Erie County Juvenile Court Judge Robert C. DeLamatre took office Thursday as president of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges for 2017. He and the other officers were sworn in during the group’s annual winter conference business meeting this week.

Since his election in 2000, Judge DeLamatre has been re-elected to two additional six-year terms on the bench. Previous to serving as judge, he was in private practice for 14 years and worked as an assistant prosecutor, assistant law director, and magistrate. He earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law.

“I am honored to be able to serve the association and our juvenile judges,” said Judge DeLamatre. “I intend to work with my colleagues and other stakeholders to improve the administration of juvenile justice. I believe this is the best way to assist in improving the lives of the children and families we come into contact with.”

Additional association officers include:

• Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Timothy J. Grendell, vice president
• Gallia County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Thomas S. Moulton, treasurer
• Fayette County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge David B. Bender, secretary
• Butler County Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Dobrozsi Romans, immediate past president

The association consists of common pleas judges having juvenile court jurisdiction. The association promotes common business interests and provides leadership for a just and effective juvenile court system throughout the state of Ohio. The association also addresses issues affecting juvenile abuse, dependency, and neglect; unruly juveniles (status offenders); and juvenile delinquency, as well as court administration aspects of these issues.