Howard County Juvenile Problem Solving Court
The Howard County Juvenile Problem Solving Court was implemented in 2003 as an alternative to traditional case processing of system involved youth with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. It is a voluntary program in which eligible offenders participate in an intense, multi-phase treatment program, submit to frequent drug testing, and comply with the education requirements of the Juvenile Court while under the supervision of the Problem Solving Court Referee.
A youth's participation in Problem Solving Court is voluntary. The benefits for participation includes: becoming drug and alcohol free, education, job training and other community resources. You will be provided with rewards and incentives at the discretion of the Problem Solving Court Team as you progress through the program. In addition, successful completion of the program will result in being discharged from probation and may result in the expungement of your juvenile record after you have reached the age of 18.
The Problem Solving Court is structured to be 12 months in length depending on the needs and progress of each participant. The program is divided into four phases. The Problem Solving Court Referee determines when you have successfully completed all the requirements.
The Problem Solving Court is a docket within Howard Circuit Court. The Honorable Lynn Murray presides over Howard Circuit Court – Juvenile Division. Juvenile Court Referee, Donald Bolinger presides over Juvenile Problem Solving Court Proceedings. The administrative office of the Problem Solving Court is located in the Robert J. Kinsey Center, Juvenile Probation Department. Problem Solving Court is in session on Monday afternoon in the Juvenile Court Room.
Eligibility Criteria
The Howard County Juvenile Problem Solving Court developed the Problem Solving Court eligibility criteria in compliance with IC 33-23-16-13. Offenders eligible for Problem Solving Court are non-violent juveniles who are currently on probation for or have been adjudicated for:
- Youth who have been adjudicated for any delinquent or status offense in which it is determined through a pre-dispositional assessment process that substance abuse or a mental health disorder is or has been a factor in their delinquency;
- Youth who have been adjudicated a delinquent and are pending a disposition for a modification;
- Youth who are potential candidates for in-patient hospitalization due to substance abuse or addiction or mental health issues;
- Youth who have completed an inpatient hospitalization or residential treatment program as a result of substance abuse or mental health issues;
- Youth who have completed a commitment to the Indiana Department of Correction;
- Youth who have completed a treatment program at a Residential Facility;
- Youth who have a diagnosis of any mental disorder as defined by the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5);
- Youth who have been determined to be a high or moderate risk to re-offend through the use of the Indiana Youth Assessment System or any other additional appropriate empirically validated assessment instrument;
- Youth who have been authorized by the Juvenile Court Judge to participate in the Juvenile Problem Solving Court.
Youth not eligible for participation in the Howard County Juvenile Problem Solving Court are:
- Youth who have been determined to be a low-risk to re-offend through the use of the Indiana Youth Assessment System or any other additional appropriate empirically validated assessment instrument.
- Youth who are not residents of Howard County, Indiana.
Offenders must also meet the following criteria as established by the Problem Solving Court advisory board:
- No open warrants;
- No prior convictions for rape, child molestation, murder, or confinement;
- No charges pending out of county;
- No other pending charges excluded by the eligibility criteria;
Other factors taken into consideration are:
- Willingness to comply with court ordered treatment services;
- Ability to physically participate in treatment activities (within guidelines of the American Disabilities Act);
- Must meet clinical criteria for substance abuse or dependence;
- Ability to pay restitution within time frame of program;
- Parent or Guardian willingness and ability to participate and provide support.