of the Month
June Morgan - Domestic Relations Specialist
Family - Domestic
June Morgan has been employed with the Court for 11 years. She started in FOC in the Medical Enforcement Unit as a clerk. She has previously worked in Case Establishment in the Court Clerical Services Department.
Q. What are some of your likes?
A. Analytical and math calculations
Q. What are you looking forward to doing during this summer?
A. Getting my daughter ready to enter high school. My daughter is a Rhonda Walker Foundation Scholar. I am definitely looking forward to wearing sandals, dresses, and heels again in the summer, especially after my knee surgery.
Q. What are some of your hobbies?
A. Reading romance and documentaries, casino trip, and the movies.
Q. One thing most people don't know about you.
A. Very friendly and likes helping others.
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Judge Don Knapp was appointed to the Third Circuit Court in April of 2018. Prior to that appointment, he served for nine years as the Livonia city attorney during which time he advised the Mayor, City Council, department heads, and commissions, handled criminal prosecutions, litigated civil litigation filed against the City of Livonia, and managed the Law Department's other attorneys and staff. He also specialized in commercial and civil litigation, probate and estate planning, and municipal law at Fausone Bohn, LLP in Northville for fourteen years. Judge Knapp's career began as a research attorney for Third Circuit Court Judge Timothy M. Kenny. He also worked as a legislative aide for then State Senator Thaddeus McCotter and as an associate attorney for a small medical malpractice defense firm, respectively. He is a graduate of the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Detroit Catholic Central.
Judge Knapp was elected to the Livonia City Council in 2001 and re-elected in 2005. He was active in the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, as well as member of the Livonia Kiwanis Club and Knight of Columbus-Monaghan Council. He is a member of the Federalist Society, Livonia Bar Association, Detroit Bar Association, and St. Edith Church
He is married to Kathy Knapp, who is a special education paraprofessional for the Livonia Public Schools. They have twin daughters who are seven years old.
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The Juvenile Section of the Family Division is making a concerted effort to meet the needs of our children that are "aging out" of the Child Welfare System. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are equipped to be productive, happy, well-adjusted adults. It is a daunting task because many of these youth do not have the support structure to protect, guide, and gird them in order to address modern day issues. The Court is doing its part to ensure that each of our youth have a support system in place, including one that supports their educational pursuits. Many of the colleges and universities within the state of Michigan now have programs that provide financial and educational support to youth who have been in foster care. For those youth that matriculate into colleges and universities, there are resources available to assist them in this important transition. The most important thing that the Court does is to ensure, before a child is dismissed from the Court's jurisdiction, that the child has a supportive adult or system in place upon which they can rely before they go off to college. These supportive adults serve as mentors to these youth from whom they can seek advice and counsel. Just as important as providing the more formal support, these mentors can also provide a haven for these youth during times of celebration, like holidays. However, more resources are needed. The Department of Health and Human Services also provides support for these youth with their Michigan Youth Opportunity Program. This program is available to youth who are or were in foster care, between the ages of 16 - 21, sponsored by the Casey Foundation. The Department meets with the youth to provide support and services. They meet monthly at the South Central office of DHHS.
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It Takes A Village
Presiding Judge Virgil Smith and Judge Frank Szymanski joined by representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services, participated in a forum to request community involvement with our families in need in Wayne County. The forum took place at Fellowship Chapel Church in Detroit. The purpose of the forum was to bring awareness to the needs of our families and how the community can help them. Both Judges spoke passionately about churches and other like-minded organizations and the need for them to help bridge the gap for the families that come before the Court. One of the initiatives that the community may provide some help in participating in the Volunteer Supervised Parenting Time Program that allows for increasing parenting time to families whose children are in foster care. There were approximately 30 people in attendance.
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Detroit Councilman McCalister
Launches Mental Health
Task Force
UDM President was on hand with Chief Judge Robert J. Colombo Jr. and Executive Court Administrator Zenell B. Brown to support the City of Detroit Mental Health Taskforce headed by Councilman Roy McCalister.
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April 26, 2018, the Honorable Virgil C. Smith swore in 12 new CASA volunteers. This was the 30th
swearing in for the Wayne County CASA Program. The event was held to an overflowing crowd in Judge Smith's courtroom. At Judge Smith's request, Judge Karen Y. Braxton assisted in the swearing in ceremony. Afterwards a very nice reception was held. Congratulations to all of the CASA volunteers.
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Criminal Division Adult Drug Court Volunteers in Community
On, May 3rd, 2018, in recognition of "National Drug Court Awareness Month" the Adult Drug Treatment Court Program participated in a community service event through the Networking, Organizing, and Advocating for the Homeless (NOAH) Project.
The ADTC team, along with one of its active participants, prepared and served lunch to approximately 96 members of the community. The Bag Lunch Program is offered Monday through Thursday and has served the downtown Detroit community for over 40 years. The program is designed to begin an ongoing relationship founded on trust and acceptance and is open to anyone without qualifications or restrictions.
The ADTC team's involvement in the program increases awareness about the Adult Drug Treatment Court and the benefits it provides to the surrounding communities by supervising eligible offenders in the program thereby significantly improving substance abuse treatment outcomes, substantially reducing drug abuse and crime, and doing so at a less expense than any other justice strategy.
Pictured (left to right): ADTC Case Manager Rita Jones, ADTC Specialty Court Coordinator Chanell Rawls, Volunteer who goes by, "Papa Smurf," ADTC Case Manager Rianne Leslie, and NOAH Project Director Grace Okerson.
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Wayne County Friend of the Court
Outreach Within Reach
June 2018
Have questions about the
Friend of the Court?
Need help with your case?
Visit our staff at any of the below venues this month!
Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Starfish Family Services, 26429 Michigan Ave., Inkster MI 48141
Friday, June 8, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ACCESS, 6450 Maple, Dearborn, MI 48126
Saturday, June 9, 2018 11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
Partnership for Dads, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd, Waterford MI 48328
Tuesday, June 12, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Detroit Leadership Academy Elementary Resource Fair 13550 Virgil St. Detroit MI 48223
Friday, June 15, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Veterans Event, MSU Detroit Ctr. 3408 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48201
Tuesday, June 19, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Resource Network, 11816 Jos Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Thursday, June 21, 2018 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fatherhood Forum, Greater Grace Temple 23500 W Seven Mile Rd, Detroit MI 48219
Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Returning Citizens - Lawton Parole Office 5300 Lawton, Detroit MI 48208
Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wayne County Legal Resources Consortium
Penobscot Building, Floor 13, 645 Griswold, Detroit MI 48226
Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Focus: HOPE, 1200 Oakman Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48238
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In Memory of Judge Arthur J. Lombard
Hon. Arthur J. Lombard
passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018. He was a judge in the Family Division but occasionally assisted with the Civil docket. He was appointed to this position by Governor John Engler and took office in 1994 until January 1, 2015 when he retired.
Judge Lombard received his B.A. degree from Columbia University in 1961 and his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School in 1964. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Detroit College of Law.
He began his career in 1964 as a law clerk to Chief Judge Edward Lumbard of the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit
. The following year, he worked as an instructor at Harvard Law School. He then taught as a professor of law at Wayne State University Law School from 1966 to 1987. From 1987 through 1993, he worked as a professor of law and was dean of the Detroit College of Law.
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Join our E-mail List and receive our monthly E-mail newsletter from the Third Judicial Circuit Court and stay informed.
Please send us your name and email address to -
3cce-news@3rdcc.org
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Greetings,
We are highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month in this newsletter.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reported "of Michigan's nearly 10 million residents, 348,000 adults live with serious mental illness and 112,000 children live with serious mental health conditions."
Historically, mental health and physical health issues have elicited very different community responses. Public awareness and fundraisers are not prevalent for mental health conditions and illness as they are for physical illness such as cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
Further, mental health is often stigmatized. The stigma promotes beliefs that it is better for a person to be characterized as a delinquent or criminal rather than to be someone who needs mental health services.
The Third Circuit Court has been at the forefront on the issue and acknowledges Judge Timothy M. Kenny who presides over the Mental Health Court in the Criminal Division and Judge Edward Joseph who presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court, and the Program Coordinators Deborah Price and Deborah Nelson are commended for the extraordinary work they do.
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Juvenile Mental Health Court
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Juvenile Mental Health Court program (JMHC) at the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan would like you to meet their great hardworking staff and the wonderful professionals who support them. They are proud to have on their team, the Honorable Judge Edward Joseph, Referee Anthony Crutchfield, Program Coordinator Deborah Nelson, Case Manager Janeen Abdur-Rahman, HBU (Home Based Unit) Supervisor Dr. Lindsay Carr and Forensic Family Clinicians Pal Brooks, Cora Garth, Sharon Hamilton-Martin, and Lauren Stover. In addition, a Parent Support Partner, Vanessa Isom-Jackson is on the team. JMHC has been efficacious in its aim to support each youth's education with the ongoing support of MCLC (Michigan Child Law Center). A special thanks to CHAP (Child Advocacy Program) for their advocacy and support on behalf of the program participants. JMHC is presently working with 30 families and their enrollment continues to grow. They are thrilled to have established collaborations with numerous treatment providers and community supporters.
JMHC presented a workshop on the "Seven Challenges of JMHC" at the Annual MATCP (Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals) Conference in March 2018 and received very positive feedback. Summer workshops are planned to enhance their program and extend the support systems of our youth and their families. An upcoming graduation is scheduled to recognize youth and families who have completed the program requirements, learned information about their specific needs, and have gained support for their individual success. The program anticipates continued success and wants to thank everyone who helps on a weekly basis to make the program viable.
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Mental Health Court
Mental Health Court, under the leadership of Judge Timothy Kenny has been in existence since 2009. Its
mission is to provide a problem-solving approach for persons with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse disorders that are charged with a non-violent felony. They will be given an opportunity to voluntarily participate through conditional release in community treatment and court approved service plans as an alternative to incarceration and the normal criminal prosecution process and punishment. It is a two-year program.
To be eligible; clients must have a serious mental illness, or serious emotional disturbance as defined by MCL 330.1100 and the severe nature of the mental illness or functional impairment necessitates intensive clinical services (for example- Bi-Polar Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD). Most of the cases considered for Mental Health Court are non-assaultive. Some low level assaultive cases are considered on a case-by-case basis. Defendants will be evaluated for their suitability for community supervision as opposed to incarceration. The following factors will be considered: the charged offense(s); behavioral health history; underlying conduct described in police reports or witness statements; the defendant's past criminal history; evidence of past violence or assaultive conduct; adjustment to past sentences of probation or mandatory treatment; and feedback from victims, the police, and/or the defendant's family. Clients must be functioning at a level that they can follow the program's agenda.
The Key Success Components in 3rd Circuit Mental Health Court are:
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Low recidivism rates
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A decrease in substance use
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More medical care opportunities to reduce crisis center visits, hospital stays and admissions,
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More collaboration with community partners
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Establishment of an Alumni Program to help clients stay engaged and continue mental health treatment
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More linkages between hospital or jail and community providers using electronic records
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Focusing on chronic care management instead of episodic acute care
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Good attendance at monthly meetings with stakeholders
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Working on housing opportunities as a stabilizing factor
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Employment for those under skilled and formerly unable to work
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Increased quality of life
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Assistance in applying for benefits
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Assist, monitor and report consumer medication management
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Family Reunification
Many of Mental Health Court participant needs are met by our Community Mental Health Provider (CCIH). This includes physical and dental exams, recovery housing, medication, psychiatric exams, medication reviews, case management, therapy and social outings.
They are referred for GED programming, skill trade programs and college study. They are also encouraged to work and perform community service. While focusing on maintaining and developing new goals and objectives, the program continues to thrive and demonstrate favorable outcomes.
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2017 Annual Report Cover Contest Winners
1st Place Winner
Madison Ristic
- I'm an aspiring artist and graphic designer, and my older sister is my role model. I've won multiple awards over the course of several years. My most recent was the poster contest for the DAFT film festival. I've also won the Academic Letter Award and the Presidential Award. I've been on the Honor Roll for four years. After high school I plan on attending Schoolcraft and furthering my experience in design.
2nd Place Winner
Nathan Adermatt
- I am a 12th grade senior at Wayne Memorial High School. I am a second year Graphic Design student who loves to design new innovative things. I plan to further my education at Michigan State University where I wish to design future vehicles. I have always been around cars and from the beginning found inspiration. It was a pleasure to design a cover for the circuit court of Michigan. I wanted to design something with creative additives, as well as a professional feeling that the court related with. I want to thank you for picking my cover and recognizing the artwork within the design.
Demond Taylor, Jr.
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"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way."
This quote by Edward de Bono inspires me to keep being myself; to keep being the elephant in the room. I want to continue to have different opinions as other people because my opinion will stand out. I want to stand out because I know it only takes one leader to begin the change that we seek. I am an 18 year old High School student from Detroit. I am a fragment of our future. I am the minority. I am interested in being myself and keeping all of my characteristics the same in my success. I want to stay a creative, optimistic, and determined person; and I feel as though by attending Eastern Michigan University, I can achieve success while keeping my traits intact.
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On May 2, 2018, the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan and the DBA hosted the Annual Law Day Program open house for high school students in Wayne County. This year's keynote speaker for the event was motivational speaker Jonathan Edison.
There was an enthusiastic crowd of more than 300 students along with their teacher-chaperones to attend the Law Day program. The schools that attended were Academy of the Americas, Cass Technical High School, Cesar Chavez Academy, Cody Medicine and Community High School, Communication and Media Arts High School, Davis Aerospace Technical School, Henry Ford High School, Detroit Collegiate Prep High School, Loyola High School, Mumford High School, University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and Western International High School.
The program involved participation from the classes in a mock trial where the students reenacted the case with twelve of the judges from the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan. They also received coaching from lawyer volunteers. Students who were participating in the Law Day Program were invited to submit an essay on the same topic of the theme of the Law Day program for a chance to win prizes. The winners from this year's program were:
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Christian Egan - U of D Jesuit High School
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Breanna Caban - Western International High School
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Tyler Padilla - U of D Jesuit High School
Without the support from Chief Judge Colombo and our volunteers, Law Day would not be possible.
Business Contact info:
Jonathan Edison
Office: 972-755-4231
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Leading and Sustaining Change
"Leading and Sustaining Change" was the charge for the 2018 IIRP Canada Conference hosted in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from April 30 - May 2, 2018. Ten Third Circuit Court "Champions" (employees of the Restorative Practices team), representing all three divisions, were the beacons that forged opportunities to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and share ideas of innovative restorative practices. The three day conference laid the framework to connect and network with scholars and practitioners from all around the world. The conference presented a wealth of learning platforms, including panel discussions, a variety of presenters, representing various settings, as well as a documentary screening.
The 2018 IIRP conference was inspiring, motivating, and rich with diverse restorative contributions. The Third Circuit Court "Champions" returned to Detroit armed, ready, and focused on moving the entire Third Circuit Court forward, toward a restorative and thriving culture and more importantly, a sustained workplace. The "Champions" will be highlighted as presenters at the 2018 IIRP World Conference, which will be held in Detroit, MI on October 24-26, 2018. Stay tuned for updates!
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WLAM-Wayne Presented Learning to Lead.
Judge Mariam Saad Bazzi administered the oath to the incoming board and was a panelist along with Prof. Dana Thompson of U of M Law School, Amanda (Amy) Good M.S.W. of Alternatives For Girls' CEO and Director, and Steven Benson a teacher at Mumford High School. Attorney Jerome Crawford served as the facilitator.
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