The Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court recently celebrated graduations in two of its specialized dockets.

The court recognized two individuals, one who graduated from Family Recovery Court, and another from Juvenile Recovery Court. Both programs are certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Family, friends, and court staff gathered to commend the hard work of the graduates and celebrate their futures. The graduates were given paper copies of their court records to tear up, symbolizing their new beginnings.

“You get a fresh start,” said Judge Lasheyl Stroud, who leads the specialized docket programs within the court.

Each of the specialized dockets utilizes treatment, counseling, and education to target the root of a person’s court involvement. The Family Recovery Court works with parents with substance use issues to reunite them with their children. The Juvenile Recovery Court assists juvenile offenders who have been impacted by substance use issues.

Participants in each program work with case managers, treatment teams, and support groups to promote community and growth to lower recidivism and guide participants to healthier paths. To graduate, participants must attend frequent meetings with treatment teams and court staff, pass regular substance screenings, appear in front of the judge, and refrain from further law violations. Successful completion of these programs may qualify them for expungement of their charges. For graduates of the Family Recovery Court, completion means reuniting with their children.

Magistrates and treatment teams who worked with participants attended the event and congratulated the graduates for their hard work. Members of the community also pitched in to celebrate the achievements. Nate DeMars, founder and owner of a local men’s clothing store, provided the Juvenile Recovery Court graduate with a custom-fitted suit for the event.

“The specialty dockets are an opportunity for us to demonstrate community,” Judge Stroud said. “Court staff, prosecutors, defense attorneys, local agencies, and businesses all contribute to providing what participants need to achieve their goals.”