The Treatment Court of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas General Division provides specialized supervision and treatment for defendants whose substance use leads to criminal penalties. The Treatment Court program is an aggressive model with proven success. The Treatment Court assistant prosecutor attends treatment team meetings and status review hearings in a non-adversarial role. These hearings monitor participants' performance and progress. The assistant prosecutor ensures the protection of victims' rights and public safety by recommending sanctions and incentives for participants. The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office fully supports the Treatment Court program. The substance abuse crisis has had devastating consequences for drug users, victims, families, law enforcement and our community. Those who voluntarily participate in the program aim to overcome their addiction, improve their quality of life, and enhance public safety.

The Diversion Unit screens criminal cases in the Lucas County Common Pleas General Division under Ohio Revised Code §2935.36 to determine if defendants are eligible for diversion program participation. The Diversion program places participants under supervision through the Lucas County Adult Probation Department and stays the criminal proceedings. If participants successfully complete the conditions of supervision, the charges are dismissed. If a participant is terminated from the program, the stay is lifted and the state proceeds with prosecution.

Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates is a member of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and functions as the council’s secretary. Established in 1981, the CJCC is a local government unit formed under Ohio law. It operates with a 13-member board of criminal justice professionals, elected officials, and citizen representatives, supported by an operational staff.

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The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office works with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to support reentry efforts in Lucas County. The CJCC Reentry Program helps individuals reintegrate into the community after incarceration by addressing barriers and connecting them with resources.

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The Reentry Committee of the CJCC leads public policy efforts and coordinates criminal justice resources to support reentry. The committee works with the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio to gather community input, build partnerships and create a network of services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

The CJCC formed the Reentry Committee in 2013 after the City of Toledo and Lucas County made reentry a priority. The Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio proposed a reentry staff position, and local funding supported hiring a Reentry Coordinator to serve as a liaison between the CJCC and RCNWO. The initiative works with judges, law enforcement and service providers to remove barriers and help individuals successfully return to the community.