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Summit County Juvenile Court adds staff member to assist veterans
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: February 10, 2023
Veterans involved in cases at Summit County Juvenile Court recently got a helping hand locating and securing services to assist them in reunifying with their families.
This after the court became the first juvenile court in the state of Ohio to hire a staff member exclusively responsible for helping individuals with military backgrounds.
Retired U.S. Air Force Sgt. Andrew Cox began his duties as the new veterans resource case manager at Summit County Juvenile Court on Oct. 17.
“When I first got out of the military it was one of the hardest times of my life,” said Cox, who was medically retired from the Air Force in 2019 after suffering serious injuries during his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I had to find resources on my own and I did not know where to go or who to turn to,” said Cox. “My goal now is to make sure other veterans don’t go through the same thing, which is exactly why I took this job.”
“The court often heard cases involving parents with military backgrounds, who were unaware of the assistance that was available to help them gain or maintain custody of their children,” said Summit County Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio.
“We already had programs that worked with families and children dealing with several issues, but we did not have any direct connection to outside resources to assist veterans,” said Judge Teodosio. “I felt we needed to fill that gap, which is what Mr. Cox was hired to do.
“As an 18-year veteran, he is very familiar with the VA and our local veterans service commission as well as other nonprofits that aid veterans. He shares common experiences with the veterans and is very passionate about helping them.
“In the short time he’s been here he’s already made connections with a number of court-involved veterans and assisted them in getting through hearings and securing resources,” said Judge Teodosio.
Born in Akron and raised in Dalton, Ohio Cox joined the Air Force in 2001. After being medically retired in 2019, he obtained his bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron, where he majored in disaster science/homeland security.
In his role as veterans resource case manager, Cox is charged with networking with veterans services organizations throughout Summit County to access grants, counseling and other benefits for parents who are referred to him and developing individual case plans to help reunite veterans with their children.
Cox also works with Veterans Affairs in Cleveland to assist veterans who are eligible for care to receive medical, mental health and compensation services.
He said many veterans are entitled to these services but may be unaware they are available or are overwhelmed by the application process.
Cox also helps relatives of the veterans who have temporary custody of children.
In addition, he mentors delinquent youth who’ve expressed an interest in joining the military, advising them about the branch of service that is most suitable for them.
“I’ve already been able to connect some of the veterans to services and they are very appreciative,” said Cox. “It’s very fulfilling to be able to play a role in reuniting them with their families.
“I’m very happy to be here for them.”