Mission
It is the mission of the Juvenile Court's Probation Department to balance the needs of the child with the protection of the community. As such, probation advocates for the best interests of all delinquent children and their families brought to the attention of the court by providing prevention and intervention services in the least restrictive, most appropriate environment while simultaneously holding the child accountable for the consequences of his/her behavior.
Policy and Purpose of Juvenile Probation
(Adopted from IC 31-10-2-1)
- Recognize the importance of family and children in our society;
- Recognize the responsibility of the state to enhance the viability of children and family in our society;
- Acknowledge the responsibility each person owes to the other;
- Strengthen family life by assisting parents to fulfill their parental obligations;
- Ensure that children within the juvenile justice system are treated as persons in need of care, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation;
- Remove children from families only when it is in the child's best interest or in the best interest of public safety;
- Provide a juvenile justice system that protects the public by enforcing the legal obligations that children have to society and society has to children;
- Use diversionary programs when appropriate;
- Promote public safety and individual accountability by the imposition of appropriate sanctions;
- Provide a continuum of services developed in a cooperative effort by local governments and the state.