COVID-19 PROTOCOL CHANGES, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 30, 2021

All individuals shall wear facial coverings while in public spaces at Juvenile Court, which include 800 Broadway, the Youth Center and the Assessment Center. Individuals entering Juvenile Court buildings are encouraged to bring their own facial covering; however, the Court will provide a mask if a person does not have access to their own facial covering. An exception to this order may be made for medically documented health reasons that makes wearing facial coverings inadvisable.

After careful review of the CDC and Ohio Department of Public Health guidelines, consultation with Hamilton County Public Health Department and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and consideration of court employees’ and partners’ concerns and recommendations, the following protocols will be in place:

Youth Center Protocols

All Youth Center employees and other persons entering the Youth Center are required to wear a facial covering/mask and to continue following all COVID-19 protocols that were implemented prior to June 2, 2021. The Ohio Department of Health’s Director’s Order signed May 17, 2021, which rescinded the vast majority of COVID-19-related health orders, states, “This order does not apply to jails, prison facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities . . . .” Due to the congregate care nature of the Youth Center and due to the fact that most residents are children and, as such, have not been fully vaccinated, the protocols implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will remain intact. The Court will monitor health orders related to children, schools, and congregate care facilities and will consult with public health officials and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to determine when it is appropriate and safe to change the current protocols.

800 Broadway, Assessment Center, and other non-Youth Center Workplace

Environment Protocols

1. Facial Covering Required.

All individuals shall wear facial coverings while in public spaces at Juvenile Court, which include 800 Broadway, the Youth Center and the Assessment Center. Individuals entering Juvenile Court buildings are encouraged to bring their own facial covering; however, the Court will provide a mask if a person does not have access to their own facial covering. An exception to this order may be made for medically documented health reasons that makes wearing facial coverings inadvisable.

2. Social Distancing

Effective June 2, 2021, the CDC and Ohio Department of Public Health no longer require social distancing of 6" or more. Employees are encouraged to be mindful of the personal space of others and to provide a respectful distance, when possible.

3. Temperature Checks and Building Access

Effective June 13, 2021, Juvenile Court employees and other individuals accessing 800 Broadway and the Assessment Center shall no longer be subject to temperature checks.

4. Elevators

Effective June 2, 2021, the limit of two people per elevator will no longer be in effect, as the CDC’s social distancing guidelines will no longer be in place. Any individual who is not comfortable with the number of people in an elevator at any given time are encouraged to wait for the next elevator. Hand sanitizer dispensers by the elevators will be monitored and filled, so individuals can sanitize their hands after using the elevator.

5. Cleaning and Sanitization

The Court will provide cleaning and sanitization supplies, such as sanitizing wipes, gloves, masks and hand sanitizer for employees and the public to use in the office. Please work with your chain of command to request what’s needed. Cleaning stations will be set up in common areas outside of the courtrooms, so parties using the courtroom may clean the area where they will sit prior to the proceeding, if they wish. Employees are encouraged to continue with frequent hand washing and hand sanitization to prevent the spread of germs.

Hamilton County Juvenile Court remains committed to ensuring a safe work environment for all.

On behalf of Judge Powers, Judge Bloom, and Court Administration, thank you for rising to the challenges that the pandemic presented. We have an outstanding Juvenile Court team, and we’re grateful to each of you.