What is an Early Intervention Advocate?
Early Intervention Advocates (EIAs) are college-educated, credentialed professionals appointed by Hamilton County Superior Court 1, uniquely qualified to support and guide at-risk youth and their families. Employed by Hamilton County, EIAs work within the Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program (HCYAP) and serve six school districts: Carmel, Fishers, Hamilton Heights, Sheridan, Noblesville, and Westfield. Under the leadership of HCYAP Director Tricia Akers, these advocates collaborate closely with local partners to provide tailored, community-centered support for youth facing challenging life circumstances.
Each EIA is deeply embedded in their respective community, drawing on their extensive training and expertise to build relationships and design individualized support plans for at-risk youth. They work directly with families to address specific challenges and help young people develop strengths, skills, and resilience. EIAs take a strengths-based, compassionate approach, developing plans that are voluntary, confidential, and entirely free to families.
Youth are referred to an EIA through local sources such as school counselors, the Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, the Department of Child Services (DCS), therapists, and pediatricians, as well as self-referrals from families. For referrals that come through the Prosecutor’s Office, often for minor offenses like truancy or incorrigibility, EIAs may introduce behavior contracts to help youth avoid further involvement in the legal system. By connecting families with essential resources and providing ongoing support, EIAs help youth achieve lasting, positive change. If a family declines or a plan is unsuccessful, the case may be returned to the Prosecutor’s Office as a last resort.
Beyond individual support, EIAs play a critical role in maintaining and strengthening partnerships with local organizations—schools, businesses, volunteers, donors, and service agencies. These connections allow EIAs to provide youth with a robust support network and essential services, often creating new resources when necessary. Their efforts are guided by the principle of “whatever it takes” to ensure youth and families receive the support they need to succeed.
As appointed Hamilton County employees, EIAs bring their specialized training and expertise to the role, with a commitment to helping youth thrive. They are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to make a real impact on the lives of Hamilton County’s young people. By working alongside families and empowering them to take ownership of their progress, EIAs build stronger, more resilient communities and create pathways for brighter futures.
Early Intervention Advocates
Dee Chandler
Phone: 317-567-5114
Dee Chandler is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with over 20 years of experience in community engagement and advocacy. She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Ball State University in 2003 and has since committed herself to supporting individuals and families facing everyday challenges.
Dee’s career includes significant roles, including her time as a Volunteer Coordinator and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Madison County, where she worked to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. In 2017, Dee joined Fishers Youth Assistance, where she continues her passion for community service. She is actively involved in programs that address critical gaps in support, including the Youth Assistance Career Development Program, Camp Wellness, and the Holiday Helpers program.
Through her work, Dee strives to empower individuals and families, fostering a stronger, more connected community.
Trisha Straus
Phone: 317-567-5112
After spending several years serving in the US Army, Trisha left military service with a passion to find a way to serve families. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Criminology and Law Studies and spent several years in the Army stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Following her service, Trisha taught criminal justice classes at Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend. Before joining FYAP, she joined the staff of the YWCA of North Central Indiana and advocated for the legal rights of domestic violence for several years. This is where she saw first-hand the needs of youth across Indiana and knew she wanted to continue her work directly working with families. Trisha has been with FYAP since its inception in 2014.
Trisha enjoys combining her work with youth and her passion for animals by volunteering in a number of capacities with Paws & Think and the Hamilton County Humane Society. She is currently training her golden retriever, Timmy, for a future career as a service dog reading with youth in HSE Schools.