Chris Biehn, Program Coordinator | Office of Court Services Substance use and addiction are frequently associated with parental neglect and abuse of children. In 2017, over 55 percent of all child removals in Indiana resulted from parental substance use, a figure well above the national average of 36¹ percent. Complicating matters, parents battling substance use disorder often experience physical and mental … [Read more...] about Family-Focused Intervention
Articles
Jail Overcrowding: Complex Issue Requires Collaborative Response
Michelle Goodman, Staff Attorney | Office of Court Services Jail overcrowding is not a new concern, yet the degree to which multiple factors impact jail populations is very different. Many counties are actively working to address jail overcrowding while other counties that are not overcrowded are experiencing other challenges. Why are counties having such different experiences? What solutions can help counties … [Read more...] about Jail Overcrowding: Complex Issue Requires Collaborative Response
Civics Education and the Court of Appeals on Wheels
Ashley Reed, Director of Communications | Court of Appeals of Indiana These are questions that are commonly asked when the Court of Appeals of Indiana goes on the road for oral argument with its Appeals on Wheels program. Appeals on Wheels is an exercise in civics education. “The court believes it is important to educate the community about the judicial system and in particular what our court does. We know that it i … [Read more...] about Civics Education and the Court of Appeals on Wheels
Judicial Leadership Confronts Addiction
David Sexton, Intern | Office of Communication, Education & Outreach National Judicial Opioid Task Force offers recommendations in final report On November 20, 2019, the National Judicial Opioid Task Force released its final report to the public. The NJOTF was formed in 2017 by resolutions of the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators to study and deliver recommendations on … [Read more...] about Judicial Leadership Confronts Addiction
Kinship Caregivers
When grandparents stand in the gap When parents become unavailable to care for their children—whether through addiction, incarceration, or some other tragic circumstance—very often the children’s grandparents or other relatives absorb the children into their households. This may happen formally through CHINS, guardianship, or custody proceedings, but it often happens informally, with no court involvement at all. Tho … [Read more...] about Kinship Caregivers