Purpose
The statewide Youth Justice Oversight Committee was established by the legislature in 2022 (see HEA 1359 or Ind. Code 2-5-36-9). The Chief Justice of Indiana is responsible for appointing members (see Supreme Court orders from June 2022, May 2023, October 2023, and September 2024). The committee's purpose is to: (1) Develop a plan to collect and report statewide juvenile justice data. (2) Establish procedures and policies related to the use of certain screening tools and assessments. (3) Develop a statewide plan to address the provision of broader behavioral health services to children in the juvenile justice system. (4) Develop a plan for the provision of transitional services for a child who is a ward of the department of correction. (5) Develop a plan for the juvenile diversion and community alternatives grant programs.
The committee will submit to the commission and the legislative council by July 1, 2023: (1) the plan for the juvenile diversion and community alternatives grant programs; and (2) the juvenile justice data collection plan and the plan for the use of screening tools, assessments, and services.
Vision
Evolve Indiana’s communities and systems to embrace and provide opportunities for all youth to reach their full potential.
Mission
To make improvements to Indiana’s youth justice system that:
- Enhance public safety
- Produce sustainable and effective outcomes for youth
- Are aligned with research on what works
- Increase racial equity and decrease disparities for Black, Brown and other opportunity youth
- Make the most efficient and effective use of public resources
- Are informed by the experiences of youth and their families
Legacy
The Youth Justice Oversight Committee acknowledges that much excellent work has already been done throughout Indiana in alignment with these principles, through the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) and other efforts. The intent of the Committee is to build upon previous work, hear and engage local stakeholders who are the experts in youth justice system implementation, and work to strike the appropriate balance between statewide consistency on essential matters and local flexibility that respects community context.