CCJC Magistrate Elissa Mewhinney, CHST398 Extern Tyler Jones and Honorable Anne McDonough
Tyler Jones (center) was placed at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court (CCJC) under the supervision of the Honorable Anne McDonough (right). The juvenile court aims to “administer justice, rehabilitate juveniles, support and strengthen families, and promote public safety." Judge McDonough and Magistrate Elissa Mewhinney (left) also head the reentry court’s PATHS docket, which focuses on youth rehabilitation into the community post-incarceration.
Tyler observed a range of trials and hearings, shadowed the Public Defender’s office, facilitated, met with reentry youth, toured the detention center and Project LIFT, and helped develop a podcast for reentry youth on the PATHS docket. Throughout his externship, he provided the court with recommendations on practices, reviewed years of materials, and developed plans for youth in reentry court. He also collaborated with court staff and program representatives to develop and facilitate a podcast for reentry youth, discussing and providing insight into the programs available to them. Tyler gained invaluable experience and insight into juvenile justice, the balance between rehabilitation and community safety, and the stakeholders in the state who play significant roles in the juvenile court.