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Turning around lives one child at a time.

Restore Court

Human trafficking is the use of a person for forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation. It is estimated by the Ohio Attorney General’s office that 1,000 Ohio youth are trafficked every year and an additional 3,000 youth are at high risk to be trafficked. Human trafficking is not only an international problem; unfortunately, it occurs locally in Summit County and throughout the state. Through manipulation and coercion, many youths do not recognize themselves as victims. Human trafficking may look different than how it is portrayed in media and online, as many children are exploited out of their own homes and neighborhoods. Through the leadership of Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio, Summit County Juvenile Court operates a specialized court docket in effort to protect and stabilize youth in the community.

Mission

The mission of Restore Court is to empower youth affected by human trafficking and those who are at high risk of being exploited, to achieve successful lives by cultivating relationships, establishing safe communication, and building rapport.  This is accomplished in a variety of ways emphasizing the importance of wrap-around-services to include evidence-based harm reduction psychoeducation.

  • Mentoring - Through Rahab Ministries in Akron, each youth in the program is paired with a mentor. This person builds a positive relationship with the youth through fun activities and outings, including the community center, Selah’s Place.
  • Counseling - Partnering with community providers, each participant engages in therapeutic services to address their individual and/or family needs, which may include home based therapy, trauma-informed therapy, or a functional family therapy model.
  • Case Management - Each youth and family in the program is paired with a case manager to help link them to community resources and offer support to assist them in achieving success as they progress through the docket.
  • Supervision & Accountability - Depending on the case, youth will be assigned intensive probationary supervision or will be monitored by a court case worker.

Program Tracks

  • Safe Harbor Track - According to Ohio law, if a participant meets certain legal criteria, s/he/they may have the charge(s) dismissed and immediately expunged upon graduation from the program. 
  • Traditional Track - For those exploited by human trafficking or at high risk, but who do not meet the criteria for the Safe Harbor statute.

Participants set goals unique to their situation and may graduate the program based on demonstrated ability and responsibility at home, school, and in the community with adherence to all Restore Court guidelines.

Learn More Here

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