BUCYRUS — Since his appointment in May, Crawford County Common Pleas Court Probate/Juvenile Judge Patrick Murphy has observed the workings of the court and sought ways to improve on them.
Murphy, a lifelong resident of Crawford County, was appointed to fill the position of the late Judge Steven Eckstein, who sat on the bench from 1985 till his death in March. Eckstein was not seeking reelection at the time of his death. Murphy had won the Republican nomination for the position in March and will be on this November’s ballot.
One overriding concern Murphy has is the amount of time children are caught up in the system.
“The longer kids are stuck in the system, they lose stability and are without roots,” Murphy said. “They live with the pressure of the battle that’s going on between parents and the system.”
Murphy, who is running as the Republican-endorsed candidate for the judgeship has many plans to streamline the court. The Juvenile Court handles all things paternity, which includes determining paternity, visitation, custody, child support and other family court issues.
His court works closely with Children’s Services to keep children safe, reunite them with their parents when possible while helping older children who are close to aging out of the system obtain life skills.
Murphy has high regard for and wants to work closely with Municipal Court Judge Shane Leuthold’s Drug Court and Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold’s ISAT program.
Murphy indicated he wants to help restore the sanctity of the family unit.
“The sense of self accomplishment through hard work has been destroyed in our family unit,” Murphy said.
He noted that we live in a culture where kids are raising kids that were raised by kids. As a result, they were never a priority. Their parents were never taught how to parent. They were often left essentially on their own to survive. They are without the skills they need to enable them to put their children first.
Murphy believes that a good working relationship with Children’s Services and handling cases in a timely manner is the key. He intends to help parents who want their children back to learn life skills, job skills, how to balance a budget and feed their family. They will also take parenting classes, GED classes, anger management classes and other specialized training as needed.
Murphy knows that education and employment skills are essential to breaking the curse from not only families but older kids who will age out of the system. He hopes to forge important partnerships with Job and Family Services, local service organizations, mentors and area colleges and vocational schools.
Murphy believes case plans must move quickly as well. If parents aren’t willing to comply with mandates required of them, Murphy plans to permanently place the children elsewhere.
“This is a choice. You’ve got to choose your kids over whatever is keeping you from them,” Murphy said. “Children deserve stability, finality and roots.”
Murphy also plans to invoke mentorship, service above self, physical and emotional activities, and a foundation of support for all families and children who come under his supervision.
To read a story on Debra Garverick, Democratic candidate for the position of Crawford County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge, click here.