
Richland County Court Of Common Pleas
Juvenile Division
Protecting the community, providing justice, and strengthening youth and families.
Message from Judge Steve McKinley
Welcome to the Richland County Juvenile Court.
My name is Steve McKinley, and I am honored to serve the citizens of Richland County as Judge of the Juvenile Court.
The Juvenile Court exists to ensure the care, protection, and positive development of the children who came under its jurisdiction. Our mission is carried out with a steadfast commitment to public safety, accountability, and the rehabilitation of young offenders—helping them find a better path forward while supporting the well-being of our community.
As a court of law with a deep social responsibility, we are dedicated to protecting and guiding young people while upholding justice and public trust. At the heart of our work is a simple but vital principle: every child deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
It is my firm belief that the strength of our community is reflected in how we support and restore our youth. With that in mind, the Court remains committed to carrying out its duties with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

The Family Stability Initiative
The Family Stability Initiative works to strengthen families and build a foundation where children can grow, learn, and flourish. At the heart of the program are 10 core principles, each of which is critical to creating a family structure rooted in love, stability, and mutual respect. By teaching these principles and other core values, the Court seeks to equip families with the tools and guidance necessary to achieve lasting stability. The goal is clear: when families thrive, children flourish—and the community as a whole benefits.
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The Family Stability Initiative
FAMILYSTABILITYINITIATIVE.ORG
A service of Judge Steve McKinley and the Richland County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division