Fairfax County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court Friday, May 15, 2015, Volume 281

JUVENILE COURT VOLUNTEER DAVID KLINE WINS FAIRFAX COUNTY VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDSubmitted by Lori Wymore-Kirkland, Coordinator, Supervised Visitation Program, who nominated Mr. Kline for this awardhttp://www.fairfaxcountypartnerships.org/news/press/volunteer-fairfax-cabot.html

David Kline, a Fairfax County volunteer and a Fairfax County Department of Trans-portation employee, was doubly honored at the 23rd Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards celebration held recently at the Waterford at Springfield. He not only won the 2015 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award for Fairfax County at the awards breakfast, but also, as a special bonus, Kline was invited by Cabot Creamery to sail on their “Community Celebrity Award Cruise”.

Through a partnership with Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships (OP3) and Samaritan Technologies, the top volunteer for Fairfax County and a guest will join other community celebrities and Cabot staffers aboard Celebrity Cruises Reflection on an 8-day/7-night all-expense paid Caribbean Cruise in November. This will be the fifth year the farmer-owners of Cabot Creamery Cooperative have honored the achievements and contributions of volunteers from every part of our great nation. "We were pleased that our partners at Samaritan and Cabot shared this opportunity with our volunteer," said Patricia Stevens, OP3 Executive Director.

David was honored for his volunteer service with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. During business hours, he works for Fairfax County as a Transportation Engineer keeping traffic down and planning community projects. Since 2007 on evenings and weekends, however, he volunteers for the Stronger Together Supervised Visitation and Supervised Exchange Program working with families as a visitation monitor. David was nominated this year for his work mentoring a young father who was court ordered into the program for visitation with his toddler. David went the extra mile seeking out additional training so that he could effectively mentor the young man. He taught this young dad the importance of supervising a toddler, how to change a diaper, the joy of sitting on the floor to play and modeled the gift of reading to his child. The family was grateful for David's support and the judge commended his work with this young father.

The Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards, established in 1993, are presented each year by Volunteer Fairfax and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.  The awards serve as a community-wide celebration of volunteerism.

JDRDC Full Court Press

JDRDC NEWS INFORMATIONThe JDRDC Full Court Press is published monthly and distributed electronically to the employees of the Fairfax County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.

To submit an item for inclusion in the newsletter:1. Send your item via email to JDRDCNews@fairfaxcounty.govHH 2. Include a name, phone number and email address to contact if there are questions.3. If the item is time-sensitive, include the timeframe during which you want it distributed.

Members of the Newsletter Committee and Unit Representatives are: Cindy Ross, Committee Chairperson; Jessica Curtis, Dana Deleanu, Dan Lanham, Diana Ventry Casey, Adrienne Williams, and George Spack, Technical Advisor.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities. Special accommodations will be provided upon request. For information, call 703-246-3343; Deaf or Hearing Impaired Dial 711.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS SERVICES?Submitted by Eraina Hill, Probation Officer II, Community Corrections Services

Suite 202 in the Courthouse is often referred to as Domestic Relations. That all changed with the creation of the Court’s newest unit, Community Corrections Services, under the supervision of Unit Director Mike Deloach and Assistant Unit Director Alyson Daniels. Both units now occupy the space in Suite 202. Unlike the Domestic Relations unit, which files petitions for custody, visitation, support, paternity and protective orders and houses the Court’s supervised visitation programs, Community Corrections serves adults within JDRDC who have been placed on probation.

The majority of cases supervised by Community Corrections are a result of an assault on a family or household member. We supervise most misdemeanors in which an adult is the perpetrator and a child, family, or household member is the victim. On occasion, we receive juvenile cases because a child has turned 18 in the midst of their court proceedings.

Intake Officer Silvia Borda-Revilla says, “We are here to not only help clients follow the court order, but we are also here to help better their lives.” As Intake Officer, Silvia meets with clients at their first appointment and makes sure that they understand the requirements of probation, sets up referrals and interpreters, conducts the M-OST and OST assessments (think YASI) and provides the client with information to non-court-ordered resources if needed. Administrative Assistant Vanessa Rodriguez provides support to Silvia and all the probation officers by tracking incarcerated probationers and appealed cases to make sure no probationer falls through the cracks.

The probation officers work closely with three domestic violence/batterers intervention programs located within the County: Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment (ADAPT) in the Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services; Opportunities, Alternatives and Resources (OAR) of Fairfax; and Northern Virginia Family Services. We also work closely with the CSB and other private providers who provide substance abuse and mental health services to our clients. We work very closely with the Fairfax County General District Court as we often share cases. Community Corrections Services is overseen by DCJS transfers and receives cases to any local community-based probation agency in Virginia.

The unit found it beneficial, just like with juvenile probation, to divide probation supervision into jurisdictions based on zip codes. This has allowed us to foster relationships with the Domestic Violence Detectives and the Victim Service Specialists assigned to those locales. It has also allowed the POs to become aware of area-specific resources for their clients.

Probation Officers assigned to North County are Celia Goldberg and Kim Parr; for Center County, Regina Morris and Anthony Zinno (temporary); for South County, Richard Manley and Deborah Saliba; and for East County, Eraina Hill and Greg Washington.

Everyone in the unit is Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center certified through the Virginia State Police. This allows us to check to see our clients’ past criminal history and to see if there are any new offenses. The POs meet weekly to go over topics such as motivational interviewing and review case service plans. The meetings prove to be beneficial because everyone has the opportunity to learn from one another. Probation Officer Richard Manley says what has been most impactful and eye opening to him is that, “Any and every one can change, but you can’t change them. You can use all your tools, but ultimately, it is up to them to decide to change.”

This chart lists the number and status of cases supervised by Community Cor-rections. With seven full-time and one half-time staff, the average case load per PO is 87.86 cases and each PO averaged 12.66 new cases.

Approximately 11% of the cases were on inactive supervision in February. These cases could have had pro-bationers who were in residential treat-ment, incarcerated or transferred to another agency for supervision.

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Cases on Active Supervision (659)

Cases on Inactive Supervision (83)

New Cases (95) Closed Cases (55)0

100200300400500600700

Number of Cases - February 2015

The pie chart above shows the number of court-ordered or graduated sanction-induced program referrals made. As previously stated, the majority of the POs’ caseload is comprised of assault on family or household member cases. This is why the number of clients ordered to domestic violence programs is so high. Many of these individuals also have substance abuse and mental health issues that need to be addressed.

As we are all aware, a day’s work can be challenging yet rewarding. Stress relievers are a necessity. The Unit enjoys having fun. The staff occasionally does outings to support teamwork and unity. Bowling is an all-time favorite, especially with fierce competition between Director Mike Deloach and PO Greg Washington. The unit occasionally does lunch at local restaurants. The staff is also planning an outing to mini-golf and a trip to an amusement park. Outside of work, some members in the Unit play together on a spring and fall league softball team, in addition to the Court’s softball team. Recently some of the ladies in the Unit went to a Nationals game and enjoyed the win with a three-homer game from Bryce Harper.

If you have any questions about the role of Community Corrections Services that weren’t answered here, feel free to stop by and ask! We are also very open to receiving anyone who would like to shadow a worker or cross-train in our unit.

Pictured left to right are:PO Eraina Hill, PO Celia Goldberg,Administrative Assistant Vanessa Rodriguez,and Assistant Unit Director Alyson Daniels at Nationals Park.

PAT’S CHATSSubmitted by Bob Bermingham, Director, Court Services

Human Services (HS) Agency employees are invited to exchange in an open dialogue with Deputy County Executive Patricia Harrison. She hosts “Pat’s Chats” annually to maintain open communication with employees, keeping them informed of current and upcoming initiatives, and addressing any questions they may have. This year’s theme: Human Services – A Different Kind of Future:

• HS Needs Assessment• Going Live with the HS Report Card• HS Approach to Lines of Business• HS Information Technology Governance BoardThe scheduled meetings with Pat Harrison are as follows:

READING WUTHERING HEIGHTS WITH JUVENILE OFFENDERSSubmitted by Jamie McCarron, Director, Probation Services

April 25, 2015 | By Amanda Holmes | http://booksbywomen.org/reading-wuthering-heights-with-juvenile-offenders/

The idea that literature changes people’s lives is the premise of a program I facilitate through Fairfax County Public Library. It’s called Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL) and it’s run in partnership with Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and Fairfax Library Foundation. I work with first time offenders and girls in a residence facility. We meet for ten weeks. Each class is an hour and fifteen minutes, during which we talk and write about a selected book. At the end of the course there is a completion ceremony, sometimes at the courthouse.JDRDC Full Court Press – Volume 281 Page 3

AnnandaleJune 8, 2015

1:30 PM to 3:30 PMHeritage East

Conference Rooms C & D

South CountyJune 9, 2015

10 AM to 12 PMSouth Co. Govt. Center

Room(s) 221 A&B

FairfaxJune 15, 2015

10 AM to 12 PMPennino Human Services Center Rooms 206 & 200

RestonJune 18, 2015

1:30 PM to 3:30 PMReston Community Center

(Lake Anne)Joanne Rose Art Gallery

Room

CLTL favors young adult novels with female protagonists. We’ve read such titles as Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming and Liz Murray’s Breaking Night. Last semester, I tried something out of their comfort zone – Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

Reading Bronte would be a risk. English is a second language for some of the girls and the language and vocabulary is challenging. But thousands of girls their age have read and responded to Wuthering Heights and I wanted to prove it could also speak to them. One girl, who had participated in the group before, told me she wanted a selection with more sex and violence. Bronte would qualify, I thought, but also might take her further.

This particular group included seven girls. I passed out the books on the first day of class, and watched their faces fall.   What’s with the cover painting, they asked. They didn’t like the thickness of the novel, or the small writing, and weird language.

I described the isolation of the Bronte sisters, in the tiny village of Haworth in a parsonage, where they made up stories and drew pictures on their bedroom walls. I told them that I had been to the Haworth Parsonage and seen their drawings! The girls began to fidget.

Then, I discouraged them further. “You’ll struggle with the opening chapters,” I said. “They are written from Lockwood’s point of view, and he’s boring. If you find these chapters difficult and boring, that’s because they ARE difficult and boring. Bear with it,” I told them. “I wouldn’t have picked this book if I didn’t think you’d like it.”

But I drove home uneasily. What if they hated the novel? What if reading it made them dislike books more than some of them already did? What if the experience alienated them?

As predicted, the girls found Lockwood boring.  So we discussed what made him boring.  Why was he such a cold fish? What was Emily Bronte thinking to use such a narrator for the opening of her passionate story?

Another problem was the character Joseph, who speaks in dialect. But Catherine’s ghost, who appears at Lockwood’s window, intrigued the girls. I played them a recording of Kate Bush singing “Wuthering Heights” and as they listened, something behind their eyes began to change.  “Kate Bush was like a 70’s Lady Gaga,” I told them. “But better.” The spark of their interest was thus ignited – with a little help from Kate Bush.

As weeks went by, we discussed Heathcliff who was bullied and tormented by Hindley and mercilessly teased by Cathy. The girls thought Cathy had serious mental problems. They also found her irritating. But they were now amused by Joseph and had grown accustomed to his dialect.

Things picked up when the narrator shifted to Nelly Dean. They liked Nelly. But was she biased? Did she have a crush on Edgar Linton? The girls didn’t think so. But they all felt sorry for Hareton.

Was there an incestuous quality to the novel, I asked? Was it possible that Heathcliff was Earnshaw’s illegitimate son? Or that young Cathy was actually Catherine and Heathcliff’s daughter? No, they said. Because young Cathy has blonde hair. She looked too much like Edgar.

By the time we got into Book Two, everyone was hooked. They loved the many parallels: Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights; the two Cathys; the several romances; the fathers and sons; the fathers and daughters; the way Bronte switches elements and unfolds them in different ways.

One morning, they wrote about a character they identified with. One of the girls picked Hareton, because he was quiet and didn’t show his feelings much. He’d lost his mother at a very young age. She identified with this because she too had lost family members and hadn’t known how to grieve them. This had contributed to her later problems.

Another girl identified with Heathcliff’s anger. She longed for him to show a good side of his nature – to come through in the end. He had been wronged and hadn’t been given a chance. It was sad that revenge had become his driving motivation.

We discussed Linton Heathcliff. Most decided he was weak, selfish and manipulative. But one girl liked him.  “He can’t help how he is,” she cried. “He’s SICK!”

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At the completion ceremony, the library awarded certificates to the girls and the girls gave speeches. Some of their family members were present and the girls were proud. Wuthering Heights had found its way into their hearts. They had risen to the challenge of a difficult text and it felt fantastic. As to their analysis, I’d confidently put them head to head with any high school or undergraduate class. “I liked this book better than the one we read last time,” said one girl.   “Because I identified more with the characters.”

Reading can be a solitary activity which nourishes our inner lives. But in programs like CLTL, we discover that we aren’t as alone or as different from each other as we think. That is empathy, and it transforms us.   Last but not least, recidivism rate in CLTL is 2/3 of what it is in other programs – such as community service, etc. Books can change lives.

Amanda Holmes is the author of I KNOW WHERE I AM WHEN I’M FALLING, a novel. Her stories have appeared in such publications as Ploughshares, The Christian Science Monitor, Rattapallax, Main Street Rag. She blogs at www.irrelevanceofhope.blogspot.com Her website is www.byamandaholmes.com   twitter @byamandaholmes

JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT BILL INTRODUCEDSubmitted by Bob Bermingham, Director, Court Services

The introduction of a bipartisan JJDPA Reauthorization Bill and its potential approval (see Action Alert below) is big news in the juvenile justice world. In addition to the introduction of the Bill, I found the items highlighted in the Action Alert on point with national juvenile justice reform efforts and reaffirms the direction in which this CSU is traveling.

Contained in the Bill will be enhanced expectations of keeping status offenders out of detention, further requirements when addressing disproportionality minority contact with the juvenile justice system, trauma informed care and specialized programming for girls and the usage of science to assure that everyone involved in the administration of juvenile justice know there is a difference between juveniles and adults and their treatment within the justice system should be different.   It is hoped this Bill will also include additional grant opportunities that can support the many evidence-based, best practice initiatives we currently have under way within JDRDC.

For me, this announcement is another indication that we are absolutely on target as we move forward with being a data driven, evidence-based, best practices-focused organization. It is not a coincidence that many of our initiatives are highlighted in this announcement. We are definitely leading the way in juvenile justice reform. There is a lot of work to be done,  and together with our partners, I have no doubt we will continue to move forward in providing the most effective services possible to the clients we serve.

Action Alert

Today, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced a bipartisan bill, that is the first step in the long-awaited reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). Similar to a measure the pair introduced at the end of the 113th Congress, the bill strengthens the JJDPA's core protections for young people in the juvenile justice system and adds accountability measures to ensure compliance with the Act. For example, the JJDPA currently prohibits the jailing of children who engage in non-criminal behaviors like skipping school and running away from home, but an exception is granted when a child is found in violation of a valid court order. In 2012 alone, this exception was used to jail children more than 7,000 times nationwide! The bill requires states to phase out this practice over three years. The bill also:

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Requires states to consider ethnicity in addition to race when assessing and addressing disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system;

Includes provisions for trauma-informed care and specialized programming for girls; Takes into account the new science about how kids are different from adults and ought to be

treated as kids; Provides new training and technical assistance for states; and Contains added protections for kids charged as adults. 

The JJDPA was last reauthorized in 2002, and expired in 2007. To learn more about the bill click here.    Email Sen. Whitehouse and Sen. Grassley today to thank them for their BIPARTISAN leadership on JUVENILE JUSTICE OR Call Sen. Whitehouse at (202) 224-2921 and Sen. Grassley at (202) 224-3744. Thank them TODAY for standing up for youth, families, and communities!

**************************************************************************From the Honorable Judge Glenn L. Clayton IITo bolster the sentiments of Mr. Bermingham, the judges just returned from a conference in Richmond that focused on data collected by Edward P. Mulvey that attempts to show how various evidence-based practices can be effectively used by courts and service providers in working with high-risk youth over time. 

See http://www.pathwaysstudy.pitt.edu/index.html

We also heard from Andrew Block, Director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, who not only agrees with Dr. Mulvey, but cited the positive work in Fairfax to implement “best practices” in working with high-risk juveniles.  We are on the right track; we ARE leading the way, and people are noticing our efforts.

JDC SCHOOL BLACKBOARD

Spring Literacy Endeavor Brings Changes to Students’ Lives! Submitted by Nancy Simpson, Literacy Coach, Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center School Program The students in the Post-Dispositional school program at the Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center School have been very busy this Spring. They have almost completed their participation in the Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL) book group after nine weeks of collaborative study. The book, “The Ghost of Spirit Bear”, is the sequel to “Touching Spirit Bear” by Ben Mikaelsen. It explores issues surrounding a teen’s reentry into life with his family and his high school after spending time in a restorative justice situation paying for the consequences of his actions that harmed another teen. The character, Cole, has led a difficult life and made poor choices. The students in the book group easily relate to his experiences and life lessons. The instructor of the group is George Mason University professor Dr. Mark Hopson. He expertly leads the group eliciting thoughts and ideas from everyone in attendance, students and adults alike, in ways that engage and inspire all who participate. It is a pleasure to watch the students change and grow more perceptive and respectful of others’ viewpoints over time. CLTL is truly spreading the positive message that literacy can change lives!

Fairfax JDC Embraces a Well-Rounded Fitness Program Submitted by Sam Angelo, P.E. Teacher, Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center School Program

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The Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center’s physical education program originated during the 2012/2013 school year with the hiring of Sam Angelo, the first PE teacher for the school program. When it began, it was limited to a few sports as well as cardiovascular and body weight exercises. Over the last three years, the expansion has been enormous! In addition to having all of the equipment necessary to meet Virginia standards for the sports aspect of a well-rounded PE program, Fairfax JDC now has a plethora of fitness equipment available for students to use. The PE program now operates in three rooms: the gymnasium for sports and workout stations; a cardio room equipped with stationary bikes, ergometers, step blocks and jump ropes; and the

recently opened weight room featuring two multi-station home gym weighted pulley system machines. Furthermore, the PE program includes equipment that is effective in training and is efficiently safe, such as rubber medicine balls and kettle bells, resistance bands, and sand bag weights in place of dumbbells. The students have embraced the well-rounded PE program and have shown increased interest in physical activity and equipment use.

“STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES” CHANGES IMPROVE STUDENT OUTCOMESSubmitted by Eric Assur, Juvenile Court retiree

Recent changes made in the student disciplinary process under the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation have resulted in an increase in the use of restorative discipline conferences as an alternative to suspensions, a reduction in the number of out-of-school suspensions in high schools, a reduction in the average number of days students were suspended from school pending completion of the disciplinary process, and fewer recommendations for expulsion.

The School Board adopted significant changes to the SR&R for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. Comparing the first semester of 2013-14 to the first semester of 2014-15 has resulted in the following positive outcomes:

* A 226 percent increase in the use of restorative justice conferences as a disciplinary response. * A 24 percent reduction in the number of out-of-school suspensions in high schools. * A 56 percent reduction in referrals to the Superintendent for disruptive behaviors. * A 56 percent reduction in referrals to the Superintendent for students in grades K-6. * A total of 92 percent fewer recommendations for expulsion from the Hearings Office to the School Board.

In addition, 66 percent of students eligible for expedited review, following first-time marijuana offenses, were permitted to return to class following a five-day, in-school suspension, and there was a 41 percent reduction in the average number of days (7.01 vs. 11.84) students were suspended from school pending completion of the disciplinary process, following the elimination of the required 10-day suspension when a case is referred to the Superintendent’s office.Of those students permitted to attend alternative instructional settings pending appeals of their disciplinary process before the School Board, 41 percent opted to enroll in an assigned alternative setting to continue instruction; 35 percent opted to continue home-based services; 18 percent opted to continue work independently, supplemented by face-to-face sessions with out-of-school support teachers; and 6 percent remained in an alternative setting within their base school.

A combination of school level data analysis, professional development, and targeted coaching for school support personnel have resulted in sustained improvement, according to FCPS Chief Academic Officer Kim Paddison Dockery, who added that improving the student disciplinary process is an ongoing effort.

Changes made in 2014-15 included providing increased discretion by principals regarding mandatory sanctions; expanded educational options for students in the disciplinary process; the opportunity to provide favorable consideration when a student voluntarily turns in a weapon under certain conditions; permitting students to return to class after a five-day, in-school suspension; reducing the maximum short-term suspension to five days; and additional levels of intervention. FCPS has provided resources to high schools to add system of support advisors (SOSAs) to provide additional academic support and in-school intervention opportunities for students in the disciplinary process along with social and emotional support, strategies to help students avoid additional offenses, and support for teachers.

FCPS, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the Northern Virginia Mediation Service, have initiated a unique agreement where students who commit non-violent, first-time offenses while at school can be diverted to the FCPS restorative justice team to determine if it would be appropriate to deal with the situation through a restorative justice conference, rather than filing a formal complaint.

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The Board is scheduled to vote on changes to the 2015-16 SR&R at its business meeting on Thursday, May 7. Most of the changes to the 2015-16 SR&R are an effort to align language with the substantive changes in policy made in 2014-15 and to reflect new state legislation. Added to the proposed 2015-16 SR&R are new definitions of harassment and sexual harassment.

Note: For more information, contact the FCPS Office of Communication and Community Relations at 571-423-1200.

GOT YOUR ACE SCORE? Submitted by the Trauma Team As of October 1, 2014, a mandate from the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice went into effect to administer the ACE screening instrument for all new juvenile probation cases.  This mandate was a result of a state-wide effort to address trauma uniformly within the child welfare arena.  Through that effort, the ACE instrument was identified as the screening tool to be used by all CSUs across the state of Virginia.  As of May, 2015, there was no means to track these scores within the DJJ database, BADGE.  Fairfax CSU has developed a process and vehicle to collect data regarding the ACE screen. Collecting this data will help the CSU better understand the needs of our clients, examine any correlations that may exist within the demographics, to assist with individualized case planning, to better respond from a service perspective, and provide data to DJJ.  Using new technology, Tina Casper, along with the Trauma Data Collection group, developed a fillable form on the CSU’s internal Website on Fairfax Net.  Completing the form actually dumps the data into an Excel spreadsheet so that it can be organized, filtered and analyzed.  You can check it out by resting your mouse on “Units”, clicking “CSU Probation”, and then clicking on “ACE scores”.  The field probation units will begin their data collection efforts over the next few weeks.   We are likely the first CSU in the state collecting this data and continue to lead the way in Juvenile Justice in the Commonwealth of Virginia!

WHICH WAY TO THE BEACH?!Join us to say Aloha and Hang Loose to Lorraine Peck as she leads the wave of retirees — Surf’s Up!She is sure to be stoked as she kicks out to begin her life of leisure with her wahini and Tootsie.

June 12, 2015 | 1 - 2:30pm | Admin Training RoomSuggested donation $10 for food and gift, including donation to local charity.

RSVP and email pictures of Lorraine through the years to Sue Boucher by June 5, 2015.For those of you that can’t make it to theCourthouse, join us for Happy Hour4:30pm at Ozzie’s at Fairfax CornerBAKE SALE/CUPCAKE CHALLENGE FUNDRAISER A GREAT SUCCESSSubmitted by Julie Huff, PO II, South County I:\JDRC\A Public\Pictures\Cupcake Challenge Fundraiser May 2015

The Activities Committee would like to thank everyone who came out and so generously supported the Cupcake Challenge/Bake Sale on Wednesday, May 13th.

It’s evident we have a CSU filled with creative and talented bakers, as we had over 25 homemade cupcake entries in our competition. Residents of the Transitional Living Program also donated baked goods to the event. Thanks to all of you in JDRDC who came by to support our efforts including Judge Mann, Judge Saxe, Judge Clayton and Judge Sotelo, the clerk’s office, the public defender’s office, sheriff’s office, fire department, and all others who helped in our bake sale.

Julie Huff and Jamika Helem took the bake sale “on the road” around the courthouse in the afternoon which provided the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, General District Court, security and other court personnel with an afternoon treat. We look forward to seeing you all at our next Activities Committee function.

“It was great” –Vima Ramesh“Just awesome… great job”- Anna Phillips

Winners of the cupcake challenge were:

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Trauma

?

Most Creative: Tori Goldberg, Admin. Best Tasting: Anjuli Jackson, TLP

Worst Looking: Sue Boucher, Admin.Best Looking:  Jamika Helem, SRS

Special thanks to our celebrity Judge from Victoria’s Cakery.

CASA 5TH ANNUAL RUN FOR THE CHILDREN A BIG SUCCESSSubmitted by Lori Wymore-Kirkland, Supervised Visitation Coordinator, Domestic Relations/Received from Jennifer Bellhouse-Stroup, Events and Development Associate, CASA

On Saturday, May 2, Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) held its 5th annual Run for the Children 8K Race & 3K Run/Walk at the Fairfax County Courthouse.  The race had over 500 participants and 150 volunteers to support Fairfax CASA’s mission of advocating for abused and neglected children.

After running and/or walking the course, participants enjoyed a raffle, photo booth and food from Hard Times Café, Coyote Grille, Rita’s Italian Ice-Fairfax, Mom’s Organic Market-Merrifield and BlackFinn Ameripub-Merrifield.  Kids were entertained by Sparky the fire dog, the Chick-fil-A cow, and by a kids’ corner sponsored by Joe’s Crab Shack. They also

received a medal for completing the course.

ENHANCED COURTROOM INTERPRETING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTEDSubmitted by David Bartee, Director, Courtroom Technology

The Court Technology Office and Courtroom Interpreting Project Team have implemented a new, customized interpreting system for the JDRDC courtrooms, referred to as JGIS (Judge Grodner’s Interpreting System) for JDRDC users. The interpreting project was a collaborative effort led by Judge Grodner and the Court Technology Office, along with court and clerk staff, sheriff staff, technical staff and, of course, the interpreters.

The previous JDRDC courtroom interpreting system did not allow interpreters to easily perform their duties, the courtroom participants were not always able to hear the interpreters, and

interpreting between the courtroom and the Adult Detention Center (ADC) was challenging. The Interpreting Project Team conducted extensive research and analysis in order to decide on the best interpreting solution. JGIS utilizes the latest technologies to provide significant audio improvements, support simultaneous and consecutive interpreting in the courtrooms, and improve the interpreting process with the ADC during daily prisoner arraignments.

In the courtroom, a custom designed, touch screen panel (see Figure 1) allows interpreters to control the volume in their headset earphone (see Figure 2) for all courtroom microphones, including the judge, clerk, witness, attorneys, etc. The system eliminates the need for interpreters to use two microphones for interpreting by using the touch screen panel to switch between the foreign language for the client(s) located in the courtroom and the ADC, and English for the courtroom participants. Interpreters also have the ability to mute and unmute their headset microphone. In the ADC, non-English

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More than $1,100 was raised at the bake sale.

All proceeds will be donated to the

Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault

in memory of Grace Mann.

speaking inmates use a telephone-like handset to talk directly with the interpreter in the courtroom.

While the engineering and programming is quite complex, the combination of the custom interpreter control panel, professional-grade audio equipment, and the use of the latest technology in touch panel devices produces an easy-to-use, state-of-the-art system. The interpreter controls improve and enhance the interpreting process for the clients and the courtroom participants. Plans are in place to implement the new interpreting system in all high-tech courtrooms.

Special thanks goes out to the following project team members and other participants who dedicated their time and expertise to collaborate, review, test, and make this a successful partnership: Judge Grodner, Judge Clayton, Dave Bartee, John Lumsden, Kimberly Waymire, Andy Showers, Kit Terrell, Monir Panjshiri, Scott Warner, Loida Gibbs, Maria Gamez, Debbie Bermudez, Emily Cox, Linda Catano, Ronnie Zegarra and staff from the Clerk’s and Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, participants form the Circuit Court and General District Court included Judge Mutnick, Judge Gallahue, Judge Azcarate, Judge Nordland, Suzanne Lubkeman, Suzy Swain, Minh Nguyen, Suzanne Alvarez-Przygoda, Emelin Beach, Kim Reavy, Patrick Tappia, Monica Enriquez, and Jaime deCastellvi.

For more information visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/crto.

Figure 1 Figure 2

GUESS WHAT…IT’S A BETA BABY BOY!!!Submitted by Dana Deleanu, Probation Counselor II, MA, Beta Program

Alexandra Caltrider, Probation Counselor II, is expecting a baby boy! Our first Beta baby demands a celebration and that is what we did with a fabulous baby shower for the mommy-to-be. We surprised Ms. Caltrider as she arrived to work for our weekly staff meeting on Wednesday, May 13 th. Beta staff and other JDC staff gathered to celebrate with a potluck and adorable baby gifts! We enjoyed homemade quinoa salad and ziti, delicious desserts and an Oreo ice cream cake. We are anxiously awaiting pictures as the birth of her baby boy approaches; our Beta baby is due at the end of the month!

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DOMESTIC RELATIONS? JDRDC Full Court Press – Volume 281 Page 10

Submitted by Diana Ventry Casey, Intake Officer II, Domestic Relations

Congratulations, Family Mediation Training Graduates! This week, members of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Service Unit took a progressive step towards providing conflict resolution services for families in the community. Staff members from the Supervised Visitation Program and their cohorts from the J&DR Court Service Unit participated in a twenty-hour workshop.

The workshop prepared trainees for the family mediation arena. Karen Asaro, certified mediation trainer extraordinaire, led the seminar. The training focused on specialized techniques useful for encouraging dialogue, the mediation of custody, visitation and support matters.

Mediating family matters requires the ability to facilitate communication so that parties can move forward by identifying and building upon common ground. Participants examined ways to strengthen and call upon their backgrounds in counseling, social work, psychology and law to promote healthy conversations between parties.

The Court Service Unit looks forward to bringing the same immeasurable satisfaction to families of Fairfax County as their Domestic Relations forerunners of the 1980’s, most notably, Lyn Jagger (former mediation coordinator), Kitty Meredith, Dave Shaw, Jerry Rich, Lisa Fontaine, Laurie Laso, Rachael Navatta, Linda Bozoky, Frank Sedei, Linda Cecca and Maureen Malanchuk.

FAMILY MEDIATION GRADUATES PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Back row: Tina Spurlock, Denise Echols, Lois Duncan, Diana Casey, Christina Hill and Karen Asaro (trainer). Front row: Ann Stanford (mediation coordinator), Lisa Downing, Sandra Guerrero-Perez and Lori Wymore-Kirkland.

Got Mediation? Domestic Relations is pleased to boost a thirty-year Domestic Relations tradition. The Court Service Unit offers Alternative Dispute Resolution services to the community, and it provides this service as a referral option for judges as well as self-referred families. The above-mentioned eight Domestic Relations staff members are ready to continue with the tradition and are embarking on their mediation mentorship journey with our senior mediators, Fran Blumenkrantz, Pilar Leon and Ann Stanford.

The process of becoming a certified mediator for Court referrals requires a commitment towards completing the curriculum as well as investing in mediation hours prior to becoming certified. In terms of the curriculum, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires mediators to achieve specific training milestones in order to mediate court-referred cases. To date, the aforementioned eight mentees have logged in over 44 hours of such mediation training. The graduates are looking forward to completing the final segment of the curriculum, which is the requirement of satisfying eight training hours of Domestic Violence Screening.

In lieu of hiring an outside trainer for the DV curriculum, and in the spirit of “thinking outside the box”, Ann Stanford, under the tutelage of Laura Harris and with the assistance of Sandy Bromley of the Domestic Violence Action Center, has submitted a plan to provide the Domestic Violence Screening curriculum in-house. The team is currently awaiting approval from the Commonwealth of Virginia and plans to move into the next phase of training this summer. The approval of in-house training will be cost effective for the County and will also provide the graduates with the training needed to ascertain cases not appropriate for mediation.

Presently, the Domestic Relations graduates are working towards the requirement of observing and co-facilitating five mediation sessions prior to submitting their packages to the Commonwealth for certification as Family Mediators. Fran Blumenkrantz, Pilar Leon, and Ann Stanford will serve as mentors to the graduates during this phase of training. Upon completion of the eight hour Domestic Violence Screening component and the minimum five mediation observations, graduates will submit their packages to become certified Mediators of the Commonwealth to the Virginia Supreme Court Department of Judicial Services before practicing the craft of mediation.

Guess Who????The training was a terrific bonding opportunity for the staff, as well as an opportunity to build skills that apply to the intake process as well. Staff members shared various interesting facts about their background during class breaks. Can you guess which one of the Court Service employees shared the following?

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a) I moved more than twenty times as an adult.b) I was a D.J. on an FM radio station in college.c) I like to sail. d) I want to hike from DC to West VA.

Answers can be found in the Did You Know? section at the end of the newsletter.

Got More Mediation? Karen Asaro, the Family Mediation trainer mentioned in the previous article, advocates the merits of Conflict Resolution throughout the state. Karen has been an ADR trainer, mediator, facilitator, teacher and activist since 1980. During the course of the workshop, Karen shared that she has a vision that “Got Mediation?” will become a household slogan just as “Got Milk?” has become a cultural staple.

The Court Service Unit and many advocates throughout the Commonwealth aspire to a similar vision.

The benefits of participating in mediation are numerous. Mediation emboldens opportunities for dialogue and at times can inspire positive channels of communication during times of loss or difficulty. At times, mediation affords solutions to familial disputes in a more timely manner than the wait period involved in the hearing process. More importantly, family mediation provides a safe environment to discuss important familial issues including custody, visitation schedules and support. Neutral, trained third parties promote the voluntary decision-making process. This, of course, is where line officers of the Court Service Unit become instrumental.

Our team, specifically Ann Stanford (Mediation Coordinator) and Laura Harris (Director), brainstormed ways to provide training to the line staff so that much-needed mediation services could be offered to members of the community. The fruits of their labor were outlined in the former article. There is more to the mediation story, however…as the newly minted graduates of the Family Mediation workshop required mentors. Once again, innovative and resourceful county employees developed solutions to address the needs.

Last August, our management team asked for suggestions to assist the County with saving money. This call for forward thinking was answered by Steve Moore, Juvenile Court Training Coordinator. Steve researched ways classes instructed by the County could be utilized for Family Continuing Mediation Education (CME). (CME is a requirement mediators must meet in order to remain certified by the Virginia Supreme Court Department of Judicial Services). Thus far, four certified mediators from Domestic Relations have benefited from Steve’s ingenuity. Colleen Cramer, Fran Blumenkrantz, Pilar Leon and Ann Stanford attended the first class approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Part 1, Child Abuse and Neglect.

The class was presented by Jim Pope, a Fairfax County Child Protective Services employee and a seasoned mediator/trainer. The presentation provided an overview of the law requiring mandated reporters to notify Child Protective Services of suspected child abuse and neglect, the manner in which to make the report, along with a discussion of various forms of child abuse and neglect. Case studies were examined and discussed.

The second phase of the curriculum, was presented by Jackie Hanson of Fairfax County Adult Protective Services and Barry Barr, a worker with almost 30 years of employment with APS. This section delivered an overview of the definitions of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults as well as the requirements of the mandated reporter.

Steve’s resourcefulness and the commitment mediation advocates had towards promoting the craft afforded county employees with the opportunity to develop and maintain new skills. Thank you, Steve, and special thanks to Jim Pope, Jackie Hanson, and Barry Barr for your enthusiasm for mediation.

TRAINERS AND COURT SERVICE UNIT CERTIFIED

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Trainers, left to right: Steve Moore, Jackie Hanson, Director Laura Harris and her trusted staff: Barry Barr and Jim Pope Colleen Cramer (Assistant Director), Fran Blumenkrantz, Pilar Leon, and Ann Stanford (Mediation Coordinator).

CELEBRATION HELD RECOGNIZING ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF IN DOMESTIC RELATIONSOn April 22, Director Laura Harris held a special ceremony honoring administrative staff on Administrative Professionals Day. Pictured below is the cake she presented to the Admin staff and a photo of our dedicated, professional Admin team.

Community WorksStaff members of the Court Service Unit, specifically intake officers, wear many hats in the course of their daily work. On any typical day, officers might serve as Domestic Violence workers, screening clients for protective orders, absorbing tales of violence, while attempting to refocus traumatized clients. During the process of redirecting clients, officers often multi-task as they complete protective order petitions, review applicable family abuse codes, explain at length the protective order process and familiarize clients on Court protocol. Later in the day, intake officers switch hats and complete custody/visitation and support petitions with clients. At times, clients present as overwhelmed, frightened and even financially stressed due to pressing parental obligations or on-going custody disputes. Again, intake officers step to the plate and serve as educators, gateways to familial resources and mandatory reporters of abuse/neglect when cases warrant.

Court Service staff members have additional specialized tasks as well, to include conducting mediation meetings for disputing parties. (Mediations typically take up to two hours in matters of custody/support). A few designated intake officers with report writing backgrounds conduct home investigations in the community for the Court.

And yet….there’s more!!! Dedicated staff members also volunteer to spread the word about services provided through Domestic Relations via community outreach events. Most recently, our Spanish-speaking team, pictured below, participated in two local community fairs. Pilar Leon and Diana Casey both volunteered to represent the Court Service Unit at the Inmate Resource Fair, and Sandra Guerrero Perez shared information on services at the Stop the Silence--Walk to End Sexual Violence. Next month, intake officer Christina Hill will be speaking at a community event along the Route 1 corridor. Our team believes in the mission of providing the absolute best customer service to members of the community and we strive to do so in as many ways as possible!

Court Service Unit’s Spanish speaking trio, left to right: Sandra Guerrero Perez, Diana Casey and Pilar Leon

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Pictured here left to right are:Andre Grasty, Frederick Schwarz, Vanessa Rodriguez, Claudia Aguilar and Sujith Nelliparambil (not pictured, Barbara McClellan and Debbie Lee).

Sandra Guerrero Perez shares information Diana Casey speaks to a participant at at the Stop the Silence—Walk to End the Inmate Resource Fair outreach event. Sexual Violence.

ORDER UP! FROM THE FOOD COURTSubmitted by Cindy Ross, Administrative Assistant, Juvenile Detention Center

The summer picnic season is almost upon us, and it’s nice to have some good “go-to” recipes for those special get-togethers. Though I love delicious potato salads, macaroni salads, and deviled eggs, consuming mayonnaise-based dishes that may be unrefrigerated for hours can be risky.

For Mother’s Day this year, I made a recipe that I got from a family cookbook that was a favorite of my Aunt Ida. It was a big hit at our Mother’s Day celebration.

Scandinavian Salad 1 #2 can cut green beans1 #2 can chick peas1 #2 can whole kernel corn2 cups chopped celery1 cup chopped onionSalt

For the dressing:1 cup sugar1 ½ Tablespoons salt1 cup vinegar½ cup cooking oil

Drain vegetables. Mix together and add a little salt to taste. Stir well and chill for one hour. Drain, if necessary.

Mix together the dressing ingredients and add to the vegetable mixture. Mix well. Refrigerate several hours before serving.

FYI—There are 20 ounces in a #2 can.

DID YOU KNOW?....Submitted by Cindy Ross, Administrative Assistant, Juvenile Detention Center

…that it’s not too late to submit a scholarship application? The deadline for submission is Friday, May 29th at 4:00 PM, and no exceptions will be made. Send applications to Alyson Daniels via email or deliver them to her in person at Community Corrections Services in Suite 202 of the Courthouse. Eligibility requirements are detailed on the application, which can be found in the bottom right corner of

Court Forms. If you have any questions, contact any committee representative: Alyson Daniels-Chairman; Christopher Acosta-North County; Haylee Adamson-Center County; Dake Amenyah-East County; Ron Barr-Foundations; Rob Gregory-Juvenile Detention Center; Tina Foley-Intake; Eraina Hill-Community Corrections; Charlie Hutson-Shelter Care; Solomon Melson-South County; Maritzabel Rodriguez-Family Counseling; Vanessa Rodriguez-Community Corrections; Misty Zdanski-Boys Probation House; or Fran Davison-North County.

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…that as of April 9th, the process of transitioning the DC kids into the Juvenile Detention Center has begun? There are 11 beds designated for juveniles sent here from the District.

…that Tina Spurlock moved more than twenty times as an adult; Diana Casey was a D.J. on an FM radio station in college; Lori Wymore-Kirkland likes to sail; and Ann Stanford wants to hike from DC to West Virginia?

…that you can report potholes online at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/citizen.asp or to operators 24/7 at VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 800–FOR-ROAD (367-7623)? TTY users, call 711. Crews in northern Virginia patch roads in Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties. If the pothole is in a city, town, or Arlington County, call the public works department in that location.

…that the date has been set for the 2015 Fairfax JDRDC Employees/Friends of the Court Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit At-Risk Youth? It will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at noon at the Penderbrook Golf Club in Fairfax. More details are coming in the next few weeks. Mark your calendars and save the date now!

Beta Plant Sale Coming Soon!

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The deadline for submissions for the next edition of the Full Court Press is

Friday, June 5th.

Distribution date is scheduled for Friday, June 12th.

Please send all submissions to JDRDCNews@fairfaxcounty.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Ross.

Pictures by Kendrick Keener

BETAPLANTEVENT

May 28, 201511:30 AM to 1:30 PMAdmin Training Room

Homegrown by Beta Residentsto support the Post Dispositional Beta Incentives Program

Get a Piece of Court History!One of the cactus plants has been in a court office for 18 years

and is now 8 feet tall. Plants from the original cactus will be available at the plant event.

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