Dispute Resolution builds library of books to share with families

Published on August 31, 2026

The Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court Dispute Resolution department has received a grant that allows the court to distribute children’s books to families.

The books, which explore common issues experienced by families dealing with domestic or juvenile court cases, are available thanks to a grant from the Franklin County Law Library and the Columbus Bar Association Foundation.

The Dispute Resolution staff selected a variety of titles for the project, including “Mom’s House, Dad’s House,” “My Family is Changing,” and “Why Can’t We Live Together.”

Dispute Resolution and the law library initially collaborated on the project to provide books for families in 2025. The new grant allows the court to acquire new books that help families navigate the issues of divorce, custody and other challenging experiences related to court cases.

Dispute Resolution Specialist Ida Mays said the books are a tangible way to show children and parents that the court values and prioritizes children’s needs as their families go through difficult changes.

“It can quietly communicate that we see you and you matter,” Mays said.

The Dispute Resolution team chose books at a variety of reading levels and age levels and also selected books that include diverse characters and address a variety of common circumstances for court-involved families.

In many cases, Mays said, the simple gesture of sharing a book can break the tension of a difficult moment and show families that there is hope on the other side of conflict.

PHOTO: Mindy Brown-Goliday, Ida Mays, Karissa Dodge and Nathan James with books available for families.