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Magistrate Tom Dusza to attend national AOT symposium; commissioners back travel using ADAMHS grant funds
Summary
Magistrate Tom Dusza will attend the National Assisted Outpatient Therapy symposium in Maryland with estimated costs covered by a $500,000 federal ADAMHS grant. Dusza told commissioners Erie County is unique in having an AOT court of its size in Ohio.
Erie County Probate Court Magistrate Tom Dusza will attend the National Assisted Outpatient Therapy (AOT) Symposium and Learning Collaborative in Annapolis, Maryland, after the county commissioners approved a travel request at their March 12 meeting.
County Administrator Hank Solowiej presented the out-of-state travel request, estimating costs at about $6,300 for registration, hotel and meals. Solowiej told commissioners the expense would be fully funded by a $500,000 federal grant received by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board, and not paid from county general funds.
At the meeting, Dusza told the commissioners that "Erie County is the only County of its size in Ohio to have an AOT Court," and stressed the importance of the program to local behavioral-health services. Commissioners Shenigo, Shoffner and Old signaled support for the travel because the ADAMHS grant covers the cost; Shenigo also commended Dusza for choosing to drive rather than fly to reduce expenses.
Why it matters: Assisted outpatient treatment and associated court procedures can affect how the county delivers services to residents with serious mental illness; Dusza’s attendance at the symposium is positioned as professional development tied to an established local program. The travel authorization was recorded in the meeting minutes as fully funded by ADAMHS grant resources, and the board formally approved the travel request.
Next steps: Dusza is scheduled to attend the conference; the county minutes show the travel authorization was approved at no cost to the county’s general fund. Any follow-up reporting should confirm outcomes and whether the Magistrate shares materials or recommendations derived from the conference with county leadership or the ADAMHS Board.
