For many years, those working in the juvenile justice system have been concerned with the children that are involved with, and have needs in, both the juvenile delinquency and child welfare systems. Juvenile judges, juvenile probation officers and Department of Child Services’ case managers have lamented for years the imaginary firewall that existed between juvenile probation department and department of child w … [Read more...] about When Stars Align
Cover Stories
Grant program working to keep low-level criminals out of prison
The Indiana General Assembly focused on criminal code reform during the 2014 and 2015 legislative sessions. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1006, authored both years by Representative Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, rewrote criminal penalties and sentencing statutes to keep low-level offenders in local communities where they will have better access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as rehabilitation … [Read more...] about Grant program working to keep low-level criminals out of prison
Yes Virginia, Judges can be Santa Claus
Dear Ms. Meiring, With the holiday season approaching, Charity Y would like to know whether it is ethically permissible for our local judge to dress up like Santa Claus and pass out donated presents to the less fortunate kids in the community at our annual holiday party. Sincerely, Virginia, Director of Charity Y Ah, the holidays - ‘tis the season for charitable giving and activities. As prominent members of the l … [Read more...] about Yes Virginia, Judges can be Santa Claus
Second Chances: Indiana's Evolving Expungement Law
While still a subject of some controversy, expungement, the process by which an Indiana citizen can seal past criminal records, has undergone significant revision since its inception. In 2012, Indiana lawmakers enacted legislation popularly known as the “Second Chance Law.” Under the 2012 procedure, only those convicted of misdemeanors and non-violent class D felonies were eligible, and the remedy resulted in an ord … [Read more...] about Second Chances: Indiana's Evolving Expungement Law
Employee Medical Leave Rights: It's Complicated
Once upon a time, the employer determined medical leave. Whether an employee had the ability to stay home when ill without risk of termination depended on the boss. After a nine-year legislative battle, in 1993 Congress enacted the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA). For many workers, FMLA proved to be a great boon. Parents with newborns don’t have to negotiate for leaves of absence of less than twelve weeks. An i … [Read more...] about Employee Medical Leave Rights: It's Complicated