New funding source for family law Guardians ad Litem & expanded eligibility by Joseph Fischer, Staff Attorney • Office of Court Services, Children & Families Division Guardians ad Litem play a valuable role in providing insights into the lives of children involved in family law cases throughout Indiana. These professionals offer a voice to children whose lives are impacted by domestic relations m … [Read more...] about Changes to the ADR Fund Plan
Articles
Cameras in Court
Rule change gives local judges discretion to allow cameras into their courtrooms By Kathryn Dolan, Chief Public Information Officer • Office of Communication, Education & Outreach As of May 1, judicial officers around the state have the authority to allow news media into their courtrooms to broadcast, televise, record, digitally stream, or photograph court proceedings that are not confidential. The C … [Read more...] about Cameras in Court
Not Open to Interpretation
When courts are and are not obligated to provide interpreter services By Heather Falks, Deputy General Counsel and Manpreet Kaur, Language Access Director• Office of Judicial Administration Individuals have a constitutional right to access the courts [footnote 1] and essential to that access is their ability to understand the proceedings. Individuals with communication disabilities or limited English p … [Read more...] about Not Open to Interpretation
Making Indiana’s Kids Safer by Combatting Human Trafficking
By Melissa Arvin, Family Violence Resource Attorney • Office of Court Services Children are being trafficked in every county in Indiana, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-reported offenses we face as a community. In an effort to ensure that individuals working with children recognize the signs of trafficking, the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Committee (CSEC) developed a screening … [Read more...] about Making Indiana’s Kids Safer by Combatting Human Trafficking
Guardianship as a Last Resort
Less restrictive alternatives balance need with independence By Nick Parker, Staff Attorney • Office of Court Services By now, you have likely heard about the California case in which Britney Spears successfully petitioned the court to remove her legal guardianship. This case sparked an interest in guardianship across the country, including a discussion of ways to support individuals without a need for formal … [Read more...] about Guardianship as a Last Resort