MISSION STATEMENT

The Porter County Family Court will provide case management services and coordinate delivery of human services for families and household members who have cases throughout the judicial system. This approach will bridge the current gap between the fields of adult and juvenile justice. Service providers in the fields of family law, child welfare, education and mental health will be utilized. This comprehensive approach will gather and collect information on families appearing in front of the court under pertinent family law and juvenile cases. This “full service court” process will be coordinated in order to promote judicial consistency and to best serve the needs of Porter County’s families and children.


Divorce and Paternity Mediation Services - Mediation services are provided to low income families going through a conflictual divorce or paternity case. Either an attorney or a non-attorney mediator provides services. May aid in issues surrounding a paternity or divorce action. Participants must have children and qualify as low-income. The Porter County Family Court pays for up to five hours of services. Appointments may be scheduled as needed. Contact Alison Cox at (219) 465-3475 for additional information.

Paternity Facilitation Clinic - Mediation services are offered to families in paternity court through an action of the IV-D Prosecutor's Office. Mediation is performed prior to a hearing in the Juvenile Court. May aid in custody and visitation issues. Participants must have a pending paternity case in the Porter County Juvenile Court. Services are offered on Fridays from 9:00am-4:00pm. Program is free of charge. Contact Alison Cox at (219) 465-3475 for additional information.

Project Attend - An early intervention truancy diversion program for children who are, or are becoming, chronically truant from school. Tutoring and support groups are offered as well as school and home monitoring. Services school age children with a focus on elementary age children. Participants must be referred by their school. Appointments are scheduled as needed. Program is free of charge. Contact Julie Roytan at (219) 465-3475 for additional information.

Community Services Access Center - This program provides immediate service linkage for families going through a divorce, paternity action, or juvenile delinquency action. Center staff will meet with the family after the court hearing and link them to any court-ordered services or other services, which may be identified as needed. Participants must have pending involvement in the Porter County Court System. Services are offered on Monday through Friday from 9:00 am -4:00 pm. This program is free of charge. Contact Laura Mech at (219) 465-3475 for additional information.

Community Service Access Center Case Management - A program of in-home case management for families with pending court action in Porter County. May aid in service linkage and identification of services needs. Case management may be voluntary or court-ordered. Participants must have a pending court action in the Porter County Court System. Services are scheduled as needed. Program is free of charge to families. When applicable, Medicaid will be billed for services rendered by the case management staff. Contact Alison Cox at (219) 465-3475 for additional information.