April 15, 2024
39th JUDICIAL DISTRICT - FRANKLIN COUNTY BRANCH PROCLAMATION for AUTISM AWARENESS
WHEREAS, anyone can be affected by autism, and the Pennsylvania Autism Census conducted by ASERT has identified the need for services for all age groups, be it young and old in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty has created an initiative to raise awareness of the needs of individuals, especially juveniles, with autism to be assured access to justice; and
WHEREAS, all individuals must be assured due process in aJI court proceedings, and for individuals with autism, the judiciary, court personnel, and other related staff must respectfully offer ways to support and ensure their health and safety while participating in court proceedings; and
WHEREAS, a Taskforce of stakeholders was created in Franklin County to develop a plan to raise awareness of autism acceptance, identify resources to support those individuals with autism when interacting with the court and develop programs consistent with ASERT initiatives to support people with autism; and
WHEREAS, April is Autism Acceptance Month as proclaimed by Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
THEREFORE, this proclamation is issued to make the public aware of Franklin County's efforts, to assure due process and to provide awareness of Autism Acceptance Month to all members of the judiciary, court staff, related offices, and the public of the 39th Judicial District.
Franklin County Intellectual Disability Program Specialist, Lori Young; Juvenile Probation Supervisor Jim Hepler; President Judge Shawn D. Meyers; Franklin County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Andy Carter; Franklin County Jail Deputy Warden Heather Franzoni; Deputy Court Administrator Angela Stoner; Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Richard Ackerman; Franklin County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ron Geyer, District Court Administrator Mark Singer.
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