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Retiring Seneca County Probate/Juvenile Judge Paul Kutscher was honored today at a state conference for his advocacy on behalf of families and children.
The 14th annual Ohio CASA/GAL Association Celebrate Kids! Conference gathers Court Appointed Special Advocates and guardians ad litem every year for workshop sessions and speakers addressing a broad range of topics related to child protection and advocacy for children. This year’s three-day conference focused on the legal and regulatory environment and the work of guardians ad litem.
Judge Kutscher received the first Ohio CASA Judicial Award of Excellence. Examples of his outstanding work on behalf of children were submitted via letters from adoptive parents, children involved in the court system, attorneys and CASA volunteers who have come in contact with Judge Kutscher over the years.
In a congratulatory letter from Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, he called Judge Kutscher a deserving recipient based on his “reputation for service to the community and your commitment to families and children.” Chief Justice Moyer commended the judge’s recognition that a diverse group of justice partners is oftentimes required to ensure a child’s well-being.
“Throughout your career you regularly demonstrated the knowledge, wisdom and creativity required of a juvenile court judge who must decide cases that are rarely clear-cut or simple,” Justice Moyer wrote. “The role of a juvenile judge has changed dramatically during your time as a judge and you have been a leader in bringing about that change.”
Judge Kutscher has served as probate/juvenile judge since Jan. 1, 1999. He will retire in February next year. Previous to his time on the bench, Judge Kutscher spent 11 years as Seneca County prosecutor, four years as Seneca County assistant prosecutor and four years as Tiffin city prosecutor. After earning his law degree from the Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law in 1978, he worked in private practice before embarking on his public service career.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250