CHANGE Court helps people with prostitution-related offenses

Notes

Youth and Human Services Committee chair Anna Albi called the meeting to order at 12:33 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with the following members of Cincinnati City Council in attendance:

• Anna Albi (chair)
• Jan-Michele Kearney (vice mayor)
• Ryan James (council member)

Absent

• Evan Nolan (vice chair, excused)

Hamilton County CHANGE Court Presentation

CHANGE Court Coordinator Jessica Hines presented briefly on behalf of Judge Janaya Trotter Bratton, who did not attend the meeting despite appearing on the agenda. Bratton presides over CHANGE Court.

CHANGE Court is a specialized court for individuals charged with prostitution-related offenses and for victims of human trafficking. The court also receives referrals for cases related to substance abuse and mental health for individuals who have some link to prostitution or human trafficking, such as a past offense, Hines said. The program focuses on treatment and rehabilitation to reduce participants’ risk of reoffending. Graduates of the program may be eligible to have their charges expunged.

Cincinnati is considered a “hotspot” for human trafficking due to the confluence of I-71, I-75, and I-74, Hines said. Judge Heather Russell founded CHANGE Court in February 2014 in response to concerns about prostitution on McMicken Street.

Participants in CHANGE Court remain in the in-patient treatment program for 18 to 24 months, depending on the specifics of their case. Contrary to the stereotype that specialized courts are an “easy way out,” Hines said that the program is “a lot of work” for participants. They are required to attend support group meetings and weekly check-ins with various counselors and court officials.

CHANGE Court participants also receive medical, dental, vision and food support, Hines said. Many CHANGE Court participants are unhoused and unemployed when they enter the program.

When participants enter the program, Hines said CHANGE Court moves them from jail to a residential treatment facility “as soon as possible.” Participants receive in-patient treatment and other forms of care through partner institutions, including the Center for Addiction Treatment (CAT), the Crossroads Center’s Chaney Allen Women’s Continuum of Care Program, First Step Home for Women with Children, Off the Streets, the Salvation Army’s End Slavery Cincinnati coalition, and the Talbert House Rewards Jail Intervention program.

The program has a 30% success rate, meaning that 30% of participants do not reoffend. That rate is on par with similar programs nationwide, Hines said.

Council member questions

Council Member Albi said she has attended CHANGE graduations and was moved to tears.

Albi asked about the age range of participants. Hines said the youngest participant is 23 and the oldest around 60 years old.

Vice Mayor Kearney asked for clarification on how individuals facing drug-related charges may be referred to CHANGE Court.

Individuals facing drug charges are asked in a pretrial report if they have ever traded sex for drugs or money. Individuals who answer “yes” might be referred to CHANGE Court, Hines said.

Kearney praised the work of First Step Home. It is the only treatment center in Cincinnati where women can live with their children, Hines said.

Council Member Ryan James asked what programs or services City Council should know about that might offer a continuum of care. Hines suggested the Hamilton County Office of Reentry.

The next CHANGE graduation will take place on June 24.

Albi adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m.. 

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