By Nancy Wever, Director | Indiana Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Almost overnight, Indiana’s youth justice systems went from business as usual to remote supervision, virtual interactions, and attending court hearings online. What may have been considered something that would never happen six months ago did happen and will likely permanently shape the operation of youth justice systems. Those who work in y … [Read more...] about Youth Justice in the Time of COVID-19
Features
Building Resilience to Prepare for Tomorrow
By Paige Newland, Learning Consultant/Program Coordinator | Office of Court Services An emergency like flood, fire, power outage, mold, active human threat—or, as we all now realize, a pandemic—can adversely impact the court system in ways we may not expect. Employee absence, loss of records, technology failure, or facility damage can greatly diminish the effectiveness of the court system and result in the delayed adm … [Read more...] about Building Resilience to Prepare for Tomorrow
State Office of GAL/CASA Celebrates 30 Years of Child Advocacy at Statehouse
By Leslie Dunn, State Director of GAL/CASA | Office of Court Services On March 4 (before the pandemic required social distancing), over 400 Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian Ad Litem volunteers and staff gathered at the Statehouse to celebrate 30 years of best-interest advocacy for abused and neglected children and to thank the legislature for their ongoing support. Event speakers included Chief … [Read more...] about State Office of GAL/CASA Celebrates 30 Years of Child Advocacy at Statehouse
2020 Legislative Session Highlights
By Amanda R. Wishin, Research Attorney | Indiana Office of Court Services This year’s short legislative session addressed a couple larger policy issues: the legal smoking age increased to 21 years old (S.E.A. 1, P.L. 49) and texting and driving became illegal (H.E.A. 1070, P.L. 100). All bills are effective on July 1, 2020, unless otherwise noted. The following are the top changes of interest for judicial o … [Read more...] about 2020 Legislative Session Highlights
Disciplinary Commission Formal Advisory Opinion #1-20: Third Party Comments On Lawyer's Social Media
By G. Michael Witte ׀ Executive Director, Disciplinary Commission If you use social media, are you attentive to what others post on your page? If someone should post a message or link that is vulgar, racially callous, intimidating, or misogynistic, do you tacitly own it if you do not remove it? Several social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) allow others to post public comments on a lawyer’s home page. Un … [Read more...] about Disciplinary Commission Formal Advisory Opinion #1-20: Third Party Comments On Lawyer's Social Media