3/24/06 -- The Reno, Nevada-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) recently recognized the ongoing efforts of U.S. Representative Ralph Regula (Ohio- 16th Dist.) in support of the NCJFCJ and the nation’s children and families. An award of recognition was presented to Rep. Regula on March 15, 2006 at his Washington, D.C. office by NCJFCJ officials including Judge Stephen Rubin, NCJFCJ President, of Tucson, Ariz.; NCJFCJ President Elect Judge Dale Koch of Portland, Ore.; NCJFCJ Past Presidents Judge David Grossmann of Cincinnati and Judge W. Don Reader of Canton, Ohio; and NCJFCJ Executive Director Mary V. Mentaberry.

 Rep. Regula has supported the work of the NCJFCJ for many years, recognizing that the Congressionally funded judicial and interdisciplinary education, technical assistance, and research provided by the organization has improved outcomes for children and families nationwide. The NCJFCJ, with offices in Reno, Nev., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Washington, D.C., provides continuing education to as many as 30,000 professionals nationwide annually, including judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, court administrators, juvenile probation officers, child welfare professionals, and others.

 According to NCJFCJ Executive Director Mary V. Mentaberry, the Congressional funding received by the organization has resulted in significant practice improvement in courts across the nation. “Thanks to Congressman Regula’s support, the NCJFCJ continues to provide judges and others with the tools needed to improve judicial decision-making in areas related to child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, substance abuse and a myriad of issues facing children and families today.” 

 The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, based on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, has been in the forefront of addressing issues pertaining to juvenile and family law since 1937, and is a leader in continuing education, research, and policy development. The NCJFCJ is the nation’s oldest judicial membership organization with more than 1,600 members.