Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Michael DeLeone created the Transitions Program with the core belief that too many juveniles involved with the criminal justice system are not involved in age-appropriate pro-social activities, believing the down time is frequently a variable in poor decision making and a precursor of criminal activity. Related Articles Riverside teachers union calls on board member to resign at heated meeting Joseph White sworn in as new Madison Township trustee Kirtland Hills Mayor Jack Turben steps down after 31 years Green Ridge Golf Course irrigation has been addressed in Wickliffe Three Perry Village council members bid farewell to colleagues The program and a girl involved in it were recently honored by the state. In partnership with the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges, the Department of Youth Services awarded the Linda Modry Young Woman of Achievement Award to a juvenile currently involved with the Lake County Juvenile Court. This award was created to honor young women who have made significant achievements and demonstrated potential for future success. The Transitions Program was also recognized for the court’s effort to habilitate youth through community programming. According to a news release, DeLeone and the Juvenile Court team congratulated the youth for her accomplishments. “We are happy that she has taken advantage of the opportunity and her hard work has been recognized today,” DeLeone said. “I believe that many other juveniles are engaged and being served in the Transitions Program.” Opportunities for Transitions include martial arts, 4-H, CrossFit, boxing, creative fine arts, gardening and all school-based extra-curricular activities. DeLeone is grateful for his collaboration with the Ohio Department of Youth Services RECLAIM team, the Lake County local school systems, partnering community agencies and Laketran to create Transitions. The juvenile is a 13-year-old girl who has been court-involved since April 2025 due to challenges at home and difficulty managing emotional regulation. As part of her court involvement, she was ordered to participate in the Transitions Program beginning on April 16, according to the release. The juvenile chose to attend a pottery class at the Fine Arts Association as part of her engagement in the Transitions Program. From the beginning, she demonstrated a high level of commitment and enthusiasm, consistently arriving early and staying late for sessions. The pottery class became a safe and therapeutic space where she felt comfortable opening up about her experiences and emotions. “Today, we all share in celebrating the opportunity, hard work, and recognition for this young lady and the program,” DeLeone said. “I am grateful for all the hard work the staff at Juvenile Court have put into this collaborative community program to create better opportunities for the kids of Lake County”. ...read more read less