Category: News

New Akron Muni Court Program Helps Trafficking Victims


This article first appeared in the Akron Legal News on February 1, 2019 by Reporter Sherry Karabin.

When Akron Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable took the bench in December 2017, he said he was determined to help improve the community and the lives of its residents.

One of the key items on his agenda was assisting victims of human trafficking, a goal which he achieved in October 2018 when he unveiled the RISE (Restore Individual Self-Empowerment) program, dedicated to helping adult female victims of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and prostitution.

“I created the program because our state has a major human trafficking problem,” said Judge Cable, who also serves as presiding judge for Akron Municipal Court’s Family Intervention Court. “I am passionate about helping identify these victims, learning about their past and guiding them as they improve their circumstances.

“Ohio law allows for expungement of certain offenses committed by human trafficking victims and I believe the RISE program will be able to make a big difference in the lives of those who’ve committed certain offenses for the financial benefit of another.”

Since the start of the RISE program, Judge Cable said the court has been working closely with the Akron Municipal Court Probation Department to identify potential participants and ensure the women enrolled are sober and have the resources necessary to change their lifestyles and/or habits impacting their lifestyles.

Those who are accepted into the 24-month program will receive a wide variety of services ranging from trauma therapy, drug rehabilitation and mentoring to housing and vocational sessions, provided by outside agencies that are partnering with the court.

One of the agencies is RAHAB (Reaching Above Hopelessness and Brokenness Inc.) Ministries, which offers safe housing, education, training, mentoring and other services to primarily female adult and juvenile human trafficking victims.  

“Trafficking victims can land in the court system as a direct result of things their traffickers made them do or as a symptom of their victimization,” said RAHAB Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Lewis-Johnson, a former FBI agent who investigated human trafficking and crimes against children cases. “Predators also prey on people who are vulnerable because of drug addiction or criminal history. 

“I saw that by itself prosecuting the traffickers does not stop trafficking,” she said. “It takes a community response to take women and children off the market by providing safe places and networks to surround them so they don’t get snatched back up in traffickers’ nets.”

Judge Cable first became familiar with the plight of human trafficking victims while a magistrate at Summit County Juvenile Court, where juvenile trafficking victims were often facing charges directly related to their victimization.

Many of those juveniles were able to get their lives back on track through the services provided by Restore Court, which was started by Summit County Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio in January 2015.

“We look for red flags to help us identify victims of human trafficking or those at high risk of becoming trafficking victims,” said Judge Tucci Teodosio. “Since it began we have served 111 cases by providing participants with mentoring, counseling, case management, supervision and accountability.

“During the time that Judge Cable was a magistrate he developed an interest in working with human trafficking victims and came to several of our trainings,” said Judge Tucci Teodosio. “I think his RISE program will help those victims who were not identified as children.

“Studies, research and interviews with human trafficking victims have demonstrated that many adults who are charged with prostitution were trafficked while teens,” said Judge Tucci Teodosio. “The RISE program opens up other powerful options to these victims to help them move away from this lifestyle.”

While a magistrate, Judge Cable also met Judge Paul Herbert, who started the certified specialized docket CATCH (Changing Actions to Change Habits) Court in Franklin County Municipal Court in 2009.

“When I took the bench, the leaders of the Akron Municipal Court Probation Department and I observed Judge Herbert’s program, which seeks to identify and provide services to victims of human trafficking, prostitution and sexual exploitation,” said Judge Cable. “What I saw touched my heart so I decided to start something similar here in Akron.

“Prior to starting the RISE program, we also attended training on screening for victims and the services that are necessary for their success.”

RISE is voluntary and there are currently six participants, all who have been identified as human trafficking victims.

“It was necessary to place two of these victims in safe housing for them to escape their traffickers,” said Judge Cable. “When you look at this population it is clear that these women have suffered trauma beyond imagination and I think we must do something to help them.”

RISE meets every other Tuesday in Akron Municipal Court and the sessions are closed to the public to create a safe space for participants to talk about their history.

“The program is not yet certified by the Ohio Supreme Court and at this point we are only accepting females,” Judge Cable said. “We plan to apply for specialized docket status through the Ohio Supreme Court in the near future.”

A RISE advisory board has been assembled. It includes representatives from the Akron Police Department, the Akron City Prosecutor’s Office, the Rape Crisis Center, RAHAB Ministries, the Victim Assistance Program, Summa Health Traumatic Stress Center and other community organizations.

The first meeting of the board is scheduled for Feb. 7.

“A representative from the Ohio Supreme Court will attend the first meeting,” said Judge Cable. “The advisory board will be reviewing a formal program description for RISE and will make suggestions about services.”

Lewis-Johnson said there is a major need for programs like RISE.

“As RAHAB grows and replicates in other places, I hope we’ll be able to partner with other courts who want to follow the RISE program and Restore Court models, which are such an important part of ending the cycle so we can truly end trafficking in this country,” Lewis-Johnson said.

Rep. Sykes Announces House Bill 1 Effective Date

State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) today announces House Bill (HB) 1, her bipartisan legislation to modernize Ohio’s domestic violence laws, will officially become law tomorrow, Friday, July 6. HB 1 will allow victims of dating violence to obtain civil protective orders against their attacker, a protection currently allowed in every state except Ohio and Georgia.

“I am thrilled that House Bill 1 will become law tomorrow,” Sykes said. “By working together with advocates, survivors and fellow lawmakers, we have closed this outdated loophole in Ohio that will not only help victims to live without fear of their abuser, but also save lives.”

“After a long and arduous process, I am excited to see House Bill 1 finally go into effect on Friday. More importantly, I am relieved to know that victims of dating violence in my community will now have a better course of action to aid in protecting them from their abusers,” Mickey Valdez of the Victim Assistance Program said. “I am honored to have been asked by Rep. Sykes to join her on this quest to improve the lives of all Ohioans.”

The National Dating Violence Hotline defines intimate partner violence, which includes dating violence, as a repetitive pattern of behaviors – including physical or sexual violence, threats, intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation – used to maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

“Victims of dating violence had few protections under the law prior to the passing of House Bill 1. I want to thank House Minority Whip Emilia Sykes for making House Bill 1 a priority,” said Judge Ron Cable.

Prior to HB 1’s passage, Ohio law did not allow victims of dating violence to obtain civil protection orders because these relationships did not fit the definition of domestic violence. HB 1 now includes individuals in dating relationships under Ohio’s definition of domestic violence for the purpose of obtaining a civil protection order, gaining access to battered women’s shelters, and mention in the Attorney General’s victim’s bill of rights.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse you can find help locally at Victim Assistance Program of Summit County at 330-376-0040 or at https://victimassistanceprogram.org/ or statewide at Action Ohio at 1-800-799-7233 or via the web http://www.actionohio.org/

This article originally appeared on www.ohiohouse.gov on July 5, 2018.

Ron Cable Helps DR Court Get New Therapy Dog

This article originally appeared on www.ohio.com

The Summit County Courthouse is going to the dogs.
 
First, it was Avery II. Now, Trotwood has joined the pack.
 
The furry friends are part of an effort to make court proceedings less intimidating for children.
 
The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office began using Avery in August 2013 to sit with children who testify in criminal proceedings. Inspired by this idea, Summit County Domestic Relations Court recently recruited Trotwood to assist young people who are part of custody, visitation and domestic violence cases.
 
“It has always been the No. 1 thing I was worried about — how to make kids feel more comfortable,” said Domestic Relations Court Magistrate Ron Cable. “I believe this is the answer.”
 
Avery, a 4-year-old Labrador-golden retriever mix, has been involved in 88 cases and helped 111 victims during competency meetings, trials and sentencing hearings, according to the prosecutor’s office.
 
“Our facility dog Avery has proven how impactful having a dog in court can be,” Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh said in an email. “I commend Summit County Magistrate Ron Cable for continuing this innovative approach in easing the stress children face when appearing in domestic relations court.”
 
Trotwood, the newest canine addition, is a 3-year-old Goldendoodle — a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle — owned by Magistrate Maureen Foley.
 
Cable recently used Trotwood in an interview with a 10-year-old boy for a custody case. He said the boy was delighted to meet Trotwood and feed him some treats. The boy told Cable about his own pets.
 
“I felt it was a nice ice breaker,” Cable said.
 
At one point during the interview, Cable said he had to ask the boy some uncomfortable questions. He said the boy leaned down to pet Trotwood, who was laying at his feet, as he answered.
 
Foley, who sat in on Trotwood’s pilot session, was pleased with how well it went for both the dog and the boy.
 
“It reframed his experience,” she said of the boy’s interview. “He could say, ‘I got to leave school early, I went to court and there was a dog there!’ ”
 
Cable said the boy’s parents were fine with the dog sitting in on the interview.
 
“Most of the folks we see are good people going through a difficult time,” he said. “They didn’t want to see their child upset.”
The two domestic relations judges and 11 magistrates will be able to use Trotwood to assist ­children during interviews for custody and visitation disputes and the issuance of civil protection orders for domestic-violence cases.The dog won’t be used in the courtroom.
 
“Being involved in a conflict between their parents can be traumatic for children,” Judge John Quinn said in a news release. “We are fortunate to have Trotwood to help children through this process and begin to heal.”
 
Trotwood also is in the process of joining the Doggie Brigade at Akron Children’s Hospital.
 
The magistrates think there could be more opportunities for dogs to be used in other local courtrooms in which children are involved in the proceedings.
 
“It’s just something good,” Cable said. “I think everybody acknowledges that.”
 
Avery and Trotwood haven’t yet met, but court officials say an introduction may be on the docket in the near future.
 
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @swarsmithabj and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/swarsmith.

Few Really Understand Autism’s Impact

This post originally appeared in the Nordonia Hills News Leader

April was autism awareness month. Although most people know about autism, few really understand its impact. A lot of work still needs to be done to make people more aware of children and adults who are autistic, and the struggles they and their families have with the disability.

I have an 18-year-old son, Ronnie, who is autistic. He was diagnosed at about the age of 2. Ronnie exhibited no signs of autism until about 18 months of age. Then one day he quit making eye contact, and would make strange and repetitive noises. It was like my child was stolen by a thief in the night.

The doctors did not give us a good prognosis when Ronnie was diagnosed. I remember a child development graph the doctor showed us. It looked more like a flat line than a typical developmental graph for children.

More worrisome than the graph was Ronnie’s behavior. Ronnie was having constant tantrums where he would bite, kick and scream. He also showed very little ability to love, as most of us understand love between a parent and child.

There were not many hugs or gestures of affection.

I remember feeling hopeless for him. Until one day when I met a person who actually knew about autism. She explained to me that autistic people’s brains light up on scans when they are shown pictures of their families, and that my son does love, he just does not know how to show it. In his world, we are all speaking a foreign language and he is frustrated because he does not understand us, and we do not understand him.

He has anxiety because noises sound different to him. However, she also said that it would be important to make him do all of the things that we do, to the best of his ability, because he must live in our world, and that we cannot live in his.

I am proud to say that my son, although he has language difficulties and continues to struggle with his disability, is a gentle young man who works hard and enjoys his life.

He goes to school, is on a swim team and has a job. I know that Ronnie loves his family, even though he may not be able to show it in a traditional way. I am thankful each day that Ronnie is a part of my life.

I will share a few things that I have learned in the last 18 years of raising my son. Autistic kids are beautiful; moms and dads should not be made to feel like bad parents when their autistic children misbehave, it is part of the disability; people should not stare when an autistic person is doing something weird, such as staring at their hand or making sounds, because it is part of living with autism; and most importantly, autistic people can do some amazing things, so it is important that we include them.

I ask that we remember those with autism and other special needs throughout the year. It is my hope that we are not only aware but accepting of people with differences.

Photo credit: @Becky Wetherington on flickr (under creative commons)

Guest Column: Working together to make holidays work

This article originally appeared in the Stow Sentry.

 

Holidays are fun times for families. Many holidays are rich in traditions, food, and family. Springtime brings a number of ethnic, religious and family holidays.

Most parents want their children to be with them on the holidays. Children love spending time with parents and extended families during those times.

When parents are separated or divorced, holidays can sometimes be full of tension and conflict. It is sometimes difficult for parents to want to share the children, or not see the children on holidays. Here are some tips for making it work.

Children don’t care what day something happens on. Most children don’t keep track of the calendar or the holiday schedule. What they care about most is keeping the same traditions the family had when they were together. That may be special worship services, special decorations and food. They love special holiday activities that happen year to year. Being flexible with the other parent, and the other parent’s extended family, lets children enjoy these traditions with both parents.

Children don’t mind having more than one holiday celebration. In my years working with families in Domestic Relations Court, I have never had a child tell me they didn’t want two Christmases, two Hanukkahs, two Easter egg hunts, two of anything! Children simply want to enjoy the holidays with each parent and their families. You can schedule your holiday for any day on the calendar. Your children won’t mind.

They only thing that can spoil the holidays for kids is the parents’ disagreements. The Standard Order of Parenting time for holidays is designed to allow children to have time with each parent on an alternating schedule.

However, parents can agree to any schedule that meets their children’s needs and desires. If parents can’t agree, then they fall back on the Standard Order. I have spoken to hundreds of children over the years. With very few exceptions, what children really want is to love both parents, to spend time with both parents, to have both parents love them, and for their parents never to fight and argue.

Working together with the other parent allows children to relax and enjoy their holiday. It teaches children how to problem solve in a civil respectable way (even with people they may not like). That is an important skill they need for life.

Parents are children’s most important teachers. They watch everything we do. Parents who give their child to the other parent freely, and encourage their children to build a good relationship with both families, help their children to become loving and caring adults. Hopefully, these tips will assist parents in making the holidays a time to treasure.

Photo credit: Adam Carter on flickr under Creative Commons

Guest Column: Resolving conflict between two homes

This article was originally published in the Hudson Hub Times.

I can remember the summers from my childhood. They seemed endless. Long days of sunshine, friends and family vacations made this time special. School, lessons and sports were all put on hold until after Labor Day.

Sadly, some children never get to experience this special time of their lives due to the conflict between their parents. As a veteran magistrate at the Summit County Domestic Relations Court, I see families arguing over what weeks they will spend with their children. I have had trials over the Fourth of July weekend alone. I’ve had parents both pay deposits on high end vacations during the same week and request that the court interview the children to determine their wishes. I’ve ruled on emergency motions for Disney World vacations.

We see good people who are going through difficult times at the domestic relations court. However, sometimes the stress of co-parenting with a difficult personality clouds the ability to make the right choices — even choices that involve our children.

I remember a case where the father was to provide the transportation for summer parenting time. The agreed order did not specify where the transportation was to be “to and from” so the mother decided to travel out of town each day before the father was to enjoy his time. As one can imagine, this caused severe conflict between these parents.

Another case involved a father who would sign the kids up for overnight camps during the mother’s parenting time, causing the children to resent their mother when she refused to give up the few weeks that she was able to spend with the children. These tactics caused constant summer litigation between the parties.

Simply put, high conflict and litigation is bad for kids. We know that children from high conflict homes have much greater chances to suffer from anxiety, depression, low self- esteem, and often grow up to have negative feelings about both of their parents. We also know that children from high conflict homes turn to drugs, alcohol and promiscuity at a higher rate than children who grow up in a peaceful setting.

Kids enjoy unstructured time with each parent. Summer is a time they can spend extended time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They can sleep in and not have the rushing around that happens during the school year. The kids who come in to speak to the court just want to have fun time with each parent. They know when their parents play games with the time. They can’t stand when their parents fight over time, whether it is summer vacation or holidays. The fact is parents will only get so much time with their children before the children are teens, and involved in activities and employment. It’s important for everyone’s sake, that parents work together to ensure a happy restful summer for each child.

I have a few tips on how to reduce conflict with summer parenting time.

1) Choose your battles. It is not a good idea to fight with your co-parent just to prove a point. Your kids are watching and it is important that they have one parent who puts their needs first. Your kids will appreciate this later.
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2) Just stick to the schedule. It is not worth saving a few dollars on airfare, or attending a function with your kids if trying to change the schedule with your co-parent will case a family war. Kids want to be happy, especially in the summer.

3) Plan far in advance for out of town travel. Both parents should have a mechanism in their order where they are trading vacation schedules by at least May 1 of each year.

4) Stay child focused. Really try to enjoy the summer parenting time that you have with your kids. We have all heard the saying that “they grow up fast.”

We have a significant number of cases in the summer that deal with schedule changes and contempt. If parents are truly having a hard time with the summer schedule, they can ask for an Informal mediation to assist them is resolving the issues peacefully. They can find the form online, at www.drcourt.org. It only takes a few weeks to schedule and it’s free! Remember — your kids just want to enjoy their time off with family and friends. I hope that all of us out there that have two household families make a resolution to enjoy our time with our kids. They do grow up fast.

Photo credit: Olga Lednichenko on flickr under creative commons.


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