media alert Colorado Judicial Branch Mary J. Mullarkey, Chief Justice Gerald Marroney, State Court Administrator

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May 31, 2006

Judge Melonakis to be recognized for work in Adams County

Drug court graduates to present award

District Court Judge Chris Melonakis, Adams County Juvenile Division, will be recognized for his commitment and work as a juvenile court judge. A reception is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., June 23 at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive in Brighton. Judge Melonakis will be rotating to Broomfield Combined Courts in July 2006.

"Judge Melonakis has been responsible for many positive reforms in the area of juvenile court in the Seventeenth Judicial District," says Chief Judge Harlan Bockman. "Those who work with Judge Melonakis know that his drive for finding innovative avenues for continuous improvement comes from his deep commitment to the children, families and communities he serves as a district court judge."

Judge Melonakis has provided leadership for numerous collaborative projects to improve efficiencies, remove system barriers and achieve successful outcomes for youth and families involved in the Seventeenth Judicial District juvenile court. His many initiatives include:

serving as lead judge for the Brighton model court through the National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges; providing leadership for system improvements facilitating the implementation of evidence-based practices;

creation of the "Family Violence Coordinating Council," a multi-disciplinary, interagency committee that works to develop consistent policy dealing with domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse; and

development of a "Graduated Sanctions Council" to improve collaboration across agencies to more effectively intervene with appropriate consequences for at-risk youth; he has worked extensively on issues such as disproportionate minority representation, identification and resources for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and truancy reduction.

Two specialized court models Judge Melonakis has implemented are the integrated family drug court and the family treatment court. The integrated family drug court serves mothers whose children have been temporarily placed with the Adams County Department of Social Services as a result of child abuse or neglect that is directly related to the parent's substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. During the year-long program, the women attend court weekly and receive a high level of accountability as well as support for their rehabilitation and family reunification.

The family treatment court serves high-risk juvenile offenders who are at an increased risk for out of home placement, or commitment to the Department of Youth Corrections. This specialized court model is an intensive, community-based intervention that requires the involvement and participation of the juvenile and parent in the court, treatment, and home setting. Through a heightened level of judicial supervision, the court provides timely accountability, support and encouragement for the entire family to be successful.

For more information, please contact Melinda Taylor, district administrator, Seventeenth Judicial District, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, 303-654-3205.

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