December 2, 2021
Theresa Dellick, Judge Mahoning County Juvenile Court
Being Trauma Informed
Biography:
Career Achievements
Theresa Dellick entered private practice after graduation from law school in 1983. She became a partner in Youngstown law firm and was a civil trial lawyer. In 1999, she became a county court judge with jurisdiction in Boardman, Austintown, Canfield and Sebring. As a county court judge, she launched the misdemeanant drug court, which remains operational to date. In 2001, she became Judge for the Mahoning County Juvenile Court Judge. She is both the presiding and administrative judge.
Creating Programs
Her administration of the juvenile court has been directed to balanced and restorative justice. The court is focused on youth accountability and responsibility as well as preserving victims’ rights. Judge Dellick believes that mental health and substance abuse issues are interrelated. She created a Treatment Court that blends the 2 elements for rehabilitation.
She has launched many programs, including the Family Dependency Court, Day Reporting Program, Education Court, Truancy Court, DYS-Reentry Court, Mediation, Counseling Department, Jackson-Milton/Craig Beach/JJC Summer Camp, Comprehensive Sports Program, Parent Project, KIND, Teen Court, and ADHD program. The programs provide specific treatment and sanctions for the various court cases. The programs are strength-based and focus on assisting the family to becoming self-reliant. The programs have received state recognition for their effectiveness and serve as a model to other courts.
Juvenile Detention Center
Under her direction, the Juvenile Detention Center has received accreditation from the American Corrections Association. The Detention Center is only 1 of 6 in the State of Ohio to have received this certification. Judge Dellick has brought evidence based programs to Mahoning County that address juvenile rehabilitation. She has taken an active role in building collaborations between juvenile court, school districts, social service agencies and law enforcement.
Training & Volunteering
She is Treasurer of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges. She has been a seminar presenter at juvenile court judges’ conferences, bar associations, schools, and community organizations and agencies. She is a limited faculty instructor at Youngstown State University. Judge Dellick is a member of the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on the Rules of Superintendence and the Judicial Advisory Group. She is a trained racial justice dialogue facilitator, as well. Judge Dellick has served as a member or volunteer for over 50 civic and professional organizations, including Youngstown Junior League, Turning Point Counseling Center, Mahoning County Alcohol, Drug Addiction Services board, Volunteer Services Agency, Easter Seals and Peat-Marwick Study Board. She is currently a board member of the Business Incubator, the United Way and the Catholic Diocese Finance Council.
She is also on Youngstown State University’s College of Fine and Performing Arts Visitors Board. She is a 1994 graduate of Youngstown Leadership. Judge Dellick created the Juvenile Court Advisory Board whose members represent the community. The Board provides advice and assistance to the court as well as sponsoring various events. While still practicing law, she was named to the American Board of Trial Attorneys. Judge Dellick is the recipient of several awards and honors.
Family
She is married to John Dellick, an attorney and together they have 2 children.