Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Supreme Court has named the members of the new Youth Justice Oversight Committee, which will focus on reforming the state’s juvenile justice system to prioritize minors who are at a higher risk of reoffending.
As part of House Enrolled Act 1359, the new committee will operate under the Commission on Improving the Status of Children and will concentrate on issues related to the administration of the juvenile justice system.
The committee has been charged with crafting plans for collecting data, providing behavioral health services, and establishing a grant program for the juvenile diversion and community alternatives. Also, the group will establish procedures and policies for the use of screening tools and assessments.
The committee will submit its plans to the commission and the Legislative Council by July 1, 2023.
Justice Steven David will chair the oversight committee, according to the order, In the Matter of Appointment of Members of the Youth Justice Oversight Committee, 22S-MS-199. The 19 members are judges, probation officers, attorneys, academics and service providers.
HEA 1359 is seeking to address some of the core concerns of how the state handle juvenile offenders.
The bill’s author, Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, and sponsor, Sen. Michael Crider, R-Greenfield, said their legislation is based on recommendations that arose from the bipartisan Indiana Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force.
“This legislation represents an opportunity to ensure that Indiana’s children get the support they need while also holding them accountable for their actions,” McNamara and Crider wrote in a column for Indianapolis Business Journal. “Some of the bill’s key provisions would establish more consistent, research-based policies to support low-risk youths in the community so the juvenile justice system can prioritize kids who are at a higher risk to reoffend.”
The members appointed to the committee include:
- Matthew Aalsma, Indiana University
- Stephen Balko, Indiana Department of Education
- Sirrilla Blackmon, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Mental Health and Addiction
- Marion Superior Judge Marshelle Dawkins Broadwell
- Clark Circuit Judge Vicki L. Carmichael
- Shannon Chambers, Johnson County Probation and Probation Officers Advisory Board
- Terrie Decker, Indiana Department of Correction
- Wayne Superior Judge Darrin Dolehanty
- Tracy Fitz, Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council
- Allen Superior Magistrate Judge Carolyn Foley
- Tippecanoe Superior Judge Faith A. Graham
- Mary Kay Hudson, Indiana Office of Court Services
- Devon McDonald, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute
- Nichole Phillips, Bartholomew County Probation and the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana
- Terry Stigdon, Indiana Department of Child Services
- Nancy Wever, Indiana Office of Court Services, Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative
- Joel Wieneke, Indiana Public Defender Council
- James C. Wilson, Circle Up Indy
- Kia Wright, Voices Corporation
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.