The Ohio Supreme Court, through a national program, awarded 13 juvenile courts across the state with technology grants to support local projects.

Allocated from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Court Improvement Program (CIP), the money will help remove barriers and provide “a more efficient and effective administration of justice” for children and families involved in the child welfare system.

The grant recipients include Ashtabula, Coshocton, Greene, Hardin, Huron, Madison, Marion, Medina, Muskingum, Stark, Richland, Gallia, and Scioto county courts.
Greene County Juvenile Court plans to use its grant money to purchase computers and printers for courtrooms hearing Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency cases to complete entries and provide notice for future hearings prior to the parties leaving the courtroom.

“Parties in children services matters can sometimes be confused or unable to remember what orders were imposed upon them in court due to the stress of the proceedings or the complexity of the case,” Greene County Juvenile Court Judge Adolfo Tornichio said. “Now, the parties will be able to walk out of the courtroom with a document clearly explaining why certain findings were made and what responsibilities that person will have in their children services case.”

Huron County Probate and Juvenile Court will use its money to purchase software to allow local children services agencies to access court documents.

“We are grateful for the funding necessary to acquire technology that will allow remote access of our docket by the Huron County Department of Job and Family Services,” said Huron County Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Cardwell. “Having this information at their fingertips will assist social workers in the field and improve communication with the agency.” 

Other projects include obtaining new recording equipment in courtrooms, purchasing software to enhance data collection and deliver better reports on youth the court serves, and purchasing video conferencing equipment for youth and professionals unable to attend court hearings.

This is the second year the Supreme Court has offered the CIP technology grants.