The investigative series “Lake County Juvenile Justice” is premiering Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10pm ET on MSNBC.  In July 2008, The Indiana Supreme Court announced it was once again allowing documentary filmmaker Karen Grau access to the Lake County juvenile court.

Grau describes the series as a program that “explores where juvenile crime begins, how it evolves over time and what’s at stake for kids, families and professionals in the system.” Grau’s company, Calamari Productions, shot the 6 one-hour episodes in the Hon. Mary Beth Bonaventura’s courtroom.  For details about the series and Calamari Productions visit www.calamariproductions.com.

When Grau was given access to shoot inside the juvenile court she said the goal of the series was 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 explained, “It is important to keep citizens informed about the issues facing the juvenile justice system.  A national program produced by a respected journalist is one avenue to promote that understanding.”

Having worked with Grau in the past, Judge Bonaventura also agreed the series would educate parents and teens.  In February 2000, Grau produced the documentary “In the Child’s Best Interest.”  It aired on WTHR, the Indianapolis NBC affiliate as well as all PBS affiliates statewide.  In April 2002, she produced two separate documentaries for NBC Dateline and MSNBC called "For Their Own Good" and “In A Child’s Best Interest.”  That was followed by the 2006 MSNBC two-hour special "No Place for a Child."  In February 2007, “Juvies”, an 8-part documentary series that featured Judge Bonaventura’s courtroom aired on MTV.    Grau is the recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award, along with multiple awards for programming on children and the courts.