Train as volunteer to advocate for children

CROWN POINT | Every year, April brings the promise of spring. It also represents a month in which child abuse prevention and awareness can help bring the hope of safe, permanent homes to thousands of abused and neglected children in Lake County.

RICH JAMES: Children shouldn't see how judges are behaving

If someone made a movie about the effort to name a new Lake Superior Court Juvenile Division judge, it would have to be rated PG-13.

Lake County child support court must return to Gary

CROWN POINT | Child support court will return to Gary.

High court prevents judge's move to Lake juvenile bench

CROWN POINT | The Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday granted a temporary stay sought by three Lake Juvenile Court magistrates who oppose the selection of Lake Superior Judge Nicholas Schiralli as Juvenile Court judge.

Assistants sue their judicial bosses over Lake Juvenile Court succession

CROWN POINT | Three Lake Juvenile Court magistrates are suing to stop Lake Superior Judge Nicholas Schiralli from becoming the next Lake County juvenile judge this month.

Outgoing juvenile court judge needs time to tie up loose ends

CROWN POINT | Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura said Friday she is delaying her departure from the bench, but only for a few weeks.

Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura

Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura is the next director of the state's Department of Child Services.

Additional DCS reforms endorsed by Senate panel

INDIANAPOLIS | Two more proposals intended to protect Hoosier children and improve the Department of Child Services have cleared a Senate committee.

Lake juvenile judge named new Indiana DCS director

CROWN POINT | Gov. Mike Pence on Wednesday chose Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura to lead the Indiana Department of Child Services.

High-speed police chase leads to arrest of 2 teens in Hobart

HOBART | Two Gary teens were apprehended by police following a high-speed pursuit early Monday morning, police said.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Juvenile justice system gives kids a chance

One thing we can all probably agree upon is that our kids are our future and that we must do everything we can to make a better life for all of them.

New magistrate appointed to fill Lake Juvenile Court post

CROWN POINT | Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura on Friday announced the appointment of CASA Director Elizabeth Gail Tegarden as the court's newest magistrate.

Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura

Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura says she has seen an increase in cases in which parents admit using drugs with their children.

A day in CHINS court

A pregnant woman tries to commit suicide in a homeless shelter after leaving her other two children with an acquaintance.

Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura

Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura says she has seen an increase in cases in which parents admit using drugs with their children.

Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura

Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura

Prosecutor steps up Choate probe

CROWN POINT | A lawyer representing the sister of 13-year-old Christian Choate is resisting prosecution efforts to question her under oath about her brother's alleged captivity and beating death.

EDITORIAL: Rethink periods for youth sentencing

Indiana officials went into this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly with a solid proposal for comprehensive sentencing reform. It is unfortunate that the plan died in the partisan free-for-all.

Valpo teen sent to girls school in handcuff case

VALPARAISO | A 15-year-old Valparaiso High School freshman was sentenced Monday to an undetermined amount of time at girls school after admitting to her role in handcuffing, confining for hours and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy.

Valpo 16-year-old girl charged as an adult in sex attack

VALPARAISO | Prosecutors opted Monday to exercise their right to charge a 16-year-old Valparaiso girl as an adult on accusations of handcuffing, confining for hours and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy last week.