ST. JOSEPH PROBATE COURT

Home
Child Arrested?
CASA
Central Academy
COSAT
Detention
Helpful Services
Mission Statement
Tours and Talks
Employment Opportunities
Annual Report

Log on to Quest

Attorney Tutorial

 

The Juvenile Justice Center is a multi faceted facility which houses a variety of agencies that interact with the St. Joseph Probate Court, Probate Clerk, Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Detention,   CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Prosecutors Office, Public Defender's Office, Juvenile Justice Residential Program,  Day Reporting, Electronic Monitoring Program, Community Transition Program "Rebuilding the Walls", and  Central Academy.

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

  1. ST. JOSEPH PROBATE COURT
    handles all juvenile cases in the County concerning delinquency, abuse, neglect, dependency, and the establishment of paternity.  The Court also has jurisdiction over wills, estates, adoptions, and guardianships.  With the establishment of paternity, both parents will be ordered to attend an educational class about parenting and support.


  2. ST. JOSEPH PROBATE CLERK
    serves as Clerk of the Court for filing cases, and maintains the records of the Court.  The Clerk also collects support payments.


  3. JUVENILE PROBATION
    the Intake Team receives referrals from police agencies, parents, and schools.  After an intake screening, called a Preliminary Inquiry, the officer recommends and appropriate course of action.
    The Supervision Team prepares a social history report, called a Pre-Dispositional, on adjudicated offenders and makes recommendations to the Court.  Juveniles placed on Probation are supervised by this team.


  4. JUVENILE DETENTION
    provides both pre and post adjudication detention for persons under age 18 subject to the jurisdiction of the Court.  Juveniles detained undergo a routine medical and mental health assessment and the appropriate treatment.  The facility operates on a value based level system.  The daily routine includes education, physical exercise and value based groups.  Detainees are also offered religious services and can request to speak with the facility chaplain or a religious leader from another faith based organization.  Visits are restricted to parents, guardians and grandparents only.  Special visits can be requested by attorneys, clergy and counselors.  The number of visits and telephone calls are based on the value based level system. 
    Hours:  24 hours per day operations
    Application procedure:  must be referred by a police department or the juvenile court.
    Fees:  user fees are assessed on parents as part of the juvenile's commitment to detention.


  5. A VARIETY OF SUPPORT SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY THE COURT


    • COMMUNITY SERVICE
      voluntary work performed by juveniles for a non-profit agency or governmental agency.


    • YOUTH JUSTICE PROJECT
      is a two to six month diversion program held at the Robinson Community Learning Center.  Juveniles could be given a variety of projects to complete depending upon the circumstances of their case.  The following programs could be offered to them:  community service, peer groups, counseling, and a reading program through Bethel College.


    • SUBSTANCE ABUSE TESTING PROGRAM
      will also take walk-in urine drug screens.  Parents must sign a contract and the information will be released only to parents.  (Fee:  $25 - cash only)


    • COURT ORDERED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM (COSAT)
      is a 12 week substance abuse treatment program that includes twice weekly group therapy for both the child and family.  (Total cost:  $120)


  6. CASA (COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE)
    this program trains volunteers who are assigned to abuse and neglect cases currently before the Court.  The volunteer meets with all parties, and conducts an independent investigation to provide information to the Court on what is in the best interests of the child.


  7. JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM
    operated by Madison Center in a contractual arrangement with the Court;  juveniles and their families are involved in intense treatment programming for mental health, substance abuse and truancy issues.


  8. DAY REPORTING
    part of the continuum of services provided by the Court that provides wrap around services for the juveniles and families.  Family counseling, multifamily group, and psychoeducational groups are provided.  In addition, this program provides a structured program to deter a juvenile from being placed in residential treatment. (Fee: $25 per week)


  9. ELECTRONIC MONITORING PROGRAM
    a home-based monitoring program used by the Court to closely supervise the high risk juveniles under the conditions of home arrest.  (Fees: $25 initial, $10 per week)  In addition, probation has recently added a Global Positioning System (GPS) option.  This option can be made available as an alternative to detention when approved by the Court.


  10. COMMUNITY TRANSITION PROGRAM - "Rebuilding the Walls"
    this program provides a more structured and supportive release from institutionalization to the community.  It does this by assisting parents to "rebuild the walls" of their family be increasing their abilities to establish a healthy family structure, provide for the appropriate supervision of their children, and show the needed emotional support to their children.   Finally, this program recognizes that without a "healthier" family to return a child to after placement the child will not reach their potential as a citizen, and may continue a downward spiral that will lead to further delinquency and criminality. 

    The "Rebuilding the Walls" program is a continuation of an on-going process to improve the manner in which the needs of St. Joseph County youth and their families are assessed for services and linked to those services.


  11. CENTRAL ACADEMY
    is school operated by the Friends of the Juvenile Justice Center for students who have been either expelled, suspended, truant or at high risk of not completing school.  All students must be on probation to attend the school.  An undergraduate program of 7th through 9th grades is offered, as well as a GED program for older adolescents.


FINAL NOTE:

The Juvenile Justice Center is always in need of volunteers to mentor a child, assist in tutoring detainees in detention, or to provide the appropriate religious services to detainees while in detention.  In addition, a limited number of practicum experiences for students is also provided in the Mental Health, Day Reporting and Probation Departments.  Please contact Mr. George Kuta, Coordinator of Human Resources, if you are interested in volunteering or wanting to be considered for practicum experience.  Mr. Kuta can be reached at (574) 235-5335.

 

 

Contact webmaster@jjconline.org with any questions.