Summit County, Ohio: Summit County Common Pleas Judge Alison McCarty’s Reentry Court has earned final re-certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets.

Reentry programs are designed to help citizens successfully reenter society following their incarceration, thereby reducing recidivism, improving public safety, and saving money.

In order to receive the certification, McCarty had to submit an application, undergo a site visit, and provide specific program materials in response to certification standards that went in to effect in January 2014.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulated Judge McCarty for receiving final re-certification. “Specialized dockets divert offenders toward criminal justice initiatives that employ tools and tailored services to treat and rehabilitate the offender so they can become productive members of society,” said Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. “Studies have shown this approach works by reducing recidivism while saving tax dollars.”

Judge McCarty, who has served on the Common Pleas Bench since 2009, has been supervising Reentry Court since 2011. She gained original certification in November 2014. Judge McCarty has previously served as the Akron Municipal Drug Court Judge from 2003-2007 and created and presided over Akron Municipal’s OVI Court in 2007.

“Re-entry Court closely supervises recently released offenders and plays a crucial role in reintegrating them back into our community. Not only does it provide accountability, but it offers services that address employment, housing, and making positive lifestyle choices. Ultimately, Re-entry Court will help us keep our community safe,” said Judge McCarty.

The certification requirements include establishing eligibility requirements, evaluating effectiveness of the specialized docket, and assembling a treatment team for implementing daily operations of the specialized docket. The team can include licensed treatment providers, law enforcement, court personnel, and is headed by the specialized docket judge.

The Commission on Specialized Dockets has 22 members who advise the Supreme Court and its staff regarding the promotion of statewide rules and uniform standards concerning specialized dockets in Ohio courts; the development and delivery of specialized docket services to Ohio courts; and the creation of training programs for judges and court personnel. The commission makes all decisions regarding final certification.