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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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