Bitonios Awarded For Exemplary Service To Children And Families By NCJFCJ

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) is set to honor Joel and Courtney Bitonio for their significant contributions to justice-involved youth. This recognition will take place at the NCJFCJ’s National Conference on Juvenile Justice in Cleveland, Ohio, where the couple will be awarded the third annual Judith Horgan Award for Exemplary Service on Behalf of Children and Families in the Court System on March 19, 2024.

Joel, a guard for the Cleveland Browns since being drafted in 2014, alongside his wife Courtney, has dedicated years of service and resources to various organizations. Their work spans across the Cleveland area and beyond, including roles as ambassadors for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, A Kid Again Ohio, the Division of Recreation for the City of Cleveland, and Browns Give Back. Joel Bitonio reflects on their commitment to giving back as a core value instilled by their parents, emphasizing the importance of community support and involvement.

The Judith Horgan Award is named after Judith Horgan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a former NCJFCJ Board Director known for her dedication to elevating the voices of children and families within the court system. Since its inception in 2022, the award celebrates individuals who champion better outcomes for children and families. NCJFCJ CEO Joey Orduña Hastings highlighted the Bitonios' alignment with the organization's values of compassion and commitment to improving lives nationwide.

Judy Horgan praised Joel and Courtney Bitonio's efforts as setting a positive example within the community, noting their impact not only on children but on the broader community as well. The NCJFCJ impacts over 4 million families annually through its work in improving juvenile and family court systems across the country.

About NCJFCJ: Established in 1937 in Reno, Nevada, the NCJFCJ is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of juvenile and family courts nationwide. It stands as the oldest judicial membership and education organization in the nation, focusing on juvenile and family justice, domestic violence, and domestic relations. With over 2,000 members, it provides research, policy development, and educational opportunities to an estimated 30,000 professionals in state and tribal courts throughout the United States.