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.
Beth Sabelhaus
Beth has lived in different parts of the Hoosier State for her entire life. She grew up in Plymouth, Indiana, and then went to Terre Haute to attend Indiana State University. She met her husband, Frank, at Indiana State. After graduation they continued to live in the Terre Haute area and she found her niche working in youth serving organizations such as the Covered Bridge Girl Scout Council, Catholic Charities Terre Haute, and the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. Beth and Frank relocated to Hamilton County in 2015, where she did graduate course work in non-profit management with IU Indy, interned and volunteered with Starfish Initiative, and worked in kids ministry in her church.
Beth was introduced to the Sheridan community through her church, Issachar Church, and started as a substitute teacher at Sheridan Community Schools in early 2020. That turned into an Instructional Aide position at the middle school, volunteering as a sponsor for Camptown’s Wilderness Club, and meeting Lisa Samuels, SYAP’s founding Early Intervention Advocate. By January of 2021, Beth started working with Lisa as a Mentor Coordinator for SYAP programs and found her place in Sheridan. She is grateful for Lisa’s mentorship and became the Early Intervention Advocate in July of 2025 after Lisa’s retirement. Beth loves being able to get to know youth and families and connect them to opportunities and resources that make an impact on their future.
Outside of work, you will find Beth hanging out with her three young adult kids, playing music with Frank, exploring local parks, or reading a good mystery novel.