Hancock judge named to state committee

FINDLAY — Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kristen Johnson has been appointed to serve on the Study Committee to Evaluate the Placement of Delinquent Children in Residential Facilities, pursuant to Section 16(B)(6) of H.B. 315 of Ohio's 135th General Assembly. The Study Committee was established to evaluate the placement of children in residential facilities, evaluate the existing system, resources and services used to support such children; identify gaps in the availability of appropriate residential facilities, resources and services to serve such children; and make recommendations for changes to meet the needs of such children. In addition to serving on the bench, Johnson is a member of the Ohio Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Children and Families and is the immediate past president of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges. "I am honored to be appointed to serve on this important committee," Johnson said. "The decisions we make regarding residential placement have a profound impact on the lives of children, families, and communities. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow committee members to evaluate our current system and identify thoughtful, evidence-based recommendations that support rehabilitation, accountability, and public safety." The committee was created under H.B. 315 and is charged with evaluating residential placements for delinquent children throughout Ohio. Its work is meant to help inform future legislative and policy decisions affecting Ohio's juvenile justice system.