JJAM JJAM - JJAM News

JJAM Summer Newsletter 2011

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:49:21 EST

The summer 2011 JJAM newsletter is now available!

Click here to download it in PDF format!

Conference Wrap Up

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:34:01 EST

FROM THE PRESIDENT...

The Annual Conference held at Shanty Creek in Bellaire, MI was a success. Again the Board of Directors did an outstanding job in providing the quality of conference the Juvenile Justice Association is known for. The Association was pleased with the membership turnout and participation.

The Mary S. Coleman Award winner was Patricia Veach of Manistee County, 19th Judicial Circuit Court-Family Division. Pat was nominated by Sally Palsrok, Caseworker for Manistee County. A special presentation was held at the annual banquet where Pat, in the company of family and friends, received recognition for her commitment and dedication in making a difference with the youth and their families in Manistee County.

The 2011 Annual Mid-Winter conference/seminar will be held on Thursday and Friday, March 24th and 25th at the Lexington Hotel, Lansing, MI. At that time, we will be presenting the Youth Achievement Award. A savings bond will be presented to each regional nominee. The winner will receive a savings bond, plaque, gift certificate and overnight stay presented by the Association. An application for this award is enclosed with this newsletter. Be sure to complete the form to recognize one of your successful clients. If there are any questions regarding this award, please call you JJAM director or myself.

Our Association is proud to announce that the Michigan Juvenile Detention Association will again be joining us for a combined Mid-Winter conference/seminar. We are very excited to be collaborating with this organization; as an Association we believe this joint effort will be beneficial for all of our members.

In closing, the Association wishes you and your family had a safe and enjoyable Holiday season.

Sincerely,

Cindy Morley

Region 4 and Region 8 News

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:32:03 EST

Region 4 News

Ionia County

There have been some changes at Ionia County Juvenile Court. After giving birth to twins, Sheri Royer has decided to become to stay-at-home mother. Filling the vacant In Home Care position is Nancy Miller and filling the vacant Youth Service Bureau position in Kim Rodgers.

Nancy Miller was employed by Ionia County Juvenile Court in February 1987 and held the full time positions of Youth Service Bureau Caseworker, Probation officer, and In Home Care Probation Officer until 1994. After giving birth to her first child, Nancy returned to the court system on a part time basis for the Youth Service Bureau in 1994. In September 2010, Nancy agreed to return to full time employment and accepted the position as the In Home Care Probation Officer.

Kim Rodgers interned with Ionia County during the summer months in 2010. After a successful internship, Kim was offered and accepted the part time position with the Youth Service Bureau. Kim is a 2010 graduate from Ferris State University and is busy planning her wedding to Adam Wheater on May 21, 2011.

Region 8 News

Macomb County

Fiscal problems have continued to plague the county as a whole. Workers have continued to take Dock Days and fewer benefit’s in hopes of better days next year. The family court has had continued success with the multiple programs. Drug Court, JSORP and Keys Program as well as our Detention Programs are running strong serving our youth and our community. These programs continue grow stronger and allow their participants to become successful.

The region has also had several members retire this year. We congratulate our Chief Family Court Judge Antonio Viviano, Judge James Biernat, Chief Juvenile Court Referee Dane DeRush (37 years) and longtime Referee Robert Hartman (41 years). We have also had retire our Head Psychologist Joseph Romano (36 years) Probation Officers Ken Koltys, Grace Jackson and Pat Tinkham. We are wishing them all good fortune in the next phase of their life.