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Stearns County’s Domestic Violence Court Recognized

01/30/2013 - 2:00 AM

Stearns County’s Domestic Violence Partnership and Court project received the Local Government Innovation Award by the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Stearns County received the award for the innovations and improved quality of life that the project offers for domestic assault cases.

The project started in 2008 as a result of research that found about 30 domestic violence offenders were committing three to four felonies a year. The research was done by the Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall. She then partnered with lawmakers to develop a solution. The solution is the domestic violence court program.

The court uses intensive supervision, accountability and support programs. The program also includes drug and alcohol testing, access to treatment and strict no contact and behavior conditions for offenders.

According to the media release, the court has reduced the number of violent acts associated with offenders.

In February, the Domestic Violence Partnership will present at the 2013 National Justice Innovation Conference as one of the ten most innovative justice programs in the country.