Explanation
This ordinance will provide funding for a probation officer for Municipal Court’s CATCH court. Since its inception in 2009, CATCH (Changing Actions To Change Habits) became the first Human Trafficking Court in Ohio and is certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Columbus leads the way in Ohio as Human Trafficking courts are now replicated in Dayton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and various juvenile courts.
An independent university study confirmed that 72% of all participants in this innovative program have not recidivated. Not only is this ground-breaking program saving lives, but it is saving thousands of dollars every year in police and jail costs. This restorative justice approach, builds in accountability while at the same time provides the needed services to help individuals exit this vicious and often deadly life. Being reunited with family, going to school, getting a job, and giving back to the community is the norm for this motivated community.
Due to the unique needs of human trafficking victims, it is imperative that a probation officer in this position have a strong understanding of the impact of trauma or be willing to become skilled in trauma-informed supervision approaches. It is also important that this probation officer possess the ability to assess a defendant’s recovery needs, identify potential victims of Human Trafficking and modify supervision approaches as necessary. Although this probation officer must hold CATCH participants accountable, the officer must utilize evidence-based best practices and adapt practices to respond to this unique group of victims. The probation officer assigned to CATCH will be afforded, and is expected to attend, training as it relates to their understanding of human trafficking victims and therapeutic jurisprudence.
Council deems this an appropriate use of Public Safety Initiative Funds made available through the 2015 Budget process.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $50,000.00 from the P...
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