming offers an opportunity to learn social skills, computer training, and job skills to assist juveniles in
obtaining employment and eventual independence. Success for Youth focuses on males and females from Elyria and
Lorain, aged 15 - 17, who are experiencing difficulties due to their low level of intellectual functioning.
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Catholic Charities collaborates with the Court to provide case management, social skills development, assistance with
career development, computer skills and realistic job skills training that is designed to meet educational and
employment needs, as well as personal development.
Yes Program
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The Youth Education Shoplifting Program (YES Program) is an educational, rehabilitative program offered to juveniles
referred to Court for first time petty theft/shoplifting offenses. Participants are ordered into the program from both
official and unofficial cases heard by the Diversion Specialist.
Eduvention/Substance Abuse Education Program
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The Court's Eduvention Program is designed to provide drug and alcohol education and information to juveniles, and
parents, referred to the Court for misdemeanor alcohol or drug offenses. Juveniles and their parent/guardian can
attend the four sessions of the program in lieu of a delinquency charge being filed. Eligible participants are typically, but
not exclusively, first time offenders.
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A community provider, at no cost to the participants, presents Eduvention off-site from Court operations. A screening
instrument is administered to participants to determine the need for further assistance or treatment.
Contact Information
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Chief Probation Officer
Patricia Wilson (440) 326-4888
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General Community Control/Sex Offender Unit
Edward Moore – (440) 329-5247 (Casework Supervisor)
Jerome Fisher - (440) 329-5702 - Lorain High, Clearview, General Johnnie Wilson, Vermilion
Marci Murphy -(440)329-5702 – Avon, A. Lake, Columbia, Firelands, Keystone, Midv., N. Ridgeville, Well. Ex.)
Adam Kappa– (440) 329-5543 – Elyria, Oberlin
Sex Offenses: Jeff Keiper – (440) 326-4891
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Monitored Time Probation
Nancie Murello – (440) 329-5245 (Supervisor)
Erica Szilagyi – 326-4885
Tim Workman – 329-5194
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Diversion Program
Milly Gonzalez – (440) 329-5305 (Diversion Program Specialist)
Contact Information
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Specialized Services
Jennifer Kerns – (440) 328-2213 (Supervisor)
Success For Youth: George Harris – (440) 326-4884
MH/MI/JOP: Steve Medvetz – (440) 326-4890 and Jim Rufo – (440) 329-5248
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Status Probation/Diversion
Nancie Murello – (440) 329-5245 (Casework Supervisor)
Andrea Delp – (440) 326-4006
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Community Intervention Program
Tom Adelsberg, Prog. Mgr. – (440) 326-4876
Maria Davis, Clerk – (440) 326-4870
Courtney Burns, CCO – (440) 326-4887
Alex Heier, CCO – (440) 326-4847
Micah Gibbs, Assistant – (440) 326-4894
Dominique Wilson, Assistant – (440) 326-4839
Specialized Dockets
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Juvenile Drug Court
-Rewards based program for
juveniles who have been
adjudicated delinquent and
have significant drug and
alcohol issues.
-Weekly Court sessions to discuss
progress and monitor school
progress, drug/alcohol
treatment needs, parental
concerns and all other case plan
components.
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Family Drug Court
-Family Drug Court assists clients of
Lorain County Children Services
(LCCS) who are drug/alcohol
dependent and their children
have either been adjudicated
abused, neglected or dependent,
or the clients are involved with
LCCS on unofficial/In-Home
cases.
-Participation in Family Drug Court
is voluntary, but expected once
accepted in program.
-Parents of the youth in the program
are held accountable for their
own substance issues and
encourage to attend treatment
of their own, if deemed
necessary.
-Weekly court hearings as well as
participation in any services
deemed appropriate by the Drug
Court Team.
-Successful completion results in a
graduation ceremony and
dismissal of charges (via an
agreement with the Lorain
County Prosecutor’s Office).
-The ultimate goals are for
participants to retain or regain
custody of their children,
working towards completion of
the case plan components, and
maintaining sobriety.
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Mental Health Court
-A voluntary program that targets
youth with serious mental
health concerns.
-Weekly Court sessions to discuss
and monitor school progress,
treatment needs, medication
protocols, parental concerns
and all other individual case
plan components.
-Focuses on improving the youth’s
behavioral and emotional
functioning and strengthens
the family’s ability to care for
the child within the home,
reducing the risk for out of
home placement.
-Successful completion results in a
graduation ceremony and
dismissal of charges (via an
agreement with the Lorain
County Prosecutor’s Office).
Residential Services
Multi-Purpose Building
(offices, meeting rooms)
Juvenile
Facilities
Complex
Turning Point Shelter
Pathways Group Home for
Girls &
Stepping Stone Residential
Center for Boys
Residential Services
Pathways Group Home (for Girls) & Stepping Stone Residential Center (for Boys)
• Staff secure for youth ages 13-17
• Licensed and monitored by the Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Services
• 10 Females & 20 males are allotted in the Residential Phase of the program (21 weeks).
• Transitioned back into the home through short-incremental visits, leading to an Aftercare
(where youth is monitored on a regular basis when returned home).
phase
• Case plans address risk, needs, familial concerns, substance abuse, vocational skills and education.
Turning Point Shelter
• A non-secure residential facility providing short-term care (maximum 14 days) for 5 males and 5
females ages 12-17.
• 24-hour supervision and guidance by trained child-care staff
• A social worker provides support services to the juveniles and their families via program referrals.
The goal is to assist the family in preventing further official court involvement.
• Admissions to the shelter are approved by the Intake Department or via judicial orders.
Contact Information
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In-Home Detention
John Matakovich, Prog. Mgr. – (440) 326-4017
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Seth Riley, Asst. – (440) 326-4016
Juvenile Drug Court
Michelle Grove, Program Supervisor – (440) 326-4074
Dawn Lucey, CCO – (440) 326-4072
Bryan Wootten, Assistant – (440) 326-4072
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Family Drug Court
Jennifer Kerns, Program Coordinator – (440) 328-2213
Martina Sheridan, LCCS Liaison/CQI Supervisor– (440) 329-5340
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Mental Health Court
Jim Rufo, CCO – (440) 326-4890
Jennifer Kerns, Program Coordinator – (440) 328-2213
Anna Cacchione, I&R Program Manager - (440) 329-5656
Jessica Ryan, Director of Lorain Programs for Beech Brook – (440) 324-4980
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Residential Facilities
Michelle Grove, Program Supervisor – (440) 326-4074
Matt Koch, CCO – (440) 326-4075
Amanda Snider, CCO – (440) 326-4073
Department of Support Services
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This department provides services and
support to the community and court staff.
The department is comprised of the
following:
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The Pay-Back Program
Community Service Program
Voices for Children
Assignment commissioners
Juvenile clerks
Systems management
Payback Program
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The Pay-Back Program has 4 objectives:
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Ensure the offender’s compliance with Court orders
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Provide a work experience that allows the offender to make restitution
(allowable up to $500)
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Provide victims with access to the Court for reasonable redress
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Facilitate communication between the Court and all involved parties: i.e.
victims, prosecutors, insurance companies, etc.
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Restitution collected:
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Monies collected in 2013 : $17,463.54
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Work for Pay monies collected : $5767.52 (a total of 825.5 hours worked)
Community Service Program
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The Program manager is creative
in finding and developing sites for
juveniles to fulfill their
community service obligation.
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Works closely with Probation, the
Judicial staff, parents and the
general public in monitoring and
tracking completion of court
ordered community service.
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In 2013, 308 youth were ordered
to complete community service.
248 of those successfully
completed the program.
Voices for Children
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Voices for Children’s purpose is to provide a guardian ad
litem (GAL) to the Court to advocate on behalf of the
abused, neglected, and dependent children coming before it.
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The GAL volunteer undertakes an investigation into the
circumstances and family life of the child. They review
records, interview parents, relatives and foster parents, talk
to teachers, neighbors and most importantly, the child.
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Upon completion of the investigation, the GAL appears in
court, provides the information and makes a
recommendation to the Court as to what course of action is
in the best interest of the child.
Contact Information
PayBack Program (Restitution)
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Lisa Taliano, Program Manager: (440) 329-5237 or (440) 329-5451
Community Service Program
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Lisa Taliano, Program Manager: (440) 329-5237
Voices For Children
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Timothy Green, Program Manager: (440) 329-5556
Ed Wacker: (440) 329-5158
Traci Stamco: (440) 329-5197