Judge outlines juvenile justice reforms, stresses diversion and community-based treatment

Judge Jeffrey Dufant delivered a detailed presentation on juvenile justice and probation services, telling the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners—Committee of the Whole on Oct. 28 that the court—s focus is rehabilitation and keeping young people in their homes where possible.

Dufant described a sequence of interventions used by the family court: "FutureForward" prevention work to engage at-risk children before formal charges; diversion programs that typically last about 90 days; consent-calendar agreements that can extend to six months; standard probation for adjudicated delinquency; and intensive probation for higher-risk cases. "If we do diversion and don't have to make these children real formal, then, hopefully, in the long run, we're not gonna have them back," he said.

He outlined two required screening tools used to decide services and supervision levels: MAISIE, which flags mental-health needs, and the Youth Level of Service (YLS), a risk assessment that predicts likelihood of reoffending. Dufant said officers reassess youth every three months and use those scores to tailor services.

Dufant listed the treatment and support options currently in use: multisystemic therapy for family-focused work; case-managed services through community mental health ("New Outlook"); a Parenting "Love and Limits" program for caregivers; and youth mentors who provide school- and community-based supports. "Any child that is currently on probation or is working through us has to have some sort of a program," he said.

He also addressed residential treatment and placement challenges. The county uses limited in-state options and contracts with out-of-state providers when necessary. Dufant cited long wait lists for secure or treatment placements and said state Department of Health and Human Services approvals and interstate-compact procedures are required for out-of-state placements. He noted the county—s experience placing children at a Rite of Passage facility in South Bend and in other facilities where proximity to family can affect visits and probation oversight.

On outcomes, Dufant showed assessment results that, in aggregate, showed reductions in YLS risk scores between intake (blue) and case closure (gold), which he described as evidence that targeted services reduce reoffending risk. He emphasized the limits on detention: "We are not allowed to send kids to detention for incorrigibility, or . . . for truancy or running away," he said, adding that the system—s aim is to provide supports in the home when possible.

Commissioners asked about payment responsibilities for out-of-home placements and program capacity; Dufant said funding is largely covered for services when youth remain at home, and that county costs rise if a child requires out-of-home detention or treatment. He credited probation staff and youth mentors for day-to-day work to prevent deeper system involvement.

Ending: Dufant closed by inviting questions and reinforcing the court—s priority on rehabilitation and community-based services. Commissioners did not take a formal action on policy at the meeting; the presentation was provided as informational.