More than 25 training sessions designed for Indiana attorneys, mediators and judges to help homeowners facing foreclosure are scheduled for the summer months.  The first session of the “Back Home In Indiana--Guiding Homeowners Through Foreclosure” campaign is June 3rd in Noblesville.  For more information about this session and others visit http://courts.IN.gov/home. 

In January, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced a plan to train more judges, mediators and lawyers than any other state on how to deal with foreclosure cases.  The massive training effort began March 6th and will continue through the summer at locations across the state.  Counties with sessions scheduled include Allen, Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Decatur, Elkhart, Floyd, Hamilton, Hendricks, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Lake, Marion, Monroe, Orange, Ripley, Saint Joseph, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Vanderburgh and Wayne.

The goal is to train hundreds of attorneys and judges across the state on how to help families in jeopardy of losing their homes.  The sessions will include a taped program specially designed to educate judges, mediators and lawyers about new loan modification programs and mediation opportunities.

The campaign includes an effort to provide free legal help to homeowners in need of assistance.  Pro bono representation is being encouraged by Chief Justice Shepard who explained, “We have very talented and generous attorneys in our state who are interested in helping people get on the road to recovery.  Facing the stress and financial burden of foreclosure is not something we want people to do alone.  We are recruiting volunteer attorneys to help people who are in need of assistance.” 

Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman is leading the statewide effort to ward off the housing meltdown through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.  The Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network already includes lenders, government agencies, housing counselors, and community non-profits.  Chief Justice Shepard has pledged the support of the judicial branch as well.

Indiana trial courts have seen about a 50% increase in the number of foreclosure cases filed in the past five years.  Sorting out which of those cases should be eligible for loan modification and those where it is not possible takes knowledge, skill, commitment and compassion.  The Indiana Supreme Court is dedicated to helping courts across the state as they deal with the influx of foreclosure cases.  In doing so, the Court hopes to help homeowners and play a role in bringing about economic recovery.