PREBLE COUNTY — On Thursday, Dec. 5, Preble County Juvenile Judge Jenifer Overmyer was sworn in by Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court as the Vice President of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges.
According to Ohio Judicial Conference (OJC), the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges (OAJCJ) consists of common pleas judges having juvenile court jurisdiction. The association promotes the common business interests of Ohio juvenile court judges, and provides leadership for a just and effective juvenile court system throughout the state of Ohio.
The Association addresses issues affecting juvenile abuse, dependency, and neglect; unruly juveniles (status offenders); and juvenile delinquency, as well as court administration aspects of these issues. The Association works closely with OJC Juvenile Law and Procedure Committee on legislative issues affecting juvenile courts.
The Association holds two meetings each year where members have the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss matters of concern, and interact with fellow juvenile court judges. There is a summer conference held with the Probate and Domestic Relations judges associations, and a winter meeting as well.
Overmyer explained, she was nominated as secretary of the board a couple years ago, but got promoted to treasurer. However, leadership of the board is progressive and it was standard for her to be promoted to vice president this year. Next year, Overmyer will serve as president.
While, The Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges holds two conferences or meetings a year, according to Overmyer, the board meets monthly.
“I think this association is important, because of the role it provides for juvenile court judges. I like being a member of it, because frankly, I’m the first to hear what is coming down the pipe as far as proposed legislation,” she said. “As Vice President, I am a member of the Ohio Judicial Conference. I have to be available to the membership and assist the president.
“I can bring to Preble County information quicker this way. I can represent and have Preble County’s voice heard a lot louder in this capacity. I have a bigger forum to stick up for the medium-size counties. I am very honored [to be serving as vice president].”
