“Our youth and their ability to finish high school successfully is of vital importance” said Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Mary Welker. “This one piece of a child’s life has lifelong impacts, not only by reducing the probability of contact with the criminal justice process, but also impacts a student’s employment opportunities; the success of a person’s family; and even their wellbeing and heath. Also, the way we hire people has changed. Applications tend to be screened by computers before a person has a chance to interview. Not having a high school diploma now can prevent you from even being considered for certain jobs.”

The additional funding is to continue support of both 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. Also, funding allows us to continue a truancy program for both schools which 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 his/her 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 and continued in order to provide youth with an opportunity to learn and grow from their life situations, and for some youth, to help avoid the justice system. Defined as preventive programs and alternatives to detention programming, these community-based programs provide a level of support, encouragement, and attention to youth.

They are also a way for local residents to save tax dollars. When a youth goes to secure

detention, it is paid for by local tax dollars and the cost averages $240 or more per day to keep a youth in secure detention.

Over $40,000 is being utilized with both Winamac Community High School and West Central High School to implement an 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.