The Indiana Supreme Court will again allow documentary filmmaker Karen Grau, of Calamari Productions, access to the Lake County juvenile court, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today.  Filming will begin soon in the Hon. Mary Beth Bonaventura’s courtroom.  The documentary is expected to air on MSNBC in 2009.

Grau plans to produce six, one-hour documentary programs.  She said the goal of the series is to shed light on the issues facing the courts and the children served by the court.  With that understanding, the Supreme Court agreed to allow cameras in the courtroom.  Chief Justice Shepard said, “The court is always evaluating how it can more effectively help children and families in trouble.  With that in mind, it is important to keep citizens informed about the issues facing the juvenile justice system.  A national broadcast produced by a respected journalist is one avenue to promote that understanding.”

Having worked with Grau in the past, Judge Bonaventura believes the series will educate parents and teens.  Bonaventura explained, “There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the previous MTV series.  Viewers commented on the value of seeing consequences for teens involved in trouble.”  Judge Bonaventura expects Grau’s new project to have similar value while highlighting more serious offenses. 

Grau wants to focus on tougher crimes, to explore how those children are handled.  Grau said, “The goal of the programming is be a wake-up call for kids, parents, and the community.  This is happening.”  She believes focusing on these cases will illuminate why so many teens re-offend.

There are specific safeguards in place to protect the children and families who may be filmed.  Participants must give Grau prior written consent.  Court Appointed Special Advocates will be able to voice concerns about the effect of a child’s participation.