By Brittany Kelly, State Court Behavioral Health Administrator | Office of Judicial Administration State courts across the country have increasingly recognized that behavioral health challenges—mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions—are major drivers of court involvement. Recognizing the need for a coordinated, court-led approach, in July 2022, CCJ and COSCA adopted RESOLUTION 1: … [Read more...] about Where Justice & Behavioral Health Meet: Committee Releases Inaugural Report & Recommendations
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2026 Legislative Update
By Mindy Pickett, Staff Attorney • Office of Court Services The following are the top changes of interest for judicial officers. Unless otherwise noted, the effective date for these bills is July 1, 2026. For summaries of all new relevant laws, please see the Legislative Update, legislativeupdate.courts.in.gov. Subscribe using the “Subscribe” button at the bottom of the page. All bills that have been signed into … [Read more...] about 2026 Legislative Update
Civic Health Index reveals successes and challenges for Hoosiers’ civic engagement
By Cathrin Verano, Special Collections Development Librarian • Office of Communication, Education & Outreach The 2025 Indiana Civic Health Index, released on January 21, 2026, examines Hoosiers’ election participation, their community involvement, and the successes of the state’s civic education initiatives. It draws on data from the most recent U.S. Census and the 2024 presidential election to follow up on a … [Read more...] about Civic Health Index reveals successes and challenges for Hoosiers’ civic engagement
Kids at the Capitol
Day of the Child This past President’s Day, over 500 Hoosier youth used their day off from school as an opportunity to participate in civic engagement activities at the Indiana Statehouse. Known as “Day of the Child,” this effort is organized annually by the Commission on Improving the Status of Children, the Indiana Youth Institute, and the Marion County Commission on Youth. Included in the day was a morning … [Read more...] about Kids at the Capitol
Graduate Judges Take on Civic Outreach
By Peyton Restauri, Intern • Office of Communication, Education & Outreach What is the role of a judge beyond the bench and gavel? When a person envisions a judge, the first image that springs to mind might be a solitary figure in a black robe, presiding over a courtroom and issuing decisive rulings. While that representation fits part of the job, it falls short of depicting the many roles that judges p … [Read more...] about Graduate Judges Take on Civic Outreach