Judge Katarina Cook
NEWS AND ARTICLES
August 2: Technology upgrades to courts here to stay, officials say. Stephanie Warsmith in the Akron Beacon Journal
July 11: New court program aims to help parents with substance abuse/mental health problems. Stephanie Warsmith in the Akron Beacon Journal
March 27: 3News Investigates: Coronavirus isolation raises concerns for domestic violence survivors. As Judge Cook states in her interview: "I’m concerned people don’t know we are open. We are mandated to be open. And I want people know, in an emergency, they can come down here for help."
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PRESS RELEASES
Judge Katarina Cook's Family Recovery Court receives $50,000 Civil Justice Program Grant from the Ohio Supreme Court
Akron, Ohio, August 31, 2020 – Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Katarina Cook is pleased to announce that her Family Recovery Court (“FRC”) program has received a $50,000 Civil Justice Program Grant from the Ohio Supreme Court.
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The FRC was established by Judge Cook in November 2019, and is a voluntary maximum 2-year program that provides court-involved parents a support framework when dealing with the effects of chemical dependency and/or mental health issues.
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“I am concerned that low-income and or unemployed parents typically struggle to pay $50/hour for supervised visits and $100 for therapeutic visits,” said Judge Cook. One of these visitation services is usually required by FRC program participants. Neither is covered by health insurance, so this added expense often prevents the underserved population from obeying court orders. “I am so happy I found a way to help these parents in need,” Judge Cook noted.
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The $50,000 awarded to the FRC will be used primarily to pay for the services of two of its community partners: Common Ground Family Services, which provides supervised visitation, and Northern Summit Counseling, which provides therapeutic visitation. Common Ground also intends to use the funds to purchase a drug-testing device and breathalyzer unit to verify that participants are not under the influence of drugs/alcohol at the time of their supervised visit.
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Chris Derry, Director of Common Ground Family Services stated:
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“I am excited that SCDRC's Family Drug Court Program has been awarded this grant, which will go a long way towards cementing this important program as an innovative leader in helping families overcome the difficulties and unique barriers they face from a disease as complicated as chemical dependency and the ongoing opioid crisis in our community.”
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Judge Cook and her Program Manager, Alissa Endicott, participated in the Supreme Court’s
onboarding tele-conference presentation on August 27th. The program provided them with information on the procedures and reporting requirements necessary to maintain communication with the Supreme Court about the success of the FRC program to insure that it is achieving its goals. They also discussed how challenges presented by COVID-19 might impact implementation of the awardees’ services.
“We’re geared up and ready to go. I anticipate that this program will have so much potential to make a positive change in the lives of these families,” stated Judge Cook.
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For more information, please contact Judge Katarina Cook at 330-643-2357.
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Domestic Relations Judge Cook Files for Election to DR Judgeship
Summit County Domestic Relations Judge Katarina Cook filed petitions today for election to the open domestic relations seat commencing January 4, 2021.
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"I originally sought this judicial seat in 2014 because the timing of its election cycle allows me to serve longer, and best corresponds with maximizing my ability to enhance and improve the Domestic Relations Court," announced Judge Cook.
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"I am working to create a Family Recovery Court which will address the needs of the families appearing in front of me who are affected by the opioid epidemic," Domestic Relations Judge Cook said. "I need this time to obtain community partners, seek expansive funding, and build a firm foundation for this program," Cook continued.
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Cook attended Akron Public Schools, graduating from Firestone High School, moving on to the University of Rochester, earning degrees in Psychology and History, and graduated from the University of Akron School Of Law. She has been an attorney for almost thirty years. Cook has experience as an assistant prosecutor handling child sexual abuse cases, and served as a Guardian ad Litem protecting our kids in the courts.
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Elected as an Akron Municipal Court Judge in 2009, Cook presided over and certified the OVI Court. She now serves as our Summit County Domestic Relations Judge.
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"Our children are my top priority. I will protect and safeguard them during difficult and sometimes emotional court proceedings. Working closely with all involved is critical for our children’s long-term health and happiness," declared Cook. As a married mother of four boys, Judge Cook knows firsthand the importance of protecting our children’s well-being.
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"I hope that the energy and dedication that I demonstrate in this job every day will convince voters to put their trust in me once again," Judge Cook concluded.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SCOTT GALE 330 655-5566
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Summit County Domestic Relations Judge Katarina Cook Declares Victory
Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Katarina Cook declared a victory shortly before midnight on election night, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 when all but two precincts had reported. The final numbers from the Summit County Board of Elections were 116,895 ballots cast for Cook with 53.6% of the vote, and 101,195 cast for her opponent, Hightower, at 46.4%.
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"I am so grateful to the Summit County voters who put their trust in me. I want to thank my family, friends, and many supporters and volunteers that made this election a victory for the Cook Campaign. I look forward to continue working to improve our Court's service to this community."
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For immediate release
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For more information, please contact Judge Cook's Bailiff, Tom McLaughlin 330 643 2357
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