Tippecanoe County, IN
Tippecanoe County Government
INdiana
Suburban | Population: 188,792Tippecanoe County, located in west central Indiana and home to over 190,000 residents, is facing a critical intersection of substance use, mental health challenges, and criminal justice involvement. The county’s primary urban centers, Lafayette and West Lafayette, are supported by a robust law enforcement presence and a diverse array of public institutions, including Purdue University and major healthcare facilities.
The Crisis
The region has experienced a sharp increase in substance use-related harm. In 2020, 14% of all county fatalities were attributed to drug or alcohol use, a 10% rise from the previous year. The county coroner’s office and emergency departments continue to report high rates of drug overdose deaths and non-fatal overdose incidents. These trends are mirrored statewide, with Indiana overdose deaths rising by 32% from 2019 to 2020.
The criminal justice system bears the brunt of this crisis. Between January and May 2020 alone, law enforcement responded to 4,188 calls for service related to mental health and substance abuse, resulting in 3,820 arrests. Although there was a slight decrease in these numbers in early 2021, the demand for intervention remains high. A significant proportion of arrests and jail admissions are directly linked to substance use and mental health disorders, with many individuals cycling repeatedly through the system due to untreated underlying conditions.
Gaps in Treatment and Service Capacity
A pronounced shortage of specialized providers for mental health and substance use disorders in Tippecanoe County has created substantial barriers to care. This deficit impedes the justice system’s ability to connect individuals to essential treatment and support before and after conviction. Pre-trial and community corrections programs have revealed a growing demand for in-house treatment, particularly for those serving executed sentences and individuals reentering the community following incarceration.
The Response
In response, Tippecanoe County Community Corrections, through the NewLeaf Wellness Center, has established a comprehensive suite of services for adults with mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system. These services are designed to support individuals at every stage of justice involvement, from law enforcement contact through incarceration, reentry, and community supervision.
screening & assessment
Screening and assessment utilizing evidence-based tools for pretrial, post-conviction, and community corrections participants.
evidence-based treatment
Individual and group therapy addressing both mental health and substance use disorders.
case management
Dedicated case management for both pretrial and sentenced individuals.
reentry support services
Reentry planning and support, including developing community reentry plans and direct connections to service providers before release.
Educational & life skills programming
Educational and life skills programming, covering employment preparedness, financial education, life skills, and parenting classes.
enhanced community supervision
Intensive supervision through home detention and electronic monitoring (GPS and alcohol monitoring), complemented by random drug screening and compliance checks.
comprehensive care coordination
Medication management and coordination with local providers for both mental health and substance use treatment.
peer recovery support services
Access to peer recovery specialists and recovery coaching.
Innovative Technology for Enhanced Supervision
Tippecanoe County has embraced technology to strengthen supervision and support. The Court Fact App, a web-based communication platform, enables case managers to maintain real-time contact with participants. Features like direct messaging, facial recognition, GPS monitoring, transcript printing, and community event calendars streamline communication, enhance accountability, and reduce barriers like transportation challenges and missed appointments. Both participants and staff have praised the app’s accessibility, functionality, and impact, establishing it as a new standard for responsive community corrections.
Program Outcomes
“The assistance and help this program has given me has saved my life.”
—program participant
Since its inception, the program has served over 932 individuals. Of those individuals, over 2,071 evidence and cognitive-based classes were attended, with a remarkable 78.2% completion rate of classes. In terms of supervision, clients remained at a 63.4% compliance rate with all terms of their supervision, including compliance with treatment classes.
The program has also fostered deeper working relationships with multiple service providers in Tippecanoe County, allowing us to join efforts with over six providers to work towards the same goals for all clientele served, rather than against each other. Through these relationships, multiple organizations have decided to collaborate on the program's Health Call and Court Fact apps to foster and navigate individuals after leaving our program.
Collaborative Partners
Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office
Tippecanoe County Court System
Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office
Tippecanoe County Adult Probation
NewLeaf Wellness Center
Public Defenders
Calla Collaborative Health
Meridian Health Services
Purdue University
Looking Forward
The program has surpassed client participation and engagement expectations, with numerous success stories illustrating its life-changing impact. The model is proving effective locally and being adopted by other jurisdictions, fostering meaningful connections within the justice system and across the broader community. This collaborative approach has strengthened support networks and overall program effectiveness.
“This program has allowed individuals involved in the justice system to receive early intervention, providing them with the support needed for future success as they navigate the criminal justice process. The services offered have yielded positive outcomes.”
—keyna mccrary, executive director
By prioritizing early intervention, implementing evidence-based practices, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, Tippecanoe County continues to enhance public safety and promote long-term community well-being.
Project Director
Catie Berkshire, Pre-Trial Coordinator
Tippecanoe County Community Corrections
cberkshire@tippecanoe.in.gov
765-430-5287
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.