The Public Defender Department is responsible for preparing and filing appeals on behalf of these individuals. The department also represent youths who have allegedly committed delinquent acts. This provides the department with the opportunity to utilize State and community resources designed to help our younger generation address problems which might otherwise represent the start of a dangerous trend which leads to criminal activity as an adult. The department is also assigned to represent individuals who are facing involuntary commitment to mental health institutions. While many of these individuals are in need of hospitalization, public defenders insure that all other less restrictive and less expensive alternatives are duly considered.
Few bonds are stronger than the one which exist between a parent and child.
It is hard to imagine a worse nightmare then the loss of one's children through State intervention. In recognition of the sanctity of parental rights, individuals who are unable to retain private counsel are entitled to public defender services if the welfare department is attempting to revoke children from their custody or terminate their parental rights. Poor parenting skills are often the source of the problem and public defenders have the opportunity of working closely with their client in obtaining services which can lead to reunification of the family. In an effort to reduce the financial burden on our county in providing legal representation the Public Defender Department has maintained eligibility for State reimbursement of expenses through the State Public Defender Commission, Clark County was one of the first counties in Indiana to adopt Commission - approved standards for the delivery of defense services for indigent persons. The State Public Defender Commission was created by our State legislature to establish guidelines for indigent defense services and establish standards for reimbursing counties for a portion of their costs in providing such services.