Mental Health Treatment Court
Judge Baillargeon participated in the planning committee for the Mental Health Treatment Court currently running in the 57th District Court. This is a program that is funded by special grants provided to Allegan County Sheriff Department and the Allegan City Police Department. The planning committee composed of representatives from the Court, the Michigan State Police, Allegan City Police Department, Allegan County Sheriff Department, Community Mental Health, the Prosecutors office, the defense bar and concerned members of the community, in particular many within the faith based community. This program provides the courts with tools to address community concerns while providing alternatives to incarceration for individuals that are in need of mental health services and monitoring. Making sure that individuals maintain their therapy and/or medications while participating in this program is a benefit to the individual and his or her family, but also lessens the burden on local law enforcement and the jail staff, and preserves the safety and security of the community.

Methamphetamine Diversion Program
The Allegan County Sheriff's Department and  the Prosecutors office  worked with members of the Circuit Court probation officers and developed one of the most innovative and successful programs in existence to address the tragic effects of meth addiction. Judge Baillargeon was proud to work with these individuals and witnessed the successes that they have gained in transforming the lives of individuals ravaged by this addiction. For more information on this program you are invited to go to the Allegan County Sheriff's Department site http://www.allegancounty.org/Government/SD/Index.asp?pt=Government  and access "A Way Out" video located under the spotlight section of the page. 


COMMITTED TO FAMILY

My first priorities in domestic cases are children and families. As your judge, I see a wide variety of problems and concerns which directly impact the well being and safety of our children and families. I will continue to hold the best interest of our youth and their home environments as my highest priority.

John Baillargeon, retired Navy
Patrick and Sally Baillargeon, Navy Veteran
Theresa and Sam Piemonte
Ann and Jeff Gagen
Bernard Baillargeon
Tom and Lauren Baillargeon
Diane and Chris Wengelski

See Family Pictures here


OUTREACH TO SCHOOLS
In serving as your judge, I reach out to all schools across our county. I encourage reading programs and teach students about the functions of the courts and judges. I serve as a reading tutor at the Douglas Elementary School.

Supporters:
Robert Brenner
Sandra Brenner
Becky Burnett
Susan Busfield
Richard Cain, Board Member, Allegan Educational Services Agency
Wendy Colsen
Mark Dubois, Superintendent, Allegan Educational Services Agency
Kevin Harness, Superintendent Allegan Public Schools
Chelle Kastran
Kathy Kirby, Principal Fennville Elemenatary School
David Lyon
Michael O’Conner, Superintendent, Glenn Elementary School
Anne Parker
Jeff Raywood
Janet Schroeder
Tanya Sheridan
Sue Wakefield, Superintendent Plainwell Public Schools

Please go to www.alleganmeth.com for a forum on underage drinking that will take place at the Fennville High School.

Court in Schools Program
One unique way that Judge Baillargeon is able to reach out the students and young adults is the literally bring the court to them. Under the Court in Schools Program, he receives an order from the Supreme Court to transform the High School auditorium into the 57th District Court for the afternoon. Prior to the hearings, he meets with individual government and social study classes, taking questions from students and engaging them in a small group discussion setting allowing a personalized question and answer time. Once the students are assembled in the auditorium, he convenes court.  Four to five individual defendants who have volunteered to appear before the school for sentencing are then called up, and their charges are read out--just like is done in the court room itself. The attorney for the prosecutor is asked for sentencing recommendations, as is the attorney for the defendant. Then the defendant is asked to explain to the students how it feels to be arrested and charged. These volunteer defendants are generally young people close in age to the students. They are extended community service credit for agreeing to participate in the Court in Schools Program. When the sentencing is completed, the court is adjourned and Judge Baillargeon invites the students to ask questions of the court staff, law enforcement officers and even the defendants.

INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY