Overuse of Detention
Judge Rick Rodger and his magistrates, especially "Lock 'em Up Lou" Endres LOVE to use detention for status offenses, simple probation violations, and have even used it for kids getting BAD GRADES!
YOUR child may be detained with kids from other counties who are booked on charges assault, drug trafficking, rape, or even murder.
Kids Need to be Punished!
Judge Rodger doesn't believe in diversion, keeping kids out of court, or getting them off probation. More court is better. He resists all initiatives that other juvenile courts have done to be more evidence-based. Marion has done a great job - can't Union County do better than that? Marion Does It Right
Little Access to Diversion
Despite the Supreme Court of Ohio establishing the Jvenile Diversion Task Force in 2024, Union County Juvenile Court resists participation in meaningful reforms. Ohio Supreme Court
Trauma of Detention
According to Franklin County Juvenile Court Judge Lasheyl Stroud, "...just one night in detention or prison reduces a child's chances of graduating from high school by 50%."