A new law that will go into effect this summer will eliminate some costs and fees in juvenile court for those who can’t afford to pay them.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed several bills this week that will impact the state’s juvenile justice system.

Under current Indiana law, if a member of law enforcement knowingly lies about criminal evidence, information or consequences while interviewing a child, the child’s statement can be used against them. Senate Bill 415 would prohibit these statements from being included in court proceedings

Indiana lawmakers are trying to fix a legal loophole that exists between the adult and juvenile justice system.

Senate Bill 415 unanimously passed out of the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.

People who have been formerly incarcerated face many barriers to finding housing and earning a living wage. Beginning in January, a new program at Ivy Tech Community College aims to improve the quality of life for justice-involved youth and adults.

Indianapolis officials announced grant funding this week to help prevent youth from participating in violent crime. The grants are part of the Community-Based Violence Reduction Partnership – an annual program organized by the Office of Public Health and Safety.

In a state where the youth incarceration rate is 40 percent above the national average, Indianapolis stands out. The county has dramatically cut the number of children and teens in detention after making a commitment about 15 years ago.

Indiana locks up a higher proportion of children and teens than nearly any other state in the Midwest.

Some experts say charging youth – whose brains have not developed to understand the implications of their actions – as adults can set kids up to fail for the rest of their lives. And while some Indiana lawmakers have worked toward changing policy to send fewer children to adult court, proposed legislation hasn’t gained traction.