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Turning Point Drug Court receive High Court certification
Published: January 22, 2020
AKRON––Judge Christine Croce of the Summit County Common Pleas Court has earned re-certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets for her Turning Point Drug Court.
Turning Point is a judicially supervised court docket that focuses on intensive court-supervision for high-risk/high-need substance abuse offenders through a four-phase process.
Participation in the program is voluntary and focuses on sobriety and recovery for participants through a team approach.
The treatment team consists of dedicated professionals within the treatment community, probation department, prosecutor’s office and law enforcement to provide resources, instruction, support, accountability and tools necessary for our participants to reach their personal “Turning Point.’
In order to receive this re-certification, Judge Croce had to submit an application, undergo a site visit, and provide specific program materials in response to certification standards that went in to effect in January 2014.
These 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 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.
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulated Judge Croce and her Turning Point Court for receiving final certification.
“Studies have shown this approach works by reducing recidivism while saving tax dollars,” said Justice O’Connor.
Judge Croce credits the success of her court to the hard work and dedication of the members of the Turning Point Team.
“Turning Point’s mission is to improve the overall quality of life in Summit County by providing a cost-effective way to reduce crime and allow offenders to transform into positive, contributing community members,” she said. “The level of care that participants receive from our treatment team helps participants be successful.
“We have the unique ability to hold offenders accountable through increased judicial involvement and oversight as well as make a positive impact by offering each participant the support and resources to live crime-free and drug-free lives.
“Overcoming addiction is challenging but attainable with the right tools. It is my honor to participate in each person’s path to recovery and watch their progress while each reaches milestones in their sobriety, achieve success and ultimately graduate from the program.”