2014 Interim Study Committee Update

The Interim Study Committees have finished meeting and most have issued their final reports.  Two that MCCOY were following related to education and criminal code, have issued recommendations that MCCOY will be advocating for during the 2015 session.  Although neither committee put forward any preliminary drafts for legislation, it is anticipated that there will be legislation filed during session.

Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code - http://iga.in.gov/documents/2cb2f002

• Recorded Interrogations of Juveniles - the Committee recommended that legislation be filed in the next session requiring the record of interrogations of juveniles, but without impairing the administration of school functions.
• Mandatory Appointment of Counsel in Juvenile Proceedings - the Committee voted to recommend that funding be made available to implement the mandatory appoint of counsel in juvenile cases.
• Risk Assessment in Juvenile Delinquency Determinations and Case Planning, and Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative - the Committee voted to recognize the risk assessment by the Juvenile Delinquency Alternatives Initiative and to recommend that counties continue to implement risk assessment practices.
• Juvenile Court Jurisdiction and Direct File to Adult Court - the Committee agreed to recommend that the General Assembly needs to address the range of ages in the juvenile waiver statute and that the Criminal Justice Institute or the Division of Court Administration should collect data concerning the number of direct file charges of juveniles in adult court.
• Repeal of Statutes Regarding Status Offenders in Secure Detention - the Committee voted to recommend that status offenders should not be housed in the Department of Correction.

Interim Study Committee on Education - http://iga.in.gov/documents/d607990a

• The Committee finds Early Learning Advisory Committee and Family and Social Services Administration are adequately preparing to implement Indiana’s early learning pilot program.
• The Committee recognizes there is an issue with the reporting of discipline data and recommends additional reporting standards.
• The Committee recommends finding alternatives to expulsion and suspension for all students, with a special focus on truancy. This recommendation was adopted by consent.
• The Committee recommends finding alternatives to expulsion and suspension for all students, with a special focus on eliminating disparities for minorities and other disadvantaged groups.

Help ensure youth have a voice in the policies and laws affecting their lives. Learn more here.

November Youth Champion: Chris Tolliver

Each month The Real MCCOY will be shining a spotlight on hard working Youth Development

Professionals and the great work they and their organizations do. This month’s interview is with the Avondale Meadows YMCA’s Youth and Family Lead Chris Tolliver. The Avondale Meadow’s branch of the YMCA opened in August 2013. Like YMCAs across the nation the Avalon Meadow’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Check out the interview below to learn more about Chris Tolliver and his work with the YMCA:
Why did you want to go into this line of work?
I have a passion for helping people.  When I was a child I went to camp at the YMCA and then took a few trainings that qualified me to be a camp counselor. 
I love working with the Teens and helping them to become successful students and citizens.  I feel it was a calling for me to work with the youth.  I enjoy what I do so much that it doesn't feel like a job then I go to work.  By me being in the position to make a difference in the lives of the youth in our communities it makes me feel great about the work we do.

What was your first day on the job like?
I was 14 years old and started on a Monday at an Afterschool program.  I was young, excited, and eager to learn.  I really learned a lot from my first boss and he made a lasting impression on me and my future with the YMCA.  Since that first day of work I have been with the YMCA for 28 years now. 

 What is most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding thing about my job is when I see my students do great things like when I see them graduate from high school and go on to college. The Youth and Government program that I run at the Avondale Meadows YMCA has been awarded the Prestigious Delegation Award from the Youth & Government state program.  Students in our delegation currently hold 4 of the 5 top state offices in the YMCA Youth & Government program including Governor. 

It is also rewarding when I see families getting gifts for their children at a Toys For Tots gifts giveaway from a partnership I formed with the Marine Corps in 1999.  This toy drive has grown over the last 14 years and currently serves almost 5,000 kids per year.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is when students don't excel and don't maximize their talents.  When a student that I work with doesn't go to college or into a trade I sometimes question myself and what could I have done different to help them reach those goals. 

How has MCCOY helped your organization succeeded or grow?
The MCCOY has helped our organization in many ways to be successful.  The monthly meetings put us in contact with other youth organizations and provide a wealth of information about resources.  They also help us form partnerships and give opportunities for our youth

Where do you see yourself and your organization in five years?
I see us helping more students and moving closer to having a 100% going to college rate from the students in our college readiness program in the next 5 years.  I also see us assisting more families with Christmas help and resources for the holiday season.

We’d like to thank Mr. Tolliver for taking the time to answer our questions. For more information about the Avondale Meadows YMCA check out their website: http://www.indymca.org/centers/avondale-meadows/center-news/.