“Our Pulaski County youth are an asset that we need to support.” said Judge Mary Welker. “In circuit court, we see the youth who are struggling. JDAI and its programs assist us in helping those youth to learn additional ways to cope with their specific challenges. In addition, JDAI has assisted us in assuring that all youth are evaluated in an equitable manner. These programs have benefitted Pulaski County, not only financially, but by investing in and assisting our Youth.”

The additional funding is to continue support of high school and middle school mentoring programs. This program helps provide additional support to youth about life choices, consequences, and building resilience in life in order to face and grow from challenging situations.

Funding to continue a truancy program for both schools will help smooth the process between the schools and the justice system in a way that is formalized and systematic. Truancy is a strong indicator of further criminality and also increases the chance for the youth to not complete their education.

“This past year with JDAI, we have been able to formalize a number of youth programs, data management processes and implementation of policies/procedures, which help to make our local juvenile justice system fair and transparent,” said Dr. Natalie Tucker, JDAI coordinator. “We look forward to further institutionalization of JDAI programs and developing sustainability plans for these important programs that support at risk youth.”

These programs are being further developed in hopes of providing youth with an opportunity to learn and grow from their life situations and for some, to help avoid the justice system. Defined as preventive programs and alternative to detention programming, these community-based programs provide a level of support, encouragement, and attention to youth.

The programs also are a way for local residents to save on their tax dollars. When a youth goes to secure detention, it is paid for by local tax dollars and the cost averages $125 or more a day to keep a youth in secure detention.

Over $45,000 is being utilized with both Winamac Community High School and West Central High School to implement the at-risk youth mentoring program and for the truancy program.

These programs have proven to be successful in reducing truancy referrals and helping youth successfully complete probation and/or remain off of probation. This grant funding is provided by the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC).

Indiana is one of nearly 300 JDAI sites in 40 states and the District of Columbia to implement the JDAI process and the eight core strategies to enhance and improve their juvenile justice systems.

Indiana continues to be a national leader in advancing the cause of an equitable and effective juvenile justice system.