Franklin County Municipal Court has highlighted the role of peer encouragement and community organizations in its CATCH Court program, which serves survivors of sexual exploitation.
A court bulletin described support from Sanctuary Night, Freedom a la Carte and earlier program graduates. It said that practical assistance and sustained emotional support helped participants remain involved in the program.
The bulletin announced plans for 15 women to graduate at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium on Sept. 17, 2026, with another woman to be honored posthumously. That was an advance announcement; the bulletin does not establish whether the ceremony subsequently took place.
CATCH stands for Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing. According to the court, participants receive therapy and meet weekly with Judge Jodi L. Thomas and staff while on probation. The program is one of the court's five specialized dockets.
The bulletin directs readers seeking program information to CATCHCourt@franklincountymunicourt.org.