Small Claims Mediation Program. The court established a small claims mediation program in 1995. Our program used the Eau Claire County court's Try Mediation program as a model. All contested small claims matters must attempt mediation prior to trial. Volunteers act as mediators. Mediators hear the contested matters at the initial appearance. The coordinator trains and supervises the volunteers and works on a part time basis. Surveys indicate high satisfaction in the results by participants. Mediators succeed in resolving about 70% of the referrals. An analysis of survey responses to April 1998 can be viewed.

Victim Offender Mediation. The court sponsored a juvenile victim offender mediation program in 1997. The program utilizes volunteer mediators to moderate sessions between the victim and juvenile offenders to reach a resolution for the juvenile crime. The program received funding from Juvenile Justice Assistance grants. Survey results indicate high satisfaction by both victim and offenders. Recidivism has been very low. Juvenile Mediation Evaluation

Teen Court-. Trempealeau County commenced a teen court with the cooperation of the seven school districts in the county in 1997. The teen court consists of high school students drawn from all the schools. Sessions are held at the Courthouse in which the juvenile offender is brought before his peers for imposition of sanctions. The juvenile must already have been found guilty prior to the teen court session. Eligible offenses include vandalism, smoking violations, disorderly conduct, truancy, or violation of school rules. The private industry council of the county assists in finding community service work as part of possible sanctions.  Click here to view Teen Court Statistics.   Click here to view Dr. William Zollweg's Teen Court/Offender/Victim/Offender Mediation Program Survery Results.

OTHER JUVENILE

Underage Drinking Alternative Program. This program is for offenders who have received a citation for underage drinking but don't want lose their driving license. The alternative program is an education program for the first offense and an AODA assessment for second offense. Failure to complete the alternative program allows imposition of the original penalties including loss of license and fine. Franciscan Skemp Health Care provides the services.

Juvenile Task Force. Judge Damon invites all concerned agencies and individuals to a monthly meeting to discuss juvenile issues. Many of our programs are a result of these meetings. Law enforcement, schools, social service agencies, prosecutors, public defenders, and others attend. Speakers on various topics have appeared.

Children in the Middle. This is a parent education program to assist parents in helping themselves and their children through various adjustments that sometimes happen when parents are no longer to be together. The program is mandatory for all parents who have who file for divorce with minor children. It must be attended within 60 days from the filing of the petition of divorce. The cost of the program is $25.00 for each parent. The goal is to reduce the effects of divorce on the children by reducing their exposure to parental conflict. Don Powis of Country Counseling in Whitehall administers the program.

Custody Assessment Team. The court appoints a custody assessment team when mediation fails to resolve contested custody matters. The examination team consists of a guardian ad litem, a social worker and a mental health professional. They assess the family and make a recommendation as to a suitable parenting plan and placement. The recommendation can be incorporated in the final judgment if agreed by the parties. If unacceptable, the plan and recommendation are forwarded to the court for consideration at a contested hearing. A deposit of $2300.00 is required before the appointment of the custody evaluation team. This system has greatly reduced the number of contested custody trials in the county since its adoption on January 1, 1996.

Children In Need Of Protection And Services Reviews. Trempealeau County and Vernon Counties have adopted procedures to review every C.H.I.P.S. matter after 60 days instead of the normal 6 month period. This is part of the Wisconsin Supreme Court's Court Improvement Program and its Wisconsin Families, Children and Justice Initiative. These efforts have been spearheaded by Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. Results from Vernon and Trempealeau Counties will be studied.