Judge Michael Montero Receives Innovator of the Year Award at NCJFCJ's Justice Innovation Awards
From left to right: Judge David B. Katz, Joey Orduña Hastings and Judge Michael Montero, recipient of the Innovator of the Year Award (Photo by NCJFCJ)
RENO, Nev., July 20, 2023 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - At its 86th Annual Conference in Baltimore, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) awarded Judge Michael Montero of the 6th Judicial District in Humboldt County, Nevada, the prestigious Innovator of the Year Award. The award ceremony, now in its ninth year, celebrates active NCJFCJ members who display exceptional leadership and innovative practices within juvenile justice, child abuse, family law, and domestic violence. Judge Montero was acknowledged for his ground-breaking contributions, including the establishment of Nevada's first transitional living center managed by a juvenile justice agency.
Joey Orduña Hastings, CEO of the NCJFCJ, hailed Montero's commitment, stating, "Judge Montero's commitment to improving our justice system and supporting the well-being of youth and families is truly commendable. His innovative approach has made a lasting impact on youth and families in Humboldt County and beyond, and we are proud to recognize his remarkable achievements with the Innovator of the Year Award."
Judge Montero's exemplary contributions include the initiation of a truancy diversion program, a family treatment court, and the first-of-its-kind non-secure transitional housing center for young individuals involved with juvenile services in Nevada. His ingenuity and dedication have made a significant impact on the lives of Humboldt County's youth, with school district leaders crediting him for aiding students in successfully graduating with high school degrees. Upon receiving the award, Montero remarked, "As an elected judge, I have always believed my work must contribute positively to the community and I should always strive to be a leader in some way. I am beyond honored to be nominated and recognized for the work I love to do."
For more information, please visit the NCJFCJ's website at https://www.ncjfcj.org.
Source: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
