Judicial Branch Moves to
New Courthouse for Juvenile Matters in Waterford
HARTFORD
- Judge Joseph H. Pellegrino, Chief Court Administrator for the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch,
announced the opening of the new courthouse for Juvenile Matters in Waterford today.
The new Superior Court for Juvenile Matters, an
18,148 square foot facility, opened its doors at 978 Hartford Turnpike in Waterford this
morning, providing more than twice the space available in the old site at 869 Norwich/New
London Turnpike in Uncasville.
"The opening of this courthouse, which
serves the Greater New London area, is another step in our long-range commitment to
provide ongoing improvements and state-of-the-art enhancements to the juvenile component
of our justice system," said Judge Pellegrino.
"This new facility greatly increases the
services that the Judicial Branch can provide for the families, attorneys, citizens and
employees that must use the Courthouse," he added. "By providing an additional
courtroom, more parking, an expanded holding area and ample space for offices, the
Judicial Branch can offer increased efficiency in its day-to-day operations as well as
space for expansion as the community needs increase over time."
The State of Connecticut has a 10-year lease for
the one-floor Courthouse, which has 75 parking spaces, an additional courtroom to handle
increasing caseloads, a holding area for juveniles with a secure vehicular sallyport. The
previous building had just 25 parking spaces, one courtroom and inadequate holding areas.
The building also provides adequate office space
for Juvenile Probation, court officers, court monitors, interpreters and clerical staff as
well as agencies participating in the adjudication process, including Public Defenders,
Assistant Attorney Generals, volunteers and other state agencies.
In addition, the security system has been
upgraded and improved for the staff, juveniles and the public. These improvements include
electronic security features such as x-ray and metal detectors at the entrances, private
circulation systems for staff and prisoner movement throughout the facility, closed
circuit television monitoring, card readers for entry and duress alarms throughout the
building.
"This building is reflective of the
Judicial Branch's commitment to Juvenile Court in the State of Connecticut and is further
testimony that Juvenile Court is recognized as an extremely important part of our judicial
system," said Judge Christine E. Keller, Chief Administrative Judge for Juvenile
Matters.
The Waterford facility is the third new juvenile
courthouse opened over the last 12 months. In February 2000 Juvenile Matters in Torrington
moved to a more spacious building. And in November 2000 a new courthouse facility for
Juvenile Matters opened in Willimantic. There are now 13 juvenile courthouses in the
state.
For information contact Ginny Apple, Manager of
Communications, 860-757-2270.
Directions to Juvenile Matters at Waterford
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