Role of Probation

Juvenile probation officers serve the Circuit Court judge and serve at that judge's pleasure. They are therefore part of the judicial branch of government.

Probation Officers

I.C. 31-31-5-4:

  • Conduct such investigations and prepare such reports and recommendations as the court directs and keep a written record of those investigations, reports and recommendations
  • Receive and examine complaints and allegations concerning matters covered by the juvenile law and make preliminary inquiries and investigations
  • Implement informal adjustments
  • Prepare and submit the pre-dispositional report required for a dispositional hearing under the juvenile law
  • Supervise and assist by all suitable methods a child placed on probation or in the probation officer's care by order of the court or other legal authority
  • Keep complete records of the probation officer's work and comply with any order of the court concerning the collection, protection, and distribution of any money or other property coming into the probation officer's hands
  • Perform such other functions as are designated by the juvenile law or by the court in accordance with the juvenile law

Jurisdiction

The Juvenile Probation Department and the Juvenile Court have jurisdiction over any youth under the age of 18 years who commits an act that would be a Misdemeanor or Felony offense.

Any youth who commits a State Offense if it can be proven that the child needs the coercive power of the Court to receive a service.

This includes:

  • Curfew violation
  • Truancy
  • Beyond parental control
  • Away without parental permission
  • Consumption or possession of alcohol

The Juvenile Probation Department and Juvenile Court do not have jurisdiction in the following instances:

A child at least 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age who is alleged to have committed any of the following:

    • Attempted Murder
    • Murder
    • Kidnapping
    • Rape
    • Robbery - if committed while armed with a deadly weapon or resulting in bodily or serious bodily injury
    • Unlawful carrying of a handgun, if charged as a felony
    • Children and firearms, if charged as a felony
    • The Juvenile Probation Department and the Juvenile Court do not have jurisdiction for any youth under the age of 18 that commits a felony offense after being waived to adult court on a previous felony offense.