Noble County Courts

Noble County Probation

Noble County Court Services

Noble County Court Services is the drug and alcohol program of the Courts in Noble County and began operations in June of 2002. Initially, the program was free-standing and not a part of the probation department. In January of 2007, Noble County Court Services came under the direction of the probation department. This consolidation occurred in order to streamline and simplify the services that were offered to offenders in Noble County.

The purpose of Noble County Court Services is to provide the criminal defendants of Noble County with the best, consistent substance abuse assessments, education and referral to treatment available.

It is the belief of this program that strict judicial intervention and offender accountability are key to preventing the recurrence of substance abuse and in breaking the cycle of repeat offending by a majority of substance abuse offenders.

The goal of this court program is to take a structural and consistent approach in working to reduce the recidivism of substance abuse offenders in this county and to make this county a safer place to live, work and travel. The goal will be achieved through:

  • A. early intervention and consistent clinical assessment of all referred alcohol and drug clients;
  • B. development and implementation of a 20–hour course of proven, cognitive-based, substance abuse education for attendance by at risk clients;
  • C. referral to substance abuse treatment for clients assessed to be in need of further substance and or mental health needs;
  • D. facilitation of communication between service providers and Noble County Probation.

As the drug and alcohol program for the Courts, referrals are received from Noble Circuit Court and Noble Superior Courts, Divisions 1 and 2. Offenders who are charged with an alcohol or drug offense or who have an offense that alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor are referred to Noble County Court Services for an assessment. A drug and alcohol assessment is then completed with the offender and a determination is made regarding what services are needed for that individual. The progress of those individuals who are referred to Noble County Court Services is tracked by the probation officer who is assigned to that offender.

Noble County Court Services offers an alcohol and drug educational program that consists of twenty hours of classroom instruction. The course offered is PRIme For Life. If it is determined at assessment that further services are needed beyond what Noble County Court Services can provide, a referral is made to a local treatment provider for further services.

PRIme For Life is a life-changing program developed by Prevention Research Institute that utilizes best practices and behavior change protocols to reduce alcohol- and drug-related problems. The program is delivered across the country and in parts of Europe to youth and adults in need of an evidence-based prevention and intervention program. Evaluations show PRIme For Life works to increase abstinence, delay the onset of use, and reduce high-risk alcohol and drug use. PRIme For Life helps people successfully protect the things they value.

In order to provide services as a court alcohol and drug program in the State of Indiana, the program must be certified through the Indiana Judicial Center (www.in.gov/judiciary/center). In November of 2007, Noble County Court Services was awarded a four year certification from the State of Indiana.

The fee schedule for Noble County Court Services is as follows:

      Assessment: $150.00
      Education Class: $200.00
      Case Management: $50.00
      Additional Cause number: $100.00
      Transfer fee: $100.00
      Total costs cannot exceed $400.00

The probation officers who provide drug and alcohol services are all Court Substance Abuse Management Specialists (CSAMS) or in the process of obtaining that certification.

Noble County Court Services provides services to approximately 550 to 600 offenders per year.