Geauga County Magistrate Abbey King was our guest speaker this weds at our weekly Rotary club meeting. She gave us an excellent review and comprehensive summary on our Juvenile Court system in Geauga County. We learned about the many challenges that come with adjudicating young children and teenagers who find themselves in trouble with the law. It was heartbreaking to hear the types of cases that come before her in court which can range from truancy from school, engaging in delinquent acts of theft or violence, continually disobeying parents or other authority figures, to taking illegal drugs or finding themselves in sexually or physically abusive situations at home with their parents. Many of the initial interventions administered by the court with these first-time young children and teenage offenders are geared to help them learn tough lessons without severe punishment or penalty. However, as a minor child creeps closer to the age of becoming an legal adult at the age of 18, then the consequences can be detrimental and potentially cause irreversible psychological damage for the rest of that person's life. It is not a job for the faint of heart, and we are proud that Ms. King sits on the bench of Chardon Juvenile Court as Magistrate to give these kids an opportunity to get support and turn their behavior around before it's too late!
