Ohio’s Living Will Law

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The Five Major Steps in the Court Angel Program

Since 2004, Judge Dixie Park has been serving as judge of the Probate Division, Stark County Court of Common Pleas in Ohio. Judge Dixie Park’s deep interest in guardianship led her to reinstitute the Court Angel Program in 2005.

The Stark County Probate Court Angel Program confirms the well-being of its wards and ensures that guardians are receiving support. The program has five major steps:

1. After completing training, a Court Angel is given selected ward files for review. In these files, the Court Angel finds the reasons for guardianship and the case summaries, which include complete information about the wards.

2. The Court Angel chooses the case he or she wants. The court informs the guardian of the upcoming visit by the Court Angel and coordinates the visit. The court also issues a judgment entry in which the Court Angel is appointed.

3. Visits are currently conducted via videoconference or teleconference due to COVID-19. During the visit, the Court Angel completes an eight-page reporting form, which includes the ward’s remarks about how his or her guardian has been helpful, and an assessment of the ward’s intellectual functioning, physical health, emotional health, living conditions, and relationship with the guardian. On the first page of the form, the Court Angel describes the follow-up for the situation or the words “No further action required.”

4. The reporting form goes through a review process by program staff members, who note any potential problems and the Court Angel’s recommendations for follow-up. The first page of the reporting form is docketed and becomes part of the official file of the court.

5. A program staff member initiates the follow-up based on the Court Angel’s review and recommendations.

Visit www.JudgeDixiePark.com or Judge Dixie Park’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/judgedixiepark for more information.

COVID-19 and The Need to Focus on the Safety of the Elderly

A Judicial Excellence Award recipient, Judge Dixie Park presides over the Stark County Probate Court. One of the most prominent parts of Judge Dixie Park’s platform is her advocacy for the elderly.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a highlight on the need to focus on the elderly. Judge Dixie Park and her staff have adjusted to the current pandemic situation and social distancing requirements by adapting and using technology. Probate Court staff and volunteers have made hundreds of calls and conducted videoconferences to check on the well-being of the Stark County Probate Court's more than 1900 wards while also providing guidance and assistance to guardians regarding resources available in the community. Probate Court volunteers also created hundreds of cards to brighten their day.

Judge Park also recently participated on a panel presenting on “Protecting Older Adults” for the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association Virtual Summer Workshop. Financial exploitation is prevalent with scammers preying on isolated individuals. It is even more important now to keep in touch with family and loved ones. If you have a loved one who is elderly or disabled, make sure to keep in touch by calling or making a window visit to confirm his or her well-being.

For more information, visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com>judgedixiepark.

Published: Court Angel Program Advocates for the Elderly

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