The Dickinson Juvenile Justice Center
1121 Hospital Road
Franklin, Indiana 46131
Johnson County Juvenile Court Services
Johnson County Juvenile Court Services stands at the forefront of juvenile justice innovation in Indiana, providing a compassionate, evidence-based, and community-focused approach to working with youth and families. Our mission is to promote positive youth development, reduce recidivism, and protect community safety through rehabilitation, accountability, and meaningful support.
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Johnson County Juvenile Court Services stands at the forefront of juvenile justice innovation in Indiana, providing a compassionate, evidence-based, and community-focused approach to working with youth and families. Our mission is to promote positive youth development, reduce recidivism, and protect community safety through rehabilitation, accountability, and meaningful support.
Who We Are
Located in Franklin, Indiana, within the Dickinson Juvenile Justice Center, Johnson County’s juvenile justice system includes Juvenile Court, Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Detention, and Juvenile Community Corrections. Together, these departments deliver coordinated services tailored to the unique needs of the families and young people we serve.
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Our philosophy centers on keeping youth in the least restrictive environment possible, recognizing that connection, stability, and structure are key components to long-term success.
Evidence-Based Practices That Guide Our Work
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
We implemented Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) in 2019 as a core framework for interacting with youth in our care. TBRI is an attachment-based, trauma-informed model that helps staff understand and respond to the underlying causes of challenging behavior — not just the behaviors themselves. By fostering trust, connection, and emotional regulation, TBRI allows us to better support youth in healing from trauma and building healthy relationships.
This approach is woven into every aspect of our programming — from probation supervision to community-based services — and reflects our belief that positive relationships are essential to lasting change.
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Johnson County is proud to implement JDAI, a nationally recognized juvenile justice reform model originally developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. JDAI promotes the safe reduction of unnecessary detention by ensuring that youth are placed in the right setting, for the right reasons, and for the right amount of time. It emphasizes community-based alternatives, objective decision-making tools, and ongoing data monitoring to improve outcomes for youth and families.
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Through JDAI, our county has significantly reduced reliance on secure detention while maintaining public safety — redirecting youth to services that support growth, education, and community engagement.
What We Do
Juvenile Court Services encompasses a range of functions designed to support youth in the legal system and help them thrive:
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Assessment & Case Planning – Youth referred to the court are assessed to identify strengths, risks, and needs, forming the foundation of individualized plans.
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Juvenile Probation & Supervision – Community-based supervision helps youth remain at home and in school whenever possible, with structured conditions that promote accountability and positive decision-making.
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Community Corrections Programs – These programs offer rehabilitative options including home detention, restorative justice conferencing, counseling referrals, and skills development.
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Alternative Interventions – Diversion, restorative practices, and family-centered services offer meaningful alternatives to formal court processing for appropriate cases.
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Partnerships with Providers – We collaborate with schools, behavioral health professionals, community organizations, and families to ensure youth receive comprehensive support.
A Leader in Indiana Juvenile Justice
Johnson County continues to be a leader in the State of Indiana for its forward-thinking strategies and commitment to youth-centered justice. By combining trauma-informed practice, national reform models, and strong community partnerships, we strive to set a standard for excellence in juvenile services.
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Our approach isn’t just about reducing recidivism — it’s about helping young people grow into healthy, productive adults who contribute positively to families and communities.