Beyond Substance has released a new episode focused on expungement in Indiana and how it can help remove barriers that often stand in the way of long-term recovery. The episode features Robin Kelly, an attorney with Indiana Legal Services, and Charmin Gabbard, founder and executive director of Connection Cafe.

Hosted by Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller, the episode begins with Dean’s interview with Kelly, who explains expungement as a legal process that may allow eligible individuals to clear or seal parts of their criminal record under Indiana law. Kelly outlines the main eligibility requirements, including the time since a person’s most recent conviction, the absence of pending charges, and the need to resolve unpaid court costs, fines, fees, or restitution. She also stresses that conviction expungement in Indiana is a once-in-a-lifetime decision and should be approached carefully. Listen to Podcast by clicking here.

The Indiana Probation Officers Advisory Board honors Christine Kerl, Chief Probation Officer for Marion County, with the Order of Augustus, recognizing outstanding dedication to the foundational principles of John Augustus, the Father of Probation, and a career defined by accountability, compassion, and positive change.

The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) is now accepting Intent to Run forms for the September 2026 POPAI Election.

Serving on the POPAI Board is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of probation in Indiana, advocate for the profession, and contribute to the continued growth and success of our statewide organization.

The following positions are open for election for two-year terms:

• President
• Secretary
• District Two Representative
  • Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley Counties
• District Four Representative
  • Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, Rush, Union, and Wayne Counties
• District Six Representative
  • Benton, Clay, Fountain, Greene, Montgomery, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Vigo, Warren, and White Counties
• District Eight Representative
  • Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties
• At-Large #2 Representative

Candidates will be asked to provide professional background information, discuss the issues they believe are most important to probation in Indiana, and explain what they hope to accomplish as a POPAI Board Member.

Board members are expected to actively participate in the organization through regular board meeting attendance, committee involvement, and participation in POPAI conferences and trainings. POPAI Board meetings are generally held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with hybrid participation available for many meetings.

If you are not currently a Chief Probation Officer, your submission must also include approval from your Chief Probation Officer confirming support for your participation in board meetings, committee work, and POPAI conferences during your term of office.

All Intent to Run forms must be submitted by:

Monday, July 27, 2026
Noon Eastern Time

Forms should be emailed to:

Josh Herman, Elections Chair
elections@gopopai.org

The Intent to Run form can be found by clicking here. 

Additional information regarding POPAI elections and governance can be found in the POPAI By-Laws.

POPAI encourages members from across Indiana to consider serving and helping lead the future of the probation profession statewide.