By Hon. Vicki Carmichael | Judge, Clark Circuit Court #4 and Hon. Charles F. Pratt | Judge, Allen Superior Court A Cultural Shift Historically, two distinct and separate paths were followed in the provision of services to children who came to the attention of the juvenile justice system. The selected path was generally not determined as a result of an assessment of the totality of the child’s circumstances and needs. … [Read more...] about Dual Status in Indiana
Children
A New Face at the Table for Vulnerable Children and Youth
In January 2018, Terry Stigdon came into the role of Director of the Department of Child Services with a mandate to learn from the assessment of DCS which had been ordered by Governor Eric Holcomb. Tasked with leading the agency in the implementation of recommended reforms, one of her first stops was meeting with judges. Early regular meetings with Wayne County Judge Darrin Dolehanty and Monroe County Judge Steve … [Read more...] about A New Face at the Table for Vulnerable Children and Youth
Indiana courts celebrate National Adoption Day
To celebrate National Adoption Day 2017, thirty-two judicial officers allowed families and press the opportunity to photograph and videotape certain uncontested adoption proceedings. The Supreme Court first issued an order authorizing cameras in court in 2012 for National Adoption Day to increase public awareness of the value of adoption. This year approximately 220 children joined their “forever families” in 24 co … [Read more...] about Indiana courts celebrate National Adoption Day
Indiana Parenting Time Calendar
Over a year ago, the Domestic Relations Committee, chaired by Judge Christopher Lee, teamed up with the Department of Child Services (DCS) to implement an online calendar tool as an option to help parents and the courts establish parenting time with their children based on the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. DCS currently uses printed yearly calendars, which include stickers for children to denote special … [Read more...] about Indiana Parenting Time Calendar
Child focused tools in juvenile court
Our juvenile courts have several innovative tools available to assist children and youth through the Child in Need of Services (CHINS) and delinquency processes. Courts have the new dual status youth screening and assessment tool that allows courts to better identify crossover youth and to coordinate services for youth, regardless of whether they come into juvenile court as a CHINS or a delinquency case. Many … [Read more...] about Child focused tools in juvenile court