If you received a summons to appear to the Medina County Juvenile Court for the first time, you would have received “First Appearance Instructions” requesting that you arrive at the Courthouse one hour prior to your hearing to complete an Intake Interview.
When you arrive at Court, you will meet with the Intake Officer. This Officer is responsible for gathering information, such as mental health history, drug and alcohol history, school attendance, grades, and social history. The Intake Officer will then provide that information to the Court prior to the First Appearance Hearing.
The purpose of this Intake Interview is to assist the Judge and/or Magistrates to determine the best services or programs needed for the Juvenile and their family.
The Intake Officer will continue to monitor your case until you return for a Disposition Hearing.
When you arrive at Court, you will meet with the Intake Officer. This Officer is responsible for gathering information, such as mental health history, drug and alcohol history, school attendance, grades, and social history. The Intake Officer will then provide that information to the Court prior to the First Appearance Hearing.
The purpose of this Intake Interview is to assist the Judge and/or Magistrates to determine the best services or programs needed for the Juvenile and their family.
The Intake Officer will continue to monitor your case until you return for a Disposition Hearing.
Topics Covered by Intake Officer During Your First Time at Juvenile Court
This information will give the Court an idea of the dynamic family, who has custody or guardianship of the Juvenile, visitation schedules between divorced parents, as well as contact information.
If a Juvenile is currently using drugs or alcohol, has a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, or has experienced abuse, the Court will use that information to provide the best services to the Juvenile and their family for treatment and counseling.
This information helps the Court determine if the Juvenile is experiencing problems at school and what steps need to be taken to ensure educational progress.
The Intake Department Officer will ask the Juvenile about their hobbies, talents and special interests. This information helps the Court understand the Juvenile’s activity and social level, or if they spend most of their time on the computer, playing video games or watching television.
Who needs to attend the Intake interview?
The Juvenile and at least one parent or guardian are required to attend the Intake Interview. Attorneys are also welcome to attend the interview, although information specific to your case will not be discussed.
How long will the interview take?
The Intake Interview typically lasts about 20-40 minutes.
Juvenile Links
What is a Compliance Officer?
The Intake Department Officer also works as the Compliance Officer for Medina County Juvenile Court.
Similar to Probation Officers, a Compliance Officer’s job is to ensure that a juvenile offender is completing all Court orders. Compliance Officer Monitoring does not include visits with Juveniles at their home or school, but this Officer does keep in communication with parents and school officials to ensure compliance.
Similar to Traditional Probation, the Compliance Officer may issue a Violation of Court Order for any juvenile not following Court orders. A Violation of Court Order may include the following sanctions:
- Community Service hours
- Requirement to return to Court for a Violation of Court Order Hearing
- A warrant for arrest for placement at the Juvenile Detention Center
Those who receive a Violation of Court Order may be required to return to Court for further sanctions, including more intense Court supervision.
How often will I meet with my Compliance Officer?
The Compliance Officer does not visit you at home or school, which means communication is typically done over the phone. The Compliance Officer may call to set up an appointment at the Courthouse if necessary for a drug screen or to discuss any issues.
How long will I be on Compliance Officer Monitoring?
Compliance Officer Monitoring typically lasts for the term of your Dispositional Court Order. However, if you do not complete your Court orders or if you are not compliant, your Compliance Officer Monitoring term may be extended, or you may be required to return to Juvenile Court for further action.
Judge Kevin Dunn
Judge Kevin W. Dunn has been presiding over the Medina County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Divisions since August 2013 upon being appointed by Governor John Kasich. The Judge was elected by Medina County voters to continue his duties in the position and began his six-year term February 2015.
Contact Medina County Juvenile Court
This website is designed as a service to the public to provide an understanding on the duties and procedures of the Juvenile Court in Ohio. This should not be considered a legal reference.
