IC 31-37-9 Informal Adjustment & Diversion
After a preliminary inquiry, and upon approval by the Juvenile
Court, an Intake Officer of the Juvenile Court Probation Department
may implement a program of "informal adjustment." In such
cases, the child is not adjudged a "delinquent child."
Instead, the case is diverted and is handled informally by the Juvenile
Court Probation Department.
As part of the informal adjustment,
the child may be required to periodically report to a Probation
Officer, required to perform community service or other activities,
and refrain from other activities. The decision of whether or not
to implement a program of informal adjustment is often made before
any Delinquency Petition is filed. The child and parent, guardian,
custodian, or attorney must consent to the program. The program
of informal adjustment may not exceed six (6) months, except by
approval of the Juvenile Court which may extend the program an additional
six (6) months. The Juvenile Court may order the child or the parents
to pay a program fee of $5 - $15 per month to defray expenses.
