JUVENILE COURT DIVISION
Welcome to the official website for the Elmore County Juvenile Court. The Court is comprised of a Judge, a judicial assistant, three probation officers, and a court attendant. Should you need assistance of the Juvenile Court, your first stop is at the Juvenile Probation Office located on the first floor of the Elmore County Judicial Complex.
The Juvenile Court Probation Office accepts petitions for delinquency, dependency, and allegations of a child in need of supervision. The Code of Alabama generally defines these petitions as follows:
Delinquency – a petition alleging that a child has committed a violation, misdemeanor, or felony offense. Ala. Code 12-15-102(6)-(7).
Dependency – a petition alleging that a child (1) whose parent or guardian has subjected the child to abuse or neglect; (2) is without a parent or guardian to provide for the care or support of the child; (3) whose parent are guardian neglects or refuses to provide medical care for the child; (4) whose parent or guardian refuses or neglects to send the child to school; (5) whose parent or guardian has abandoned the child; (6) whose parent or guardian is unable or unwilling to discharge their parental responsibilities; (7) has been placed for care or adoption in violation of the law; OR (8) for any other reason, is in need of the care and protection of the state. Ala. Code 12-15-102(8).
Child in Need of Supervision (CHINS) – a petition alleging that a child (1) subject to compulsory school attendance is habitually truant; (2) disobeys the reasonable and lawful demands of his parent or guardian; (3) leaves or remains away from home without the permission of his parent or guardian; OR (4) commits an offense not classified as criminal. Ala. Code 12-15-102(4).
STRATEGIC PLAN
The Elmore County Juvenile Court has a strategic plan to address the problems of juvenile misbehavior and dependency within the county: Attendance, Accountability, and Action.
Attendance
Attendance begins at school. Alabama law, with limited exceptions, requires all children between the ages of 6 and 17 to be enrolled in school or engaged in an authorized home school program. Ala. Code 16-28-3. Chronic absenteeism and truancy contribute directly to poverty, crime, and the numbers of dependent children and children in need of supervision. Accordingly, the Elmore County Juvenile Court devotes significant resources to prevent and address chronic absenteeism.
Chief among those efforts is the Early Warning Truancy (EWT) sessions conducted in partnership with local Boards of Education where children and their parents or guardians are addressed by the Juvenile Court Judge who explains the consequences of Truancy. In addition to the long-term detriment to the child, there are immediate consequences that may be assessed against the parents and the student. A child is legally Truant at seven unexcused absences in a school year. Ala. Admin. Code 290-3-1-.02.
If a child is adjudicated on a charge of Truancy the parent will be made a party to the action.
A parent or guardian may be held in contempt of court for failure to compel their child to attend school. A penalty of up to five days in jail and a $100.00 fine for each unexcused absence is a possibility.
A parent or guardian may be charged, arrested, and convicted of Failure to Comply with the Compulsory Attendance Law. A potential penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.00 is possible. Ala. Code 16-28-12.
A parent or guardian may be charged, arrested, and convicted of Contributing to the Delinquency, Dependency, or Need of Supervision of a Child. A potential penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $6,000.00 is possible. Ala. Code 12-15-111.
To avoid these consequences, the Juvenile Court recently began holding EWT meetings after five unexcused absences rather than the previous seven. Additionally, the Juvenile Court recently doubled the number of EWT meetings to ensure that all parents and guardians have adequate opportunity to learn of the potential consequences of failing to ensure that their student attends school.
Accountability
The Juvenile Court is designed as a court of rehabilitation with a primary goal of correcting the behavior of children who make mistakes. It is with this in mind that the Juvenile Court of Elmore County recently established an Accountability Court. This effort involves an informal meeting of the child, their parent or guardian, the probation officer, and the Juvenile Court Judge to discuss and remove obstacles to the child’s success on probation or other less stringent court supervision. It is intended as a last step before formal proceedings are initiated that may result in more serious consequences.
Action
In those instances where public safety or the personal safety of the child or another individual are at risk or where a child has demonstrated that they are unwilling to adjust their behavior to best position themselves for success, the Juvenile Court must act. With the help of the Elmore County Commission, Juvenile Court has now increased the number of detention beds available for juvenile detention.
RESOURCES
Elmore County is fortunate to have the unwavering commitment of multiple agencies, organizations, and private citizens in support of the mission of the Juvenile Court. Some of those resources, as well as opportunities to become involved, are highlighted here.
Children’s Policy Council
The Juvenile Court Judge presides over the Elmore County Children’s Policy Council (CPC). The purpose of the CPC is to review the needs of children and their families in the county and to attempt to obtain services that meet those needs. This includes compiling and maintaining a resource guide for services currently available in the County.
Contact information for agencies providing services to the children of Elmore County is listed below.
Elmore County Department of Human Resources
Michelle Wood, Director
Michelle.Wood2@dhr.alabama.gov
(334)514-3200
Elmore County District Attorney’s Office
C.J. Robinson, District attorney
info@alada19.com
(334)567-2237
Elmore County District Attorney’s Office
Helping Families Initiative (HFI)
Carolyn.locke@alada19.com
Elmore County Board of Education
Richard Dennis, Superintendent
Richard.dennis@elmoreco.com
(334)567-1200
Tallassee City Board of Education
Dr. Brock Nolin, Superintendent
Brock.nolin@tcschools.com
(334)283-6864
Elmore County Commission
Dennis Hill, Commissioner
Dhill6@aol.com
(334)850-2431
Alabama Department of Public Health
Kay Rombokas
Kay.rombokas@adph.state.al.us
Alabama Department of Youth Services
Ann Sikes
Ann.sikes@dys.alabama.gov
Carastar Mental Health Services
Jessica Douglas
jdouglas@carastar.org
(334)279-7830, Ext. 7802
Elmore County Extension Office
340 Queen Ann Road
Wetumpka, AL 36092
Katrina Mitchell
Mitch1@aces.edu
(334)567-6301
Sheriff Bill Franklin
8955 U.S. Hwy 231
Wetumpka, AL 36092
www.elmoreso.com
(334)567-5441
Alabama Parent Education Center
Jeana Winter
10520 U.S. Highway 231
Wetumpka, AL 36092
jwinter@parenteducationcenter.com
(334)567-2252
Will Barfoot, State Senator
Will.barfoot@alsenate.gov
Clyde Chambliss, State Senator
Clyde.chambliss@alsentate.gov
Jerry Starnes, State Representative
Jerry.starnes@alhouse.gov
Troy Stubbs, State Representative
Troy.stubbs@alhouse.gov
Reed Ingram, State Representative
Reed.ingram@alhouse.gov
Anyone offering services to youth and families of Elmore County, or who are interested in improving services here, are welcome to attend. Meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom Number 4 on the second Friday of March, April, June and July. For more information, contact, Delane Goggans, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, (334) 567-1151, Delane.Goggans@alacourt.gov.
Juvenile Conference Committee
The Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC) is comprised of Elmore County citizens appointed by the Juvenile Court Judge. These citizens meet with juveniles and their parents or guardians after referral from the Juvenile Court. The proceedings are strictly confidential. The JCC attempts to determine what factors brought the juvenile into the Juvenile Court and recommends sanctions to help the child develop into a productive member of society. Upon completion of the sanctions, the petition against the juvenile is dismissed. Rule 15.1, Ala. R. Juv. Pro.
In Elmore County, there are three JCC panels meeting in different geographic locations of the county: Millbrook, Wetumpka and Tallassee. If you are interested in serving on the JCC or would like additional information, contact Vicki Bonner Ward, Court Attendant, (334) 567-1156, ext. 4433, Vicki.Bonner@alacourt.gov.
Toy Closet
The Elmore County Juvenile Court hosts a Toy Closet. The Toy Closet is stocked with toys, gift cards, and other age-appropriate items for children who are dependent and may have been removed from their home. Although the Juvenile Court may not solicit contributions, the Juvenile Court provides space for the items and distributes those items as needed. Each child is awarded an opportunity to visit the Toy Closet and chose an item as theirs to keep. These items are a way to help lessen the fear and uncertainty these children face when coming to Court. The Toy Closet is supplied by generous donations from local lawyers, agencies, service providers, community civic groups, and individuals. For more information, contact Markala Tobin, Judicial Assistant, (334) 512-9677, Markala.Tobin@alacourt.gov.
Foster Care
There are few greater callings than that of those who foster a child in their home. Yet, there is always a need for qualified foster parents willing to open their homes and their hearts to a child in need. For more information on how to become a foster parent, contact Carter Tauton at the Elmore County Department of Human Resources, (334)514-3200, Carter.Taunton@dhr.alabama.gov.
The Bridge, Inc.
Elmore County Juvenile Court partners with the Bridge, Inc. to offer substance abuse services to any Elmore County adolescents 12-18 year years of age. The Bridge offers ASAM assessment to assess the level of care needed by the adolescent. Levels include early intervention, outpatient, and assistant referral for residential services. Available services include case management and individual, group, and/or family counseling. These services may be conducted in-person or via telehealth and are free of charge. The contact number is (334)245-4199 or (888)546-6324.
Juvenile Court Mental Health Liaison
Elmore County Juvenile Court partners with Carastar Health to provide Mental Health services to adolescents that are involved with Juvenile Court. A Mental Health Liaison attends Delinquency Court and is available to help schedule needed Mental Health services during Court. The liaison is also available outside of Court. Provided services include crisis stabilization, 24-hour emergency services, case management services, individual and family therapy, in-home intervention services for children and families, physician services, consultation and education regarding mental health issues, basic living skills, and crisis intervention. Carastar Health, www.carastar.org, 8721 US HWY 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334)279-7830 or Tommie Sue Meherg at tmeherg@carastar.org or (334)462-7581.
Elmore County Family Support Program
The Elmore County Family Support Program is a diversion program funded by a grant from the Alabama Department of Youth Services. This program provides services for at-risk children adjudicated delinquent in Elmore County Juvenile Court and their families. Services include anger management classes, assessments for needed services, classes for the child and the family, life coaches, mental health services, educational services, life skills and many others. Each adolescent Ordered to complete this program has a singular plan developed to meet that child’s individual needs. Referral to this program is solely from the Juvenile Probation Officers.
CASA of the River Region
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the River Region partners with Elmore County Juvenile Dependency Court to provide volunteers to advocate on the behalf of abused or neglected children so that they have the opportunity to thrive. If you are interested in more information about CASA you may contact Charity Alpert at Calpert@casaoftheriverregion.org. If you would like to volunteer the website is Casaoftheriverregion.org.
Elmore County Extension Office
The Elmore County Extension Office provides parenting classes for families appearing in Juvenile Court on Truancy or other CHINS cases.
Helping Families Initiative
District Attorney C.J. Robinson’s Office provides services for students and their families that are facing challenges that limit the student’s ability to attend and participate in school. HFI works with families prior to Juvenile Court involvement. Contact information for the program is Carolyn Locke at Carolyn.locke@alada19.com or (334)567-2237.
Elmore County Family Resource Center, Inc.
The Elmore County Family Resource Center works to connect families with services to meet their needs. Contact information is elmorecofrc@gmail.com, 631 Coosa River Parkway, P.O. Box 602, Wetumpka, AL. 36092. (334)224-1868.
JUVENILE COURT STAFF
Ben Baxley
Presiding Juvenile Court Judge
Markala Tobin
Judicial Assistant
Markala.Tobin@alacourt.gov
(334) 512-9677
Delane Goggans
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer
Delane.Goggan@alacourt.gov
(334) 512-1151
John Findley
Juvenile Probation Officer
John.Findley@alacourt.gov
(334) 567-1151
Tim Wheeler
Juvenile Probation Officer
Tim.Wheeler@alacourt.gov
(334) 567-1151
Vicki Bonner Ward
Coordinator, Juvenile Conference Committee
Vicki.Bonner@alacourt.gov
(334) 567-1156, ext. 4433