The Wellness Court of the Lorain County Common Pleas Court has earned final certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets, according to a news release.
This court specializes in assisting those diagnosed with mental health concerns.
In order to receive the certification, the local court had to submit an application, undergo a site visit and provide specific program materials in response to certification standards, according to the release.
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulated the Wellness Court and Judge James Miraldi for receiving final certification.
“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,” O’Connor stated in the release. “Studies have shown this approach works by reducing recidivism while saving tax dollars.”
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.
The standards provide a minimum level of uniform practices for specialized dockets throughout Ohio and allow local courts to innovate and tailor to meet their community’s needs and resources, the release said.
“On behalf of our dedicated team with the Lorain County Adult Probation Department, the Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson, the defense bar, the Nord Center, and Psych and Psych, we are excited about continuing to help those who struggle with mental illness,” Miraldi said when
asked about the certification. “Our efforts will help the participants live safer, more productive, and law-abiding lives.
“We will be reducing the costs of the county sheriff who would otherwise have to be providing more expensive services that would be less likely to reduce future crime.”
The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket and assembling a treatment team for implementing daily operations of the specialized docket.
The team can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel and is headed by the specialized docket judge.
The Commission on Specialized Dockets has 22 members who advise the Supreme Court and its staff regarding the promotion of 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.
