Rapides Parish Judge Patricia E. Koch Honored Nationally

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of one of our local judges in the arena of juvenile justice. With the steadily increasing number of single parent families, homelessness, poor economy and domestic violence, far too many of our children are becoming acquainted with the justice system in the wrong kind of way. Thanks to the dedication of Judge Patricia Koch, positive changes are being made to our local juvenile justice system, and in doing so, Patricia is making a huge difference in the lives of many children and their families. She’s one of our unsung heroes and it gives me great pleasure to recognize her dedication to the children of our community; and I’m greatly honored to say that she’s also a dear friend. Thank you Patricia and keep up the good work!

Rapides Parish Judge Patricia E. Koch honored nationally

Ninth Judicial District Judge Patricia Evans Koch has been honored as a 2009 Champion for Change in juvenile justice reform for her work locally and across the state. Koch was recognized by the MacArthur Foundation-supported Models for Change juvenile justice systems reform initiative during the Fourth Annual Models for Change national conference in Washington, D.C. The organization said Koch is being honored for her work to improve the lives of court-involved children, their families and communities. Models for Change is the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s $140 million national initiative to reform juvenile justice across the country.

“Judge Koch’s dedication, expertise, and reputation are having a tremendous impact on Models for Change in Rapides Parish and Louisiana,” said Dr. Debra K. DePrato, director of Models for Change Louisiana. “Her leadership and her ability to bring different groups to the table, is actually changing practice on the ground and has made her a champion and a leading voice for effective change.” Koch was elected to represent Division E of the 9th Judicial District Court in 2005 and has been serving as the juvenile judge since 2006. She led the development of the Rapides Parish Children and Youth Planning Board, while also assisting in the development and subsequent work for two consecutive Louisiana Models for Change grants for the parish. As a result, Koch now provides training and consultation to other planning boards around the state, according to Models for Change.

“I have continued outreach with district attorneys, public defenders, religious leaders and juvenile justice advocates, urging each of them to consider varied and collaborative approaches for the treatment of our youth,” Koch said. “I think it’s important to have all of these groups working together, actively engaged in the community and contributing to this discussion and dialogue.”