Other Community Support

This Juvenile Civil Citation Program is an alternative to arrest for youth 13-17 years of age who commit certain first time misdemeanor offenses. Florida Statute 985.12 gives law enforcement the discretion to issue the youth a civil citation in lieu of arrest. Youth will be assessed for appropriate sanctions and services such as counseling, treatment, and other appropriate community resources. The Juvenile Civil Citation Program works with community partners and Teen Court in the effort to reduce juvenile crime and to provide services for at-risk youth. There is a $25 fee (due within 30 days of the orientation and assessment) to participate in the program.

Problem-solving courts in Marion County are specialized dockets within the criminal justice system that seek to address the underlying problems contributing to certain criminal offenses. Generally, a problem-solving court involves a close collaboration between a judge and a community service team to develop a case plan and closely monitor a defendant’s compliance, imposing proper sanctions when necessary. Marion County, which resides in Circuit 5, has multiple problem-solving courts.

Library system is a vital community resource that connects Marion County residents with their community and the world around them. Eight independent library locations include headquarters in Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellen. The Forest, Fort McCoy, Freedom (near SR200), Marion Oaks and Reddick. Library provides library resources and materials for children, teens and adults, as well as programmed events for all ages, meeting rooms at many locations, free Wi-Fi and public access computers.

Teen Court is an alternative justice system for Juvenile first-time offenders that operates on restorative justice principles. The jury, which is comprised of teens, does not decide the guilt or innocence of the offender but assesses constructive sentencing for the offender who has pleaded guilty. This program allows them to emerge with a clean record, presuming all conditions of their sentence have been completed within the guidelines provided. The primary goal for Teen Court is to reduce recidivism by providing a constructive, educational experience that holds young people accountable for their actions and learn from their mistakes in a supportive environment that emphasizes positive reinforcement.

Marion County Court Administration, under the leadership of Judge Brad King, provides this program for qualified related cases.
The Juvenile Treatment Court Program of Marion County deals with varying degrees of substance misuse among youthful offenders and targets youth who have committed drug-related offenses or acknowledge a history of substance misuse upon arrest for nonviolent offenses. The program is open to juvenile offenders from 13 to 17 years of age.

An initial evaluation from a licensed treatment provider will determine the participant’s treatment needs. The standard length for the intervention/education track is typically 3-4 months while those in need of more intensive treatment typically remain in the program for approximately 4-5 months. The treatment court team monitors the participants’ progress through all phases of the program. Participants can expect to receive incentives based on progress, therapeutic adjustments to address changes in treatment needs, and sanctions to address violations of the treatment court rules, continuing drug use and other non-compliant behavior.

The Marion County Mental Health Court [MCMHC] is a special part of the Marion County Court. It is a Court-supervised program for those arrested in Marion County who has a mental illness, who need treatment and other services, and who choose to participate in the MCMHC instead of having their case precede through the regular court process. If you agree to participate in the MCMHC, you will have a four week trial period during which you can choose to not continue with MCMHC.

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association’s mission is to provide the miraculous benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted learning activities to children and adults living with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges daily. Active programs include Traditional Therapeutic Riding for children and adults with a disability, Equine Experience for at-risk youth and foster children, and Freedom Reins for Veterans.

Marion Transit Services provides public transportation, including services for the transportation disadvantaged, as well as for other sponsored and non-sponsored program recipients in Marion County on an advance reservation basis.

This program provides:

– Transportation

Please call for reservations, bus tickets, and information.

The Marion County Veterans Treatment Court [MCVTC] is a special division of the Marion County Court system. It is a Court-supervised program for those arrested in Marion County who have a mental illness, substance use disorder, or other mental health condition related to their military service, who need treatment and other services, and who choose to participate in the MCVTC instead of having their case proceed through the regular court process. The MCVTC is currently looking for veterans to volunteer in the veteran mentor program, for more information please call or email the MCVTC coordinator.

Tuesday Ministries Outreach
“Good Things Happen on Tuesdays “

Tuesday Ministries Outreach strives to create an environment of love and support in the community by providing encouragement and essential resources. Their goal is to offer a helping hand to those in need, fostering hope through various opportunities and services.

Tuesday Ministries Outreach begins its program at 9:30 AM every Tuesday in our Family Life Center featuring a devotional message, contemporary music, and a lunch served to all guests. This ministry creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who attends.

Provides community Police response for public safety and well being. This includes a Victim Advocate Program to assist with comprehensive needs for victims of crime and citizens with social service needs.

Pay it Forward Outreach is a faith-based, community-driven, donation-funded, outreach organization assisting families facing economic hardships by providing furniture, housewares, and other essential necessities. Pay it Forward Outreach desires to empower the family unit with spiritual growth and emotional support to gain stability and self-worth.

If you would like to donate items to Pay it Forward Outreach, please contact us! We will coordinate a pickup or schedule your delivery of the items. Even if you do not have household items to contribute at this time, there are still several ways that you can get involved. Donors can give financially as well. To do so, please contact us.