Porter County Juvenile & Family Problem Solving Court

Juvenile & Family Drug Court

The Porter County Juvenile & Family Drug Court will focus on improved quality of life for juveniles identified with severe substance abuse and their families while giving juveniles the tools they need to sustain a substance free lifestyle and not re-offend. By the means of intensive supervision, judicial oversight, promotion of pro-social activities, and planned rehabilitation services, juveniles will learn skills and experience a system of support which promotes their recovery from substance abuse. Drug Court is a 12 month process, involving four phases of activity to promote a change in lifestyle and behavior. The typical Drug Court candidate is between the ages of 13 and 17 1/2. Juveniles who successfully complete the program can have their adjudications either set aside or expunged.

Truancy Court

The Truancy Court will work collectively with Porter County families who have been charged with truancy or education neglect, in collaboration with school officials, Project ATTEND, the Juvenile Delinquency Court, both the Juvenile and Adult Probation Departments, the Prosecutor's Office, Public Defender's Office, the Department of Child Services (DCS), and the community to provide intervention that promotes positive change and compliance with the Indiana Compulsory School Attendance laws. The Court will work with all participants and our community agencies in a collaborative manner in order to reduce and curb future truant behaviors. Court monitoring can last six (6) months minimum; however, can be longer dependent on the participant's compliance with court ordered services and expectations. Participants who successfully complete the program may have their charges dismissed or expunged.

Transformation Court

Transformation Court (otherwise known as the Porter County Juvenile Mental Health Court) will seek to limit youths with mental illness from continued involvement in the juvenile justice system by providing them with treatment, community resources, and accountability. Transformation Court participants will understand their individual mental health needs and vulnerabilities, know how to manage their needs, feel supported by their community, and feel empowered to overcome challenges they will face throughout their life ultimately transforming into a healthier version of him/herself.