Petitions for Probation
Why we track this indicator
Petitions for probation is a critical indicator that signals to the overall response by our local law enforcement and justice system to adolescent and youth crime. Law enforcement increases socio-emotional and physiological risk for children and adolescents. Research suggests that an increase in formal involvement with the criminal justice system leads to significantly poor outcomes for adolescent and youth social-emotional development.
Petitions for Probation Data Breakdown
Status: Red
Definition: This indicator tracks the total number of petitions for probation per quarter. A petition is filed after the prosecutor reviews a referral and determines there is sufficient evidence to file the case with the court. This information is obtained through a collaborating partner.
Source: Indiana Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Last Updated: January 2025
Mitigating Factors: None reported
Methodology
Methodology: Total petitions each quarter is compared to the previous quarter.
Goal: To observe fewer petitions each quarter.
Traffic Light:
Green: at least 1% lower compared to the previous quarter
Gray: within +/- 1% of compared to the previous quarter
Red: at least 1% higher compared to the previous quarter
Supporting Research
Adverse childhood experiences among justice-involved youth: Data-driven recommendations for action using the sequential intercept model
Justice-involved youth experience high rates of adverse childhood experiences.
New Report on the Health Impacts of Charging Youth as Adults
The new health impact assessment report centralizes the experience of incarcerated youth of color, formerly incarcerated individuals, and their families.
Risk and Protective Factors
Risk and protective factors for child delinquency.
Reducing Youth Arrests Keeps Kids Healthy and Successful
Being arrested as an adolescent can impact a person’s health and life trajectory profoundly.
Related Indicators
Click to see more data trends related to Petitions for Probation
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
JDAI is a network of juvenile justice practitioners and other system stakeholders across the country working to build a better and more equitable youth justice system.
Indicators in Action
The ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program will provide low barrier grants to collaborating partners which will help increase cross-system collaboration and facilitate the community response to needs and/or gaps identified through the Elkhart County Child Dashboard. Applicants may request up to $2,000. Two or more applicants can collaborate for collaborative action based upon one or more data indicators and increase the grant request. By leveraging the ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program partners can have a platform that helps to inform community goals and creates a stronger sustainability platform for their programs.
For a copy of the 1-page proposal template click here or email David Wiegner.