bill fostering juvenile justice collaboration moves to Senate
The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1403 that would require specific juvenile programs receiving grants to work with key stakeholders on how to invest the funding to better address the needs of at-risk youth.
“This bill encourages a collaborative effort to strengthen our juvenile legal system,” the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said. “By bringing local and regional partners to the table, we can better allocate resources to best meet the needs of our youth.”
McNamara said her bill would also have the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute consider additional recommendations in adopting a funding formula for the Juvenile Diversion Grant Program, the Juvenile Community Alternatives Grant Program and Juvenile Behavioral Health Competitive Grant Program. She added that these changes would target funding where it is most needed, including Indiana’s rural communities.
House Bill 1403 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
