Indiana is a decentralized state meaning delinquency services are organized at both the state and local level in Indiana. Local juvenile courts administer most detention centers.

How is detention organized? 

There are 22 secure juvenile detention facilities in Indiana. Most detention facilities are judicially administered at the county-level. The state juvenile corrections agency, the local sheriff's or police department, and a private contractor administer others. By law, the counties, using general fund monies, pay all expenses for the detention of juveniles.

The criteria for diverting youth differ by county, but usually include first-time or misdemeanor offenders. The Judicial Bench book for Delinquency Proceedings outlines the formal procedures for diversion.

The statutory rights of victims in Indiana reside in the Indiana Code, Title 35, Article 40.

Probation supervision is organized at the circuit level under the administrative authority of the local judiciary and funded by the county. Probation officer caseloads are usually comprised of only juvenile offenders, but this may differ by county.

Juvenile probation officers must be at least 21 years old and have a bachelor's degree. Probation officers must be professionally certified by the Judicial Conference of Indiana within one year of hire and are required to attend 12 hours of continuing education every year.

Juveniles are committed to the Department of Correction (DOC), transferring custody of the juvenile to the State. The juvenile court can order juveniles into private placements without committing them to the Department of Correction. 

Youth leaving the Department of Correction's (DOC) juvenile facilities are either released outright or paroled. Institutional staff usually makes the release decision unless it is pre-determined by the court.

The Department of Correction (DOC), Division of Reentry and Community Programs, Parole Services Division supervises youth on aftercare (parole). Youth service transition specialists or adult parole agents supervise juveniles on parole.

Indiana’s purpose clause reflects Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) philosophies.  The BARJ movement advocates that juvenile courts give balanced attention to three primary interests: public safety, individual accountability to the victims and community, and the development in offenders of those skills necessary to live law-abiding and productive lives.

Lower Age: None specified

Upper Age: 17

Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 20

No state mandate exists for the use of risk/needs assessments at detention screening. Use of assessments varies.