On March 11, 2022, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed a major set of juvenile justice policy reforms that will enhance public safety, improve youth outcomes, and use state resources more efficiently. Some of the key provisions include expanding pre-court diversion opportunities, limiting the use of detention for youth under 12 years old, and requiring the development of a statewide plan to collect and track key juvenile justice data.
The legislation arose from recommendations that came out of Indiana’s Improving Outcomes for Youth (IOYouth) initiative, which began in 2020 with assistance from experts at the CSG Justice Center. IOYouth is a data-driven approach that states can use to reform their juvenile justice policies to improve youth outcomes and public safety.
Here’s what you need to know about HB 1359, “Juvenile Law Matters.”