Spotlight of the Week: Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio
Summit County Juvenile Court | 2023 Child Advocate of the Year
This week, we are proud to spotlight Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio, a steadfast and compassionate leader in Ohio’s juvenile justice system, whose dedication to child welfare has transformed lives across Summit County and beyond.
Judge Teodosio is the longest-serving Juvenile Court Judge in Summit County’s history, bringing decades of legal expertise, innovation, and heartfelt advocacy to the bench. Since beginning her tenure on January 1, 2003, she has reshaped the way juvenile courts approach young people, emphasizing support, restoration, and opportunity.
In recognition of her extraordinary service, Judge Teodosio was named Ohio’s 2023 Child Advocate of the Year by the Ohio CASA/GAL Association. This honor, presented at the 28th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference, highlights her leadership in juvenile justice reform and her unwavering support for CASA volunteers, individuals who serve as powerful voices for children in the courtroom.
“My judicial career has been focused on impacting the lives of young people and families across Summit County,” Judge Teodosio shared. “This award reflects not only the work within my court, but also the deep partnerships we have fostered with CASA volunteers over the years.”
Judge Teodosio is widely respected for pioneering progressive programs and innovative reforms that have served as models for courts across Ohio and the nation. She has led critical conversations on pressing issues, including the challenges faced by dually involved youth, those who navigate both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Her approach recognizes the complexity of each child’s experience and prioritizes intervention, prevention, and dignity. Through training, mentorship, and collaboration, she has equipped countless advocates, attorneys, and stakeholders with tools to better serve Ohio’s 16,000 children in care.
Beyond the bench, Judge Teodosio’s contributions span legal, educational, and philanthropic spaces. She has served as President of the Ohio State Bar Association, Akron Bar Association, and the University of Akron School of Law Alumni Association. Her accolades include the Thomas J. Moyer Award for Judicial Excellence, the MacArthur Foundation’s Champion for Change Award, and the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation Award for Innovation.
In memory of her late daughter, she remains deeply involved in the Andrea Rose Teodosio Foundation, which continues her family’s legacy of compassion and service.
