Ind. Code § 31-16-17-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-16-17-10
Judgment and order
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. If the verdict or finding of the court is against a defendant, the court shall:

(1) enter judgment against the defendant or defendants; and

(2) order that adequate provision be made for the support of the parent or parents, taking into consideration:

(A) the needs of the parent or parents;

(B) the ability of the defendant to pay; and

(C) the evidence given in the action concerning treatment given the child by the parent when obligated to support the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-9-5 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-31-8-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-31-8-6
Advisory committee
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. The judge may appoint an advisory committee to review the operations of each facility, except as provided by IC 31-31-9.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-6-9-5(d); 31-6-9-5(f).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-28-3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-28-3-2
Medical records
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The department shall maintain medical records for children who receive foster care. The department shall do the following:

(1) Maintain a record of medical care provided to a foster child.

(2) Facilitate a provider in providing appropriate care to a foster child.

(3) Allow foster parents to authorize routine and emergency medical care to a foster child.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.149; P.L.46-2024, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-37-2-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-37-2-8
Delinquent acts: fleeing; violating home detention; removing monitoring device; failure to return
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A child commits a delinquent act if, before becoming eighteen (18) years of age, the child:

(1) intentionally flees from lawful detention (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-186) where the child has been placed;

(2) knowingly or intentionally violates a home detention order imposed on the child;

(3) intentionally removes, disables, or interferes with the operation of an electronic monitoring device or GPS tracking device that the child is required to wear; or

(4) knowingly or intentionally fails to return to lawful detention following temporary leave granted for a specified purpose or limited period;

due to an allegation or adjudication that the child committed an act described in this chapter.

As added by P.L.84-2022, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-33-7-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-33-7-6
Coroner's investigation and report
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. Upon receiving a written report under section 5(3) of this chapter, the coroner shall:

(1) accept a report for investigation; and

(2) report the coroner's findings to:

(A) the appropriate law enforcement agency;

(B) the prosecuting attorney;

(C) the department; and

(D) the hospital if the institution making the report is a hospital.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-5(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.113.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-14-b
Infant mortality account
Status: in_force

Note: This version of section effective 7-1-2027. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 7-1-2027.

Sec. 14. (a) The infant mortality account is established within the fund for the purpose of providing money for education and programs approved by the commission under section 5.5(a) of this chapter to reduce infant mortality in Indiana. The account shall be administered by the treasurer of state.

(b) Expenses of administering the account shall be paid from money in the account. The account consists of the following:

(1) Appropriations to the account.

(2) Money donated to the account.

(c) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the account not currently needed to meet the obligations of the account in the same manner as other public money may be invested. Interest that accrues from these investments shall be deposited in the account.

(d) Money in the account at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert to the state general fund.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272. Amended by P.L.156-2011, SEC.40; P.L.152-2026, SEC.464.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-24 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-24
Order for participation by parent, guardian, or custodian in program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for child
Status: in_force

Sec. 24. If the juvenile court determines that a parent, guardian, or custodian should participate in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child, the court may order the parent, guardian, or custodian to:

(1) obtain assistance in fulfilling the obligations as a parent, guardian, or custodian;

(2) provide specified care, treatment, or supervision for the child;

(3) work with a person providing care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child; and

(4) participate in a program operated by or through the department of correction.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.8 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-12-1-5
Absence or inability of judge to perform duties; appointment of substitute
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) If a judge appointed to act as judge of the domestic relations court is:

(1) on vacation;

(2) absent; or

(3) for any reason unable to perform the judge's duties;

a majority of the judges of the superior and circuit courts may appoint another of the judges to act as judge of the domestic relations court during that period.

(b) A judge appointed under subsection (a) has all the powers and authority of the judge of the domestic relations court in cases under this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-4.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-7-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-18.5-7-6
Registration of support order
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a party who is an individual or a support enforcement agency seeking recognition of a Convention support order shall register the order in Indiana as provided in IC 31-18.5-6.

(b) Notwithstanding IC 31-18.5-3-11 and IC 31-18.5-6-2(a), a request for registration of a Convention support order must be accompanied by:

(1) a complete text of the support order or an abstract or extract of the support order drawn up by the issuing foreign tribunal, which may be in the form recommended by the Hague Conference on Private International Law;

(2) a record stating that the support order is enforceable in the issuing country;

(3) if the respondent did not appear and was not represented in the proceedings in the issuing country, a record attesting, as appropriate, either that the respondent had proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard or that the respondent had proper notice of the support order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal;

(4) a record showing the amount of arrears, if any, and the date the amount was calculated;

(5) a record showing a requirement for automatic adjustment of the amount of support, if any, and the information necessary to make the appropriate calculations; and

(6) if necessary, a record showing the extent to which the applicant received free legal assistance in the issuing country.

(c) A request for registration of a Convention support order may seek recognition and partial enforcement of the order.

(d) An Indiana tribunal may vacate the registration of a Convention support order without the filing of a contest under section 7 of this chapter only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement of the order would be manifestly incompatible with public policy.

(e) The tribunal shall promptly notify the parties of the registration or the order vacating the registration of a Convention support order.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-37-6-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-37-6-3
Notice; court duties
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) Notice of the time, place, and purpose of a detention hearing shall be given to:

(1) the child;

(2) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian if the person can be located; and

(3) each foster parent or other caretaker with whom the child has been placed for temporary care under IC 31-37-5.

(b) The court shall:

(1) provide a person who is required to be notified under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) an opportunity to be heard; and

(2) allow a person described in subdivision (1) to make recommendations to the court;

at the detention hearing.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-5(f) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.81.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-19-2-12
Copies of petition forwarded to licensed child placing agency
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. As soon as a petition for adoption is found to be in proper form, the clerk of the court shall forward one (1) copy of the petition for adoption to a licensed child placing agency as described in IC 31-9-2.1-46, with preference to be given to the agency, if any, sponsoring the adoption, as shown by the petition for adoption.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-4(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.245; P.L.146-2006, SEC.17; P.L.131-2009, SEC.14; P.L.162-2011, SEC.13; P.L.128-2012, SEC.46; P.L.145-2026, SEC.168.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-18.5-3-1
Proceedings; filing petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, this chapter applies to all proceedings under this article.

(b) An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this article by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-16-12-10
Suspension, denial, or nonrenewal of delinquent person's insurance, recovery, or bail agent's license
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. If a court finds that a person who holds a license or who is an applicant for a license issued under IC 27-1-15.6, IC 27-1-15.8, or IC 27-10-3 is delinquent (as defined in IC 31-25-4-2) as a result of an intentional violation of an order for child support, the court shall issue an order to the commissioner of the department of insurance:

(1) requiring that the person's license be suspended until further order of the court;

(2) ordering the commissioner not to issue a license to the person who is the subject of the order if the person does not currently hold a license; or

(3) ordering the commissioner not to renew the license of a person who is the subject of the order.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-13(m).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.132-2001, SEC.23; P.L.145-2006, SEC.237.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-9
Person providing services to child or child's family
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. The juvenile court may grant any person providing services to the child or the child's family access to the records on the child and the child's family.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-8-1(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-28-3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-28-3-3
Maintenance of records
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) The local office shall maintain the medical record for a foster child when the child is placed in foster care. The record must remain with the child until:

(1) the child is returned to the natural parents;

(2) the child is adopted; or

(3) a legal guardian is appointed for the child.

(b) Unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, the local office shall provide a copy of the medical record to the child or the child's legal guardian after the child in need of services case or collaborative care case is closed.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.150; P.L.104-2015, SEC.26; P.L.46-2024, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-37-9-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-37-9-9
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-12(h) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.98-2004, SEC.114. Repealed by P.L.101-2022, SEC.21.
Ind. Code § 31-37-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-37-2-5
Delinquent act; curfew violation
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A child commits a delinquent act if, before becoming eighteen (18) years of age, the child commits a curfew violation under IC 31-37-3.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-1(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-12-3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-12-3-3
Services offered by division; conciliation procedures
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The family relations division shall offer counseling and related services to persons before the court. Conciliation procedures are governed by IC 31-15-9.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-19 part; part new.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-33-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-33-7-2
Standardized phone access system
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. To carry out section 1 of this chapter, the department must use a phone access system for receiving calls that is standardized among all counties. The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 for the administration of this section.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-11(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.109.
Ind. Code § 31-37-20-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-37-20-2
Periodic review of case; requirements concerning another planned permanent living arrangement
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The court shall hold a formal hearing:

(1) every twelve (12) months after:

(A) the date of the original dispositional decree; or

(B) a delinquent child was removed from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

whichever occurs first; or

(2) more often if ordered by the juvenile court.

(b) The court shall determine whether the dispositional decree should be modified and whether the present placement is in the best interest of the child. The court, in making the court's determination, may consider the following:

(1) The services that have been provided or offered to a parent, guardian, or custodian to facilitate a reunion.

(2) The extent to which the parent, guardian, or custodian has enhanced the ability to fulfill parental obligations.

(3) The extent to which the parent, guardian, or custodian has visited the child, including the reasons for infrequent visitation.

(4) The extent to which the parent, guardian, or custodian has cooperated with the probation department.

(5) The child's recovery from any injuries suffered before removal.

(6) Whether additional services are required for the child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian and, if so, the nature of the services.

(7) The extent to which the child has been rehabilitated.

(c) A review of the dispositional decree will be held at least once every six (6) months, or more often, if ordered by the court. At the review, the court shall determine whether or not the probation department has made reasonable efforts to finalize a permanency plan for the child, if required under IC 31-37-19-1.5.

(d) For children who have a permanency plan of another planned permanent living arrangement, the court shall:

(1) require the probation officer to document or provide testimony regarding the intensive, ongoing, and, as of the date of the hearing, unsuccessful efforts made by the probation officer to return the child home or secure a placement for the child with a fit and willing relative, legal guardian, or adoptive parent, including efforts through the use of search technology, such as social media, to find biological or adoptive family members for the child;

(2) ask the child about the desired permanency outcome for the child and document the child's response;

(3) make a judicial determination explaining why, as of the date of the hearing, another planned permanent living arrangement is the best permanency plan for the child and provide compelling reasons why it continues to not be in the best interests of the child to:

(A) return home;

(B) be placed for adoption;

(C) be placed with a legal guardian; or

(D) be placed with a fit and willing relative; and

(4) require the probation officer to document or provide testimony regarding the steps the probation officer is taking to ensure that:

(A) the child's foster family home, group home, secure private facility, or child caring institution is following the reasonable and prudent parent standard; and

(B) the child has regular, ongoing opportunities to engage in age or developmentally appropriate activities, including by consulting with the child in an age appropriate manner about the opportunities of the child to participate in the activities.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-19(h).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.349; P.L.146-2008, SEC.655; P.L.104-2015, SEC.46.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-7
Information maintained in registry; father's agent for notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) The state department shall maintain the following information in the registry:

(1) The putative father's:

(A) name;

(B) address at which the putative father may be served with notice of an adoption under IC 31-19-2.5-6;

(C) Social Security number; and

(D) date of birth.

(2) The mother's:

(A) name, including all other names known to the putative father that the mother uses, if known;

(B) address, if known;

(C) Social Security number, if known; and

(D) date of birth, if known.

(3) The child's:

(A) name, if known; and

(B) place of birth, if known.

(4) The date that the state department receives a putative father's registration.

(5) The:

(A) name of an attorney or agency that requests the state department to search the registry under section 15 of this chapter to determine whether a putative father is registered in relation to a mother whose child is or may be the subject of an adoption; and

(B) date that the attorney or agency submits a request as provided under this subdivision.

(6) Any notice of a filing of a petition to establish paternity as described in IC 31-14-9-0.5.

(7) Any other information that the state department determines is necessary to access the information in the registry.

(b) If a putative father does not have an address where the putative father is able to be served with notice of an adoption, the putative father may designate another person as an agent for the purpose of being served with notice of adoption. The putative father must provide the state department with the agent's name and the address at which the agent may be served. Service of notice upon the agent under IC 31-19-2.5-6 constitutes service of notice upon the putative father. If notice of an adoption may not be served on the agent under IC 31-19-2.5-6 as provided by this subsection, further notice of the adoption to the agent or to the putative father is not necessary.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-9.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.16; P.L.58-2009, SEC.13; P.L.203-2021, SEC.16; P.L.56-2023, SEC.266.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-7
Investigation of applicants
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The department shall investigate a person seeking licensure to determine whether the person is in compliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article. The investigation shall be conducted at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner, in announced or unannounced visits. Activities may include onsite inspections, record reading, observation, and interviewing. The department may require that evidence of compliance with the rules be presented in a form and manner specified in the rules.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-3
Interview of child in chambers
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) The court may interview the child in chambers to ascertain the child's wishes.

(b) The court may permit counsel to be present at the interview.

(c) If counsel is present at the interview, a record may be made of the interview and made part of the record for purposes of appeal.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-11(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-11-8-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-11-8-6
Foreign marriage solemnized between Indiana residents to evade Indiana law
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. A marriage is void if the parties to the marriage:

(1) are residents of Indiana;

(2) had their marriage solemnized in another state with the intent to:

(A) evade IC 31-11-1-4, IC 31-11-4-4, or IC 31-11-4-11 (or IC 31-7-3-3 or IC 31-7-3-10 before their repeal); and

(B) subsequently return to Indiana and reside in Indiana; and

(3) without having established residence in another state in good faith, return to Indiana and reside in Indiana after the marriage is solemnized.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-6-6.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.94-2020, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-19-10-1.4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-19-10-1.4
Basis for resolving contested adoption
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.4. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a court, in making a determination under section 1.2(e) of this chapter, shall consider all relevant evidence, but may not base its determination solely on a finding that a:

(1) petitioner for adoption would be a better parent for a child than the parent who filed the motion to contest the adoption; or

(2) parent has a biological link to the child sought to be adopted.

(b) If a petition for adoption alleges that a parent's consent to the adoption is unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8(a)(1) or IC 31-19-9-8(a)(2) and the parent files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, the court may consider:

(1) the parent's substance abuse;

(2) the parent's voluntary unemployment; or

(3) instability of the parent's household caused by a family or household member of the parent;

as justifiable cause for the parent's abandonment or desertion of the child as described in IC 31-19-9-8(a)(1), failure to communicate significantly with the child as described in IC 31-19-9-8(a)(2)(A), or failure to provide for the care and support of the child as described in IC 31-19-9-8(a)(2)(B), if the parent has made substantial and continuing progress in remedying the factors in subdivisions (1), (2), and (3), and it appears reasonably likely that progress will continue.

As added by P.L.61-2003, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.203-2021, SEC.21.
Ind. Code § 31-16-21-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-16-21-2
Court ordered provision for payment
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The court entering an order described in section 1(a) of this chapter shall include a provision in the order that requires the individual to pay the support and maintenance fee.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-8-5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-19-26.5-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 26.5 / Section 31-19-26.5-10
Adoption assistance account
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. An adoption assistance account is established within the state general fund for the purpose of funding adoption subsidy payments under this chapter and the state's share of adoption assistance payments under 42 U.S.C. 673. The account consists of:

(1) amounts specifically appropriated to the department by the general assembly for adoption assistance;

(2) amounts allocated by the department to the adoption assistance account from department funds in accordance with section 10.5 of this chapter; and

(3) any other amounts contributed or paid to the department for adoption assistance under this chapter.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.562. Amended by P.L.165-2021, SEC.186.
Ind. Code § 31-19-26.5-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 26.5 / Section 31-19-26.5-12
Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2, as needed, to carry out this chapter. The rules must include at least the following subjects:

(1) The application and determination process for subsidies or other assistance provided under this chapter.

(2) The standards for determination of a child with special needs.

(3) The process for determining the duration, extension, modification, and termination of agreements, as provided in sections 8 and 9 of this chapter.

(4) The procedure for administrative review and appeal of determinations made by the department under this chapter.

(5) Subject to sections 3 and 10.5 of this chapter, the procedure for determining availability of funds for new subsidy agreements and continuation of existing agreements or orders under this chapter and IC 31-19-26 (before its repeal), including any funding limitations or priorities as provided in sections 4 and 11 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.562. Amended by P.L.165-2021, SEC.189.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-0.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-0.5
Income withholding orders; stay
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.5. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), in any proceeding in which a court has ordered, modified, or enforced periodic payments of child support, the court shall include a provision ordering that child support payments be immediately withheld from the income of the obligor in an amount necessary to comply with the support order, including amounts for current child support obligations, child support arrearage, medical support, interest, and fees.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), a court or Title IV-D agency shall implement an order for immediate income withholding under subsection (a):

(1) if the address of the obligor's income payor is known, not more than fifteen (15) calendar days after the date of the issuance of a support order; or

(2) if the address of the obligor's income payor is not known, not more than fifteen (15) calendar days after the date the address of the obligor's income payor becomes known.

(c) A court may stay implementation of an income withholding order only if one (1) or more of the following occurs:

(1) One (1) of the parties demonstrates and the court finds good cause not to order immediate income withholding by finding all of the following:

(A) A stay of implementation of the income withholding order is in the best interests of the child.

(B) The obligor has a history of substantially uninterrupted, full, and timely child support payments, other than payments made through an income withholding order or another mandatory process of previously ordered child support, during the previous twelve (12) months.

(C) The court issues a written finding that an income withholding order would cause an extraordinary hardship on the obligor.

(2) The parties submit a written agreement that:

(A) meets the requirements under subsection (d);

(B) is approved by the court; and

(C) is entered into the record of the court.

(d) A written agreement described in subsection (c)(2) must meet the following requirements:

(1) Contain the following:

(A) A statement that an income withholding order is not implemented immediately but that an income withholding order will be implemented if the:

(i) obligor's child support and arrearage payments become delinquent; or

(ii) obligor requests implementation of the income withholding order.

(B) A detailed description of an alternative payment arrangement between the parties to ensure the timely payment of child support.

(2) Contain a provision that the obligor shall provide current information to the court concerning the following:

(A) The name, address, and telephone number of the obligor's place of employment.

(B) Any health coverage available to the obligor as a benefit of employment or maintained by the obligor, including information on the:

(i) name of the carrier (as defined in IC 27-8-10-1);

(ii) health insurance policy, certificate, or contract number; and

(iii) if applicable, names and birth dates of the persons for whose benefit the obligor maintains health coverage under the health insurance policy, certificate, or contract.

(e) If possible, the court shall specify the date on which a stay of implementation of the income withholding order terminates automatically.

(f) In Title IV-D cases in which periodic payments of child support are ordered, modified, or enforced, the court shall order the obligor to inform the Title IV-D agency of the:

(1) name and address of the obligor's current income payor;

(2) obligor's access to health insurance coverage; and

(3) if applicable, obligor's health insurance policy information.

As added by P.L.103-2007, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.80-2010, SEC.38.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-8-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-18.5-8-1
Grounds for rendition
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) For purposes of this chapter, "governor" includes:

(1) an individual performing the functions of governor; or

(2) the executive authority of a state covered by this article.

(b) The governor of Indiana may:

(1) demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual found in the other state who is charged criminally in Indiana with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee; or

(2) on the demand of the governor of another state, surrender an individual found in Indiana who is charged criminally in the other state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee.

(c) A provision for extradition of individuals not inconsistent with this article applies to the demand even if the individual whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state when the crime was allegedly committed and has not fled therefrom.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-22 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-22
Termination of income withholding
Status: in_force

Sec. 22. (a) An income withholding order under section 0.5 or 2.5 of this chapter (or IC 31-2-10-7 before its repeal) terminates when both of the following occur:

(1) The duty to support a child ceases under IC 31-14 or IC 31-16-2 through IC 31-16-12.

(2) No child support arrearage exists.

(b) A court or Title IV-D agency may terminate income withholding when the whereabouts of the child and the child's custodial parent are unknown, preventing the forwarding of child support payments.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-10-18(b), (c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.103-2007, SEC.38.
Ind. Code § 31-37-9-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-37-9-6
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-12(e) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Repealed by P.L.197-1997, SEC.29.
Ind. Code § 31-33-3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-33-3-2
Election of team coordinator
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The team shall elect a team coordinator from the team's membership.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-14(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2.4-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2.4 / Section 31-17-2.4-1
Factors in determination
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Whenever the court issues an order under this article, other than an ex parte order, the court shall determine whether the proceeding should be referred to mediation. In making this determination, the court shall consider:

(1) the ability of the parties to pay for the mediation services; and

(2) whether mediation is appropriate in helping the parties resolve their disputes.

As added by P.L.199-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-39-4-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-39-4-3
Juvenile court judge or staff
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The records of a law enforcement agency are available, without specific permission from the head of the agency, to the judge of the juvenile court or any authorized staff member.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-8-1.2(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-1
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-10-7(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.85; P.L.148-2006, SEC.18. Repealed by P.L.103-2007, SEC.51.
Ind. Code § 31-21-4-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-21-4-8
Request by an Indiana court to a court in another state
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. An Indiana court may request the appropriate court of another state to do the following:

(1) Hold an evidentiary hearing.

(2) Order a person to produce or give evidence under the procedures of the other state.

(3) Order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child involved in a pending proceeding.

(4) Forward to the Indiana court:

(A) a certified copy of the transcript of the record of the hearing;

(B) the evidence otherwise presented; and

(C) an evaluation prepared in compliance with the request.

(5) Order:

(A) a party to a child custody proceeding; or

(B) any person having physical custody of the child;

to appear in the proceeding with or without the child.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-13-2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 13 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-13-2-1
Petition to establish whether child was born in wedlock; notice; hearing; determination; review
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A person interested in establishing whether a child was born in wedlock may file a petition to maintain an action to determine whether the child was born in wedlock. The petition must:

(1) be filed in the circuit or superior court of a county in which either of the parties to the marriage resides;

(2) set forth the facts concerning the child's birth; and

(3) name as defendants in the action all persons interested in the question of whether the child was born in wedlock.

The petitioner shall give the persons described in subdivision (3) notice in accordance with IC 31-16-2-5.

(b) The court shall hold a hearing on the petition filed under subsection (a) and shall make a determination on the question of whether the child was born in wedlock.

(c) An appeal of the court's determination under subsection (b) may be taken to the supreme court. An appeal taken under this subsection is governed by the same rules that apply to other civil actions that are appealed.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-3.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-33-8-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-33-8-9
Provision of copies of investigative report by department of child services
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. (a) The department's report under section 8 of this chapter shall be made available to:

(1) the appropriate court;

(2) the prosecuting attorney;

(3) the appropriate law enforcement agency; or

(4) the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program, if a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child who is the subject of a substantiated investigation of abuse or neglect is an active duty member of the military;

upon request.

(b) If child abuse or neglect is substantiated after an assessment is conducted under section 7 of this chapter, the department shall forward its report to the office of the prosecuting attorney having jurisdiction in the county in which the alleged child abuse or neglect occurred.

(c) If the assessment substantiates a finding of child abuse or neglect as determined by the department, a report shall be sent to the coordinator of the community child protection team under IC 31-33-3.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-11(j).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.35-1998, SEC.4; P.L.234-2005, SEC.124; P.L.131-2009, SEC.48; P.L.81-2016, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-37-5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-37-5-4
Detention at designated place; notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. If the child is not released, the child shall be delivered to a place designated by the court. The law enforcement officer shall immediately notify the child's parent, guardian, or custodian and an intake officer of the following:

(1) Where the child is being held.

(2) The reasons for the child's detention.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-5(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-20-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-20-1-1
Public policy declaration
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The general assembly declares that it is against public policy to enforce any term of a surrogate agreement that requires a surrogate to do any of the following:

(1) Provide a gamete to conceive a child.

(2) Become pregnant.

(3) Consent to undergo or undergo an abortion.

(4) Undergo medical or psychological treatment or examination.

(5) Use a substance or engage in activity only in accordance with the demands of another person.

(6) Waive parental rights or duties to a child.

(7) Terminate care, custody, or control of a child.

(8) Consent to a stepparent adoption under IC 31-19 (or IC 31-3-1 before its repeal).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-8-2-1.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-28 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-28
"Case"
Status: in_force

Sec. 28. "Case", for purposes of IC 31-33-18-1.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-33-18-1.5(d).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-11
Revocation of variances and waivers
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) If a licensee under this article violates a condition of a waiver or variance under this chapter, the department may issue an order revoking the waiver or variance before the waiver or variance expires under section 9 of this chapter.

(b) If a waiver or variance is revoked under subsection (a), the licensee is entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing as provided under this article.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-19 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-19
Notice of enforcement actions; informal meetings
Status: in_force

Sec. 19. Except as provided in section 29 of this chapter, the department shall give a licensee thirty (30) days written notice by certified mail of an enforcement action. The licensee shall also be provided with the opportunity for an informal meeting with the department. The licensee must request the meeting not more than ten (10) working days after receipt of the certified notice.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-14-8-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-14-8-4
Continuance of final hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. Upon the request of any party, the court shall grant a continuance of the final paternity hearing until after the child is born.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-7(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-51 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-51
"Child welfare program"
Status: in_force

Sec. 51. "Child welfare program", for purposes of this title, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-3.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-11-4-19 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-11-4-19
Public inspection of statistical data from marriage records
Status: in_force

Sec. 19. Statistical data derived from records of marriages are open to public inspection.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-3-16 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-33-6-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-33-6-2
Exception for gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Immunity does not attach for a person who has acted with:

(1) gross negligence; or

(2) willful or wanton misconduct.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-7 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.106-2018, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-14-5-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-14-5-8
Action not barred by child's death or stillbirth or mother's death
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. An action not otherwise barred is not barred by:

(1) the death or stillbirth of the child; or

(2) the death of the mother.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-6(g).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-19-16-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-19-16-1
Postadoption contact privileges granted to birth parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. At the time an adoption decree is entered, the court entering the adoption decree may grant postadoption contact privileges under section 2 of this chapter to a birth parent who has:

(1) consented to the adoption; or

(2) voluntarily terminated the parent-child relationship.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-13(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. As amended by P.L.196-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-21-7-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-21-7-3
Request for relief prior to July 1, 2007
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A motion or other request for relief made:

(1) in a child custody proceeding; or

(2) to enforce a child custody determination;

that was commenced before July 1, 2007, is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was made.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-34-25-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-34-25-5
Protective order depository
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. If a court enters a decree that requires a person to refrain from direct or indirect contact with a child, the clerk of the court shall comply with IC 5-2-9.

As added by P.L.133-2002, SEC.35.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-12
Motion to dismiss by party who filed action; counter petition; hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) This section applies if a party who filed an action for dissolution of marriage under section 2 of this chapter (or IC 31-1-11.5-3(a) before its repeal) files a motion to dismiss the action.

(b) A party that files an action shall serve each other party to the action with a copy of the motion.

(c) A party to the action may file a counter petition under section 2 of this chapter not later than five (5) days after the filing of the motion to dismiss. If a party files a counter petition under this subsection, the court shall set the petition and counter petition for final hearing not earlier than sixty (60) days after the initial petition was filed.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-8.1.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-12
Criminal charges against a perpetrator; entitlement to administrative hearings
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) If criminal charges are filed against a perpetrator based on the same facts and circumstances on which the department classified a child abuse or neglect report as substantiated, any administrative hearing requested by the perpetrator under this chapter shall be stayed pending disposition of the criminal charges.

(b) If the criminal charges result in the conviction of the perpetrator and the facts that provided a necessary element for the conviction also provided the basis for the substantiated report under IC 31-33-8-12, the person named in the report as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect is not entitled to an administrative hearing under this chapter.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67.
Ind. Code § 31-35-6-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-35-6-1
Disposition upon termination of parent-child relationship; review
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) If the juvenile or probate court terminates the parent-child relationship, the court may:

(1) refer the matter to the court having probate jurisdiction for adoption proceedings; or

(2) order any dispositional alternative specified by IC 31-34-20-1 or IC 31-37-19-1.

(b) If the juvenile court refers the matter to the court having probate jurisdiction under subsection (a)(1), the juvenile court shall review the child's case once every six (6) months until a petition for adoption is filed.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-5(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.35-1998, SEC.25.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-21 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-21
Procedure for administrative hearings
Status: in_force

Sec. 21. A hearing requested under section 20 of this chapter shall be held under IC 4-21.5-3.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-19-4-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-19-4-8
Waiver of notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) The notice required by this chapter may be waived in writing before or after the birth of a child.

(b) A waiver of notice under subsection (a) must:

(1) be in writing and signed in the presence of a notary public; and

(2) acknowledge that:

(A) the waiver is irrevocable; and

(B) the person signing the waiver will not receive notice of the adoption proceedings.

A person who waives notice of an adoption may not subsequently challenge or contest an adoption of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-6.1(j).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.61-2003, SEC.9; P.L.130-2005, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-2
Applicability of juvenile law to certain offenses
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Except as provided in IC 33-33-45-6 and section 8 of this chapter, the juvenile law does not apply to the following:

(1) A child who is alleged to have committed a violation of a statute defining an infraction, except as provided under IC 7.1-5-7.

(2) A child who is alleged to have committed a violation of an ordinance.

(3) A child who:

(A) is alleged to have committed an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult; and

(B) has previously been waived under IC 31-30-3 (or IC 31-6-2-4 before its repeal) to a court having felony jurisdiction.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-2-1.1(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.98-2004, SEC.104; P.L.67-2008, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-1
Issues for consideration
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The juvenile court shall hold a dispositional hearing to consider the following:

(1) Alternatives for the care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement of the child.

(2) The necessity, nature, and extent of the participation by a parent, a guardian, or a custodian in the program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child.

(3) The financial responsibility of the parent or guardian of the estate for services provided for the parent or guardian or the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.3(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.55-1997, SEC.31.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1.5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-12-1.5-3
Designation of court
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A court exercising the jurisdiction described in section 2 of this chapter may be designated as a domestic relations court.

As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-32-9-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-32-9-2
Service by publication
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) If any person other than the child cannot be served in accordance with Rule 4.1 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, the juvenile court may order service by publication in accordance with Rule 4.13 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure. However, the summons must clearly inform the person being served that the person must respond not later than ten (10) days after the last publication.

(b) If:

(1) the action is to terminate the parent-child relationship; and

(2) the parent cannot be served in accordance with Rule 4.1 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure;

service must be made by publication.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-5(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-26-6-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-26-6-10
Family preservation services
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. A regional services council may include in its plan a program for provision of family preservation services that:

(1) is or will be in effect in the regional services council's service region;

(2) includes services for a child less than eighteen (18) years of age who reasonably may be expected to be considered for out-of-home placement under IC 31-34 or IC 31-37 as a result of:

(A) abuse or neglect;

(B) emotional disturbance; or

(C) delinquency adjudication; and

(3) addresses all the objectives of family preservation services.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.571.
Ind. Code § 31-34-1-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-34-1-6
Child substantially endangering own or another's health
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. A child is a child in need of services if before the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age:

(1) the child substantially endangers the child's own health or the health of another individual; and

(2) the child needs care, treatment, or rehabilitation that:

(A) the child is not receiving; and

(B) is unlikely to be provided or accepted without the coercive intervention of the court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-3(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.2-2005, SEC.80.
Ind. Code § 31-32-12-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-32-12-2
Temporary confinement of child
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The juvenile court may order temporary confinement for not more than fourteen (14) days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, to complete the mental or physical examination of a child.

(b) This section does not authorize a commitment under IC 12-26.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-12(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-37-8.5-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 8.5 / Section 31-37-8.5-6
Collection of data; annual report
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) A local probation department shall collect individual data on any child diverted through juvenile diversion described in this chapter, including:

(1) demographic data on age, race, ethnicity, and gender;

(2) risk screening information;

(3) offense;

(4) service participation; and

(5) outcome and completion data;

and report the information to the office of judicial administration on an annual basis.

(b) The office of judicial administration shall provide an annual report that includes the information described in subsection (a). The report shall be provided to the governor, the chief justice, and the legislative council before December 1 of each year. The report provided to the legislative council must be in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6.

As added by P.L.101-2022, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-34-3-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-34-3-4
Notice of contact person for more information; notice to each parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. The notice to the parent, guardian, or custodian required by this chapter must:

(1) identify a person or an entity that the parent, guardian, or custodian may contact to obtain more information regarding the child's removal from the child's residence; and

(2) be given to each of the child's parents as described in sections 1 through 3 of this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-4.5(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.120-2018, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-33-22-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-33-22-2
Obtaining child abuse information under false pretenses; knowingly falsifying records or interfering with an investigation
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) An individual who knowingly requests, obtains, or seeks to obtain child abuse or neglect information under false pretenses commits a Class B misdemeanor.

(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally:

(1) falsifies child abuse or neglect information or records; or

(2) obstructs or interferes with a child abuse assessment, including an assessment conducted by a local child fatality review team or the statewide child fatality review committee;

commits obstruction of a child abuse assessment, a Class A misdemeanor.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-21.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.70-2004, SEC.17; P.L.131-2009, SEC.54.
Ind. Code § 31-33-5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-33-5-3
Effect of compliance on individual's own duty to report
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. This chapter does not relieve an individual of the obligation to report on the individual's own behalf, unless a report has already been made to the best of the individual's belief.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-3(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-19-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-19-1-1
Adoptions subject to Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Except as provided in IC 31-28-4, the adoption of a child who is born in one (1) state by a person in another state is subject to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children under IC 31-28-4.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.244.
Ind. Code § 31-16-8-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-16-8-2
Medical support
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The court shall modify a support order to require either parent or both parents to provide medical support for the child through the health insurance coverage if a Title IV-D agency, authorized under the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) and IC 31-25-4-17, petitions for the modification and the coverage is available to the parent at a reasonable cost.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-17.1.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.232; P.L.80-2010, SEC.33.
Ind. Code § 31-19-19-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-19-19-1
Court files and records
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) The following items are confidential:

(1) A petition for adoption.

(2) Reports of the investigation made under IC 31-19-8-5 (or IC 31-3-1-4 before its repeal).

(3) All other papers filed in connection with a petition for adoption.

(4) The record of evidence of the hearing.

(5) The decree made and entered by the court, including decrees in foreign adoptions filed under IC 31-19-28 (or IC 31-3-1-10 before its repeal).

(b) The files and records of the court pertaining to the adoption proceedings:

(1) shall be kept in the custody of the clerk of the court; and

(2) are not open to inspection, except as provided in IC 31-19-13-2(2).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-35-2-6.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-35-2-6.5
Notice of hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 6.5. (a) This section applies to hearings under this chapter relating to a child in need of services.

(b) At least ten (10) days before a hearing on a petition or motion under this chapter:

(1) the person or entity who filed the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship under section 4 of this chapter; or

(2) the person or entity who filed a motion to dismiss the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship under section 4.5(d) of this chapter;

shall send notice of the review to the persons listed in subsections (c) and (d).

(c) Except as provided in subsection (h), the following persons shall receive notice of a hearing on a petition or motion filed under this chapter:

(1) The child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(2) An attorney who has entered an appearance on behalf of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(3) A prospective adoptive parent named in a petition for adoption of the child filed under IC 31-19-2 if:

(A) each consent to adoption of the child that is required under IC 31-19-9-1 has been executed in the form and manner required by IC 31-19-9 and filed with the local office or the department;

(B) the court having jurisdiction in the adoption case has determined under an applicable provision of IC 31-19-9 that consent to adoption is not required from a parent, guardian, or custodian; or

(C) a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship between the child and any parent who has not executed a written consent to adoption under IC 31-19-9-2, has been filed under IC 31-35 and is pending.

(4) Any other person who:

(A) the department has knowledge is currently providing care for the child; and

(B) is not required to be licensed under IC 12-17.2 or IC 31-27 to provide care for the child.

(5) Any other suitable relative or person who the department knows has had a significant or caretaking relationship to the child.

(6) Any other party to the child in need of services proceeding.

(d) At least ten (10) days before a hearing on a petition or motion under this chapter, the department shall provide notice of the hearing to the child's foster parent by:

(1) certified mail; or

(2) face to face contact by the department caseworker.

(e) The court shall provide to a person described in subsection (c) or (d) an opportunity to be heard and make recommendations to the court at the hearing. The right to be heard and to make recommendations under this subsection includes the right of a person described in subsection (c) or (d) to submit a written statement to the court that, if served upon all parties to the child in need of services proceeding and the persons described in subsections (c) and (d), may be made a part of the court record.

(f) The court shall continue the hearing if, at the time of the hearing, the department has not provided the court with signed verification from the foster parent, as obtained through subsection (d), that the foster parent has been notified of the hearing at least five (5) business days before the hearing. However, the court is not required to continue the hearing if the child's foster parent appears for the hearing.

(g) A person described in subsection (c)(2) through (c)(5) or subsection (d) does not become a party to a proceeding under this chapter as the result of the person's right to notice and the opportunity to be heard under this section.

(h) If the parent of a safe haven infant does not disclose the parent's name as allowed by IC 31-34-2.5-1(c) or indicates that the child is being abandoned under IC 31-34-2.5, the parent is not required to be notified of a hearing described in subsection (c).

As added by P.L.35-1998, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.200-1999, SEC.31; P.L.133-2000, SEC.9; P.L.217-2001, SEC.12; P.L.145-2006, SEC.328; P.L.162-2011, SEC.53; P.L.128-2012, SEC.172; P.L.30-2025, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-19-29-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 29 / Section 31-19-29-2
Authorization of the department to enter compacts; definitions
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The department is authorized to develop, participate in the development of, negotiate, and enter into one (1) or more interstate compacts on behalf of this state with other states to implement one (1) or more of the purposes set forth in this chapter. When so entered into, and for so long as it shall remain in force, such a compact shall have the force and effect of law.

(b) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "state" shall mean a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or a territory or possession of or administered by the United States.

(c) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "adoption assistance state" means the state that is signatory to an adoption assistance agreement in a particular case.

(d) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "residence state" means the state of which the child is a resident by virtue of the residence of the adoptive parents.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-5-2(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.268.
Ind. Code § 31-34-13-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-34-13-3
Requirements for admissibility of statements or videotapes
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A statement or videotape described in section 2 of this chapter is admissible in evidence in an action to determine whether a child or a whole or half blood sibling of the child is a child in need of services if, after notice to the parties of a hearing and of their right to be present:

(1) the court finds that the time, content, and circumstances of the statement or videotape and any other evidence provide sufficient indications of reliability; and

(2) the child:

(A) testifies at the proceeding to determine whether the child or a whole or half blood sibling of the child is a child in need of services;

(B) was available for face-to-face cross-examination when the statement or videotape was made; or

(C) is found by the court to be unavailable as a witness because:

(i) a psychiatrist, physician, or psychologist has certified that the child's participation in the proceeding creates a substantial likelihood of emotional or mental harm to the child;

(ii) a physician has certified that the child cannot participate in the proceeding for medical reasons; or

(iii) the court has determined that the child is incapable of understanding the nature and obligation of an oath.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-15-3 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-19-16.5-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 16.5 / Section 31-19-16.5-6
Guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. The provisions regarding the representation, duties, and appointment of a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate by a juvenile court described under IC 31-32-3 apply to postadoption contact proceedings under this chapter.

As added by P.L.196-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-37-17-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-37-17-6
Disclosure
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) Predispositional reports shall be made available within a reasonable time before the dispositional hearing, unless the juvenile court determines on the record that the reports contain information that should not be released to the child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(b) The court shall provide a copy of the report to:

(1) each attorney, guardian ad litem, or court appointed special advocate representing the child; and

(2) each attorney representing the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(c) The court may provide a factual summary of the report to:

(1) the child; or

(2) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15(f) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.28.
Ind. Code § 31-21-6-17 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-21-6-17
Appeals
Status: in_force

Sec. 17. An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under this article in accordance with expedited appellate procedures in other civil cases. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under IC 31-21-5-4, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child custody determination pending appeal.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-42-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 42 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-42-1-3
Governmental entity prohibited from impinging on parental access to information regarding child
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A governmental entity may not:

(1) advise, direct, or coerce a child to withhold information from the child's parent; or

(2) deny a child's parent access to information that:

(A) is in the control of the governmental entity;

(B) is requested by the child's parent; and

(C) relates to the child's health care or social, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

(b) This section does not apply if:

(1) the parent's access to the requested information is prohibited by state or federal law or a court order; or

(2) a law enforcement officer requests that the information not be released because the parent is subject to a criminal investigation related to the child.

As added by P.L.101-2025, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-140 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-140
"Joint legal custody"
Status: in_force

Sec. 140. "Joint legal custody", for purposes of IC 31-14-13, IC 31-17-2-13, IC 31-17-2-14, and IC 31-17-2-15, means that the persons awarded joint custody will share authority and responsibility for the major decisions concerning the child's upbringing, including the child's education, health care, and religious training.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-56 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-56
"Compact"
Status: in_force

Sec. 56. "Compact", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-32-3-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-32-3-11
Voluntary preventative program for at-risk children; criminal history check of staff and early intervention advocate; authorized actions; confidential information; request for assistance; civil and criminal immunity
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) A juvenile court may establish a voluntary preventative program for at-risk children.

(b) A juvenile court that establishes a program under subsection (a) may, after conducting a criminal history check of every individual who is likely to have contact with a child, appoint staff and an early intervention advocate to implement, coordinate, and carry out the purposes of the program. The court may not appoint an individual under this subsection if the results of the criminal history check disclose that the individual has a record of:

(1) a conviction for a felony;

(2) a conviction for a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child; or

(3) a juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168.

(c) The program staff or an early intervention advocate appointed under subsection (b) may:

(1) receive information concerning an at-risk child from any person; and

(2) use the information received under subdivision (1) to create, implement, and maintain an individualized plan for the at-risk child and the child's family if the child's parent, guardian, or custodian has consented to the participation of the child in the program. The individualized plan created under this subdivision may include a program of counseling, tutoring, or mentoring.

(d) All information received under the program by the program staff or an early intervention advocate:

(1) is confidential; and

(2) may be disclosed only to the following:

(A) Program staff or an early intervention advocate appointed to the program under subsection (b).

(B) Any person or entity engaged by a person described in clause (A) in creating, implementing, and maintaining a plan for an at-risk child and the child's family.

(C) The juvenile court.

(e) The privileged communication between:

(1) a husband and wife;

(2) a health care provider and the health care provider's patient;

(3) a juvenile client and a:

(A) licensed social worker;

(B) licensed clinical social worker;

(C) licensed marriage and family therapist;

(D) licensed mental health counselor;

(E) licensed addiction counselor; or

(F) licensed clinical addiction counselor;

(4) a school counselor and a student; or

(5) a school psychologist and a student;

may not prevent an individual described in this subsection from reporting to, requesting assistance from, or cooperating with program staff or an early intervention advocate under this section.

(f) Any individual may request that a child receive assistance under a program established under subsection (a) if the individual believes a child may be an at-risk child.

(g) After receiving a request that a child receive assistance under a program described in subsection (a), or after receiving information that a child may be an at-risk child, program staff or an early intervention advocate shall determine whether the child would benefit from the program. If the program staff or early intervention advocate determines that the child would benefit from the program, the staff or early intervention advocate shall inform the parent, guardian, or custodian of the determination and request that the parent, guardian, or custodian permit the child to participate in the program. The child (and the parent, guardian, or custodian) may participate in the program only with the consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

(h) A person who:

(1) makes a good faith request under subsection (f);

(2) in good faith provides information concerning a child to program staff or an early intervention advocate appointed under subsection (b); or

(3) in good faith participates in a plan under this section;

is immune from civil or criminal liability.

(i) Except as provided under IC 31-33-5, no information received under the program by the program staff or an early intervention advocate may be used against the child in a criminal or civil proceeding.

As added by P.L.183-2011, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.183-2017, SEC.30; P.L.145-2026, SEC.195.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-11
Notice of passport application for child
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) If any party to a custody order applies for a passport for the child, the party who applies for the child's passport shall do the following not less than ten (10) days before applying for the child's passport:

(1) File a notice of the passport application with the clerk of the court that issued the custody order.

(2) Send a copy of the notice to the other party.

(b) The parties may jointly agree in writing to waive the requirements of subsection (a).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-11(i), (j).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.96-1999, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-6-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-18.5-6-2
Procedure to register order for enforcement
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Except as otherwise provided in IC 31-18.5-7-6, a support order or income withholding order of another state or a foreign support order may be registered in Indiana by sending the following records to the appropriate tribunal in Indiana:

(1) a letter of transmittal to the tribunal requesting registration and enforcement;

(2) two (2) copies, including one (1) certified copy, of the order to be registered, including any modification of the order;

(3) a sworn statement by the person requesting registration or a certified statement by the custodian of the records showing the amount of any arrearage;

(4) the name of the obligor and, if known:

(A) the obligor's address and Social Security number;

(B) the name and address of the obligor's income payor and any other source of income of the obligor; and

(C) a description and the location of property of the obligor in this state not exempt from execution; and

(5) except as otherwise provided in IC 31-18.5-3-12, the name and address of the obligee and, if applicable, the person to whom support payments are to be remitted.

(b) On receipt of a request for registration, the registering tribunal shall cause the order to be filed as an order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign support order, together with one (1) copy of the documents and information, regardless of their form.

(c) A petition or comparable pleading seeking a remedy that must be affirmatively sought under other Indiana law may be filed at the same time as the request for registration or later. The pleading must specify the grounds for the remedy sought.

(d) If two (2) or more orders are in effect, the person requesting registration shall:

(1) furnish to the tribunal a copy of every support order asserted to be in effect in addition to the documents specified in this section;

(2) specify the order alleged to be the controlling order, if any; and

(3) specify the amount of consolidated arrears, if any.

(e) A request for a determination of which is the controlling order may be filed separately or with a request for registration and enforcement or for registration and modification. The person requesting registration shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-32-16-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-32-16-6
Review hearing; additional term of treatment; findings of fact
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) Before the expiration of a period of involuntary treatment, the juvenile court shall conduct a review hearing to determine whether further treatment is necessary.

(b) The juvenile court may order an additional term of treatment if it finds at the initial review hearing by clear and convincing evidence that the conditions enumerated in section 5 of this chapter are present and further treatment is necessary. An additional term of involuntary treatment may not exceed forty-five (45) consecutive days, and the juvenile court must conduct a review hearing before the expiration of the additional term. The court may order subsequent terms of involuntary treatment if at each review hearing the court makes findings required by this section.

(c) Each order for an additional term of treatment under subsection (b) must be supported by written findings of fact. The juvenile court shall issue written findings of fact not more than ten (10) days after the review hearing that orders an additional term of involuntary treatment.

As added by P.L.196-2003, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-10.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-10.5
Mandatory compliance for nonrelocating and relocating individuals
Status: in_force

Sec. 10.5. The following must comply with IC 31-17-2.2:

(1) A nonrelocating individual.

(2) A relocating individual.

As added by P.L.186-2019, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-21-6-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-21-6-12
Fees, costs, and expenses; request for assistance of law enforcement; additional relief; refusal to testify; spousal privilege
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) The court:

(1) shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under section 15 of this chapter; and

(2) may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.

(b) If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.

(c) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this chapter.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-122 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-122
"Identifying information"
Status: in_force

Sec. 122. "Identifying information", for purposes of IC 31-19-9-6 and IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means:

(1) any name that a party to an adoption has used or is using;

(2) any address that a party to an adoption has used or is using;

(3) the original certificates of birth stored with the Indiana department of health with evidence of adoption under IC 31-19-13-2; and

(4) any other information, except the medical history, that may identify a person as a party to an adoption or as a birth parent, an adoptee, or an adoptive parent.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-37-7-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-37-7-3
Detention of child leaving home without permission of parent, guardian, or custodian
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A child alleged to be a delinquent child because of an act under IC 31-37-2-2 may be held in a juvenile detention facility for:

(1) not more than twenty-four (24) hours before; and

(2) not more than twenty-four (24) hours immediately after;

the initial court appearance, not including Saturdays, Sundays, and nonjudicial days.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-6.5(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.58-2004, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-2
Factors of custody determination
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The court shall determine custody in accordance with the best interests of the child. In determining the child's best interests, there is not a presumption favoring either parent. The court shall consider all relevant factors, including the following:

(1) The age and sex of the child.

(2) The wishes of the child's parents.

(3) The wishes of the child, with more consideration given to the child's wishes if the child is at least fourteen (14) years of age.

(4) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with:

(A) the child's parents;

(B) the child's siblings; and

(C) any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interest.

(5) The child's adjustment to home, school, and community.

(6) The mental and physical health of all individuals involved.

(7) Evidence of a pattern of domestic or family violence by either parent.

(8) Evidence that the child has been cared for by a de facto custodian, and if the evidence is sufficient, the court shall consider the factors described in section 2.5(b) of this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-11(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.96-1999, SEC.2; P.L.133-2002, SEC.24.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-2-b
Powers of department
Status: in_force

Note: This version of section effective 7-1-2027. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 7-1-2027.

Sec. 2. The department may do the following:

(1) Prescribe forms for reports, statements, notices, and other documents required by this article or by the rules adopted under this article.

(2) Increase public awareness of this article and the rules adopted under this article by preparing and publishing manuals and guides explaining this article and the rules adopted under this article.

(3) Facilitate compliance with and enforcement of this article through the publication of materials under subdivision (2).

(4) Prepare reports and studies to advance the purpose of this article.

(5) Seek the advice and recommendations of state agencies whose information and knowledge would be of assistance in writing, revising, or monitoring rules developed under this article. These agencies, including the office of the attorney general, Indiana department of health, division of mental health and addiction, division of family resources, the state police department, and department of homeland security, shall upon request supply necessary information to the department.

(6) Make the directory of licensees available to the public for a charge not to exceed the cost of reproducing the directory.

(7) Charge a reasonable processing fee for each license application and renewal as follows:

(A) For a child caring institution or group home license, a fee not to exceed three dollars ($3) for each licensed bed based on total licensed bed capacity not to exceed a maximum fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

(B) For a child placing agency license, a fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50).

(8) Exercise any other regulatory and administrative powers necessary to carry out the functions of the department.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.94; P.L.56-2023, SEC.300; P.L.152-2026, SEC.467.
Ind. Code § 31-40-1-1.7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-40-1-1.7
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.277-2003, SEC.4. Repealed by P.L.2-2005, SEC.131.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2-21.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-17-2-21.1
Delegation of parenting time during deployment; automatically terminates upon return
Status: in_force

Sec. 21.1. (a) Upon a motion of a parent who has received military deployment orders, the court may delegate the parent's parenting time, or a part of the parent's parenting time, during the time the parent is deployed to a person who has a close and substantial relationship with the parent's child if the court finds that delegating the parent's parenting time is in the best interests of the child.

(b) If a court delegates parenting time under subsection (a), the order delegating parenting time automatically terminates after the parent returns from deployment.

(c) A court may terminate an order delegating parenting time if the court determines that the delegated parenting time is no longer in the best interests of the child.

As added by P.L.55-2012, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-21-6-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-21-6-16
Full faith and credit to out-of-state orders
Status: repealed

Sec. 16. An Indiana court shall accord full faith and credit to an order issued by another state and consistent with this article that enforces a child custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction under IC 31-21-5.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-17 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-17
Support related duties of bureau
Status: in_force

Sec. 17. (a) The bureau shall do the following:

(1) Collect support payments when the payments have been assigned to the state by the application for assistance under Title IV-A.

(2) Assist in obtaining a support order, including an order for health insurance coverage under:

(A) IC 27-8-23; or

(B) IC 31-16-6-4;

when there is no existing order and assistance is sought.

(3) Assist in establishing paternity for children born out of wedlock.

(4) Implement immediate income withholding in any Title IV-D case, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 666(a) and (b), without an order issued by a court or an administrative agency.

(5) Enforce intrastate and interstate support orders using high volume automated enforcement features.

(6) Use a simplified procedure for the review and adjustment of support orders as set forth in 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(10).

(7) In any Title IV-D case, petition:

(A) a court to:

(i) establish paternity for a child born out of wedlock; and

(ii) establish a support order, including an order for health insurance coverage under IC 27-8-23 or IC 31-16-6-4; and

(B) a court to establish or modify a support order, including an order for health insurance coverage under IC 27-8-23, IC 31-14-11-3 (before its repeal), or IC 31-16-6-4, if:

(i) there is no existing support order; or

(ii) the existing order does not include a provision for private health insurance.

(8) Beginning July 1, 2019, not later than fifteen (15) days after learning that an obligor in a Title IV-D case is or may be incarcerated for a period of at least one hundred eighty (180) calendar days, notify both parties of each party's right to request a modification of the child support order.

(b) Whenever the bureau collects support payments on behalf of an individual who is no longer a member of a household that receives Title IV-A cash payments, the collected support payments (except collections made through a federal tax refund offset) shall be promptly distributed in the following order:

(1) Payment to the recipient of the court ordered support obligation for the month that the support payment is received.

(2) Payment to the recipient of the support payment arrearages that have accrued during any period when the recipient was not a member of a household receiving Title IV-A assistance.

(3) Payment to the state in an amount not to exceed the lesser of:

(A) the total amount of past public assistance paid to the recipient's family; or

(B) the amount assigned to the state by the recipient under IC 12-14-7-1.

(4) Payment of support payment arrearages owed to the recipient.

(5) Payment of any other support payments payable to the recipient.

(c) Whenever the bureau receives a payment through a federal tax refund offset on behalf of an individual who has received or is receiving Title IV-A assistance, the child support payment shall be distributed as follows:

(1) To the state, an amount not to exceed the lesser of:

(A) the total amount of past public assistance paid to the individual's family; or

(B) the amount assigned to the state by the individual under IC 12-14-7-1.

(2) To the individual, any amounts remaining after the distribution under subdivision (1).

(d) Except as provided in section 19.5 of this chapter, whenever the bureau collects a child support payment from any source on behalf of an individual who has never received Title IV-A assistance, the bureau shall forward all money collected to the individual.

(e) Whenever the bureau receives a child support payment on behalf of an individual who currently receives a Title IV-A cash payment or an individual whose cash payment was recouped, the child support payment shall be distributed as follows:

(1) To the state, an amount not to exceed the lesser of:

(A) the total amount of past public assistance paid to the individual's family; or

(B) the amount assigned to the state by the individual under IC 12-14-7-1.

(2) To the individual, any amounts remaining after the distribution under subdivision (1).

(f) Unless otherwise required by federal law, not more than seventy-five (75) days after a written request by a recipient, the bureau shall provide an accounting report to the recipient that identifies the bureau's claim to a child support payment or arrearage.

(g) The bureau, the department of child services, and the department of state revenue may not charge a custodial parent a fee to seek or receive a payment through a state tax refund offset.

(h) When the payment of support has been assigned to the state by the application of assistance under Title IV-A or Title IV-E, the Title IV-D agency shall:

(1) first provide notice to the obligee and the obligor that the payment of support has been assigned to the state; and

(2) direct the clerk of court or the state central collection unit to forward the child support payment directly to the Title IV-D agency without further notice of the court.

(i) A payment directed to the Title IV-D agency under subsection (h) shall be disbursed in accordance with federal regulations governing the Title IV-D program.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271. Amended by P.L.103-2007, SEC.45; P.L.80-2010, SEC.49; P.L.128-2012, SEC.89; P.L.207-2013, SEC.51; P.L.123-2014, SEC.9; P.L.206-2015, SEC.57; P.L.183-2017, SEC.10; P.L.94-2018, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-34-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-34-1-2
Act or omission of parent, guardian, or custodian seriously endangering child's physical or mental health; victim of specified offense
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) A child is a child in need of services if before the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age:

(1) the child's physical or mental health is seriously endangered due to injury by the act or omission of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, including failure of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to protect the child from exposure to the use, possession, sale, or manufacture of illegal drugs; and

(2) the child needs care, treatment, or rehabilitation that:

(A) the child is not receiving; and

(B) is unlikely to be provided or accepted without the coercive intervention of the court.

(b) A child is a child in need of services if, before the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age:

(1) the child is a victim of:

(A) an offense under IC 35-42-1-2.5;

(B) an offense under IC 35-42-2-1;

(C) an offense under IC 35-42-2-1.3;

(D) an offense under IC 35-42-2-1.5;

(E) an offense under IC 35-42-2-9;

(F) an offense under IC 35-42-2-10; or

(G) an offense under IC 35-46-1-4;

(2) the offense described in subdivision (1) was committed by the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child; and

(3) the child needs care, treatment, or rehabilitation that:

(A) the child is not receiving; and

(B) is unlikely to be provided or accepted without the coercive intervention of the court.

(c) A child is a child in need of services if, before the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age, the child:

(1) lives in the same household as an adult who:

(A) committed:

(i) an offense described in subsection (b)(1); or

(ii) an offense under IC 35-42-1-1, IC 35-42-1-2, IC 35-42-1-3, IC 35-42-1-4, or IC 35-42-1-5;

against another child who lives in the household and the offense resulted in a conviction or a judgment under IC 31-34-11-2; or

(B) has been charged with committing an offense described in clause (A) against another child who lives in the household and is awaiting trial; and

(2) needs care, treatment, or rehabilitation that:

(A) the child is not receiving; and

(B) is unlikely to be provided or accepted without the coercive intervention of the court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-3(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.17-2001, SEC.8; P.L.2-2005, SEC.77; P.L.71-2018, SEC.1; P.L.142-2020, SEC.40; P.L.51-2021, SEC.3; P.L.172-2022, SEC.7; P.L.179-2025, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-11.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-11.5
Transitional services; data collection; annual report
Status: in_force

Sec. 11.5. (a) Under the policies established by the statewide juvenile justice oversight body described in IC 2-5-36-9.3, a child who is a ward of the department of correction may receive at least three (3) months of transitional services to support reintegration back into the community and to reduce recidivism.

(b) The department of correction shall provide an annual report that includes data collected under this section that will help assess the impact of reintegration improvements, including tracking recidivism beyond reincarceration and into the adult system. The report shall be provided to the governor, the chief justice, and the legislative council before December 1 of each year. The report provided to the legislative council must be in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6.

(c) The expense of administering the transitional services may be paid, subject to available funding, from the division of youth services transitional services fund established by IC 11-10-2-11.

As added by P.L.101-2022, SEC.28.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-177 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-177
"Person"
Status: in_force

Sec. 177. (a) "Person", for purposes of IC 31-19-19, IC 31-19-25, and the juvenile law, means:

(1) a human being;

(2) a corporation;

(3) a limited liability company;

(4) a partnership;

(5) an unincorporated association; or

(6) a governmental entity.

(b) "Person", for purposes of section 93 of this chapter, means an adult or a minor.

(c) "Person", for purposes of IC 31-27, means an individual who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age, a corporation, a partnership, a voluntary association, or other entity.

(d) "Person", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-13.

(e) "Person", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

(f) "Person", for purposes of IC 31-10-3.5, means:

(1) an individual; or

(2) a legal entity, including a religious organization.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-2-b
Repealed
Status: repealed

Note: This repeal of section effective 7-1-2027. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 7-1-2027.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272. Repealed by P.L.152-2026, SEC.452.
Ind. Code § 31-15-3-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-15-3-10
Scope of decree
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. A decree under this chapter may include orders as provided in this article.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-9(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-23 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-23
Administrative hearings
Status: in_force

Sec. 23. An administrative hearing concerning the decision of the department to impose a sanction under this chapter shall be provided upon a written request by the licensee. The request must be made not more than thirty (30) calendar days after the licensee receives notice under section 22 of this chapter. The written request must be made separately from an informal meeting request made under section 22 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.112.
Ind. Code § 31-16-3.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-16-3.5-1
Bonds; requirements
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. A bond required under this article to secure the obligation of child support must:

(1) be in writing; and

(2) be secured by:

(A) at least one (1) resident freehold surety; or

(B) a commercial insurance company.

As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-0.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-0.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.509. Repealed by P.L.63-2012, SEC.34.
Ind. Code § 31-37-13-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-37-13-5
Findings required where delinquent act would be felony if committed by adult; notification to office of judicial administration
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) If a finding of delinquency is based on a delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, the juvenile court shall state in the findings the following:

(1) The specific statute that was violated.

(2) The class or level of the felony had the violation been committed by an adult.

(b) If a finding of delinquency is based on a delinquent act that would be a serious violent felony (as defined in IC 35-47-4-5) if committed by an adult, the juvenile court shall, notwithstanding IC 31-39-1, transmit the finding to the office of judicial administration for transmission to NICS (as defined in IC 35-47-2.5-2.5) in accordance with IC 33-24-6-3.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-14(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.168-2014, SEC.45; P.L.142-2020, SEC.46.
Ind. Code § 31-16-2-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-16-2-7
Responsive pleading or counter petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. A responsive pleading or a counter petition may be filed under this chapter or IC 31-16-3.5 through IC 31-16-12.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-4(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.1-2010, SEC.118.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-9
Findings and conclusions; written findings concerning recommendations; appeal by department
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. (a) The juvenile court shall accompany the court's dispositional decree with written findings and conclusions upon the record concerning approval, modification, or rejection of the dispositional recommendations submitted in the predispositional report, including the following specific findings:

(1) The needs of the child for care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement.

(2) The need for participation by the parent, guardian, or custodian in the plan of care for the child.

(3) Efforts made, if the child is removed from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, to:

(A) prevent the child's removal from; or

(B) reunite the child with;

the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(4) Family services that were offered and provided to:

(A) the child; or

(B) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(5) The court's reasons for the disposition.

(6) Whether the child is a dual status child under IC 31-41.

(b) If the department does not concur with the probation officer's recommendations in the predispositional report and the juvenile court does not follow the department's alternative recommendations, the juvenile court shall:

(1) accompany the court's dispositional decree with written findings that the department's recommendations contained in the predispositional report are:

(A) unreasonable based on the facts and circumstances of the case; or

(B) contrary to the welfare and best interests of the child; and

(2) incorporate all documents referenced in the report submitted to the probation officer or to the court by the department into the order so that the documents are part of the record for any appeal the department may pursue under subsection (d).

(c) The juvenile court may incorporate a finding or conclusion from a predispositional report as a written finding or conclusion upon the record in the court's dispositional decree.

(d) If the juvenile court enters findings and a decree under subsection (b), the department may appeal the juvenile court's decree under any available procedure provided by the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure or Indiana Rules of Appellate Procedure to allow any disputes arising under this section to be decided in an expeditious manner.

(e) If the department prevails on appeal, the department shall pay the following costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the child before the date of the final decision:

(1) Any programs or services implemented during the appeal initiated under subsection (d), other than the cost of an out-of-home placement ordered by the juvenile court.

(2) Any out-of-home placement ordered by the juvenile court and implemented after entry of the dispositional decree or modification order, if the juvenile court has made written findings that the placement is an emergency required to protect the health and welfare of the child.

If the court has not made written findings that the placement is an emergency, the department shall file a notice with the office of judicial administration.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.3(i) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.55-1997, SEC.34; P.L.146-2006, SEC.56; P.L.146-2008, SEC.646; P.L.131-2009, SEC.70; P.L.48-2012, SEC.72; P.L.66-2015, SEC.16; P.L.156-2020, SEC.122.
Ind. Code § 31-40-5-0.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-40-5-0.5
"Office"
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.5. As used in this chapter, "office" means the Indiana office of court services established by the supreme court.

As added by P.L.201-2023, SEC.238.
Ind. Code § 31-42-1-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 42 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-42-1-6
Limitations on effect of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. This chapter does not do any of the following:

(1) Authorize a parent to:

(A) commit child abuse or neglect as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-33(c); or

(B) sue a judicial officer unless the judicial officer acts in clear absence of jurisdiction.

(2) Prohibit a court from issuing an order that is otherwise permitted by law.

(3) Prevent a person from asserting a defense or claim of immunity available by statute or at common law, including judicial immunity.

(4) Apply to an act or omission by a parent to end the life of a child.

(5) Waive attorney-client privilege as governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Indiana supreme court.

(6) Waive immunities described in IC 31-32-3-10 and IC 31-32-3-10.5.

As added by P.L.101-2025, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.218.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2-0.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2.2 / Section 31-17-2.2-0.5
Notice requirements for persons seeking rights with a child
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.5. Except as provided in section 4 of this chapter, an individual who has or is seeking:

(1) custody of a child;

(2) parenting time with a child; or

(3) grandparent's visitation under IC 31-17-5;

shall at all times keep all other individuals who have or are seeking rights with the child (as described in subdivisions (1) through (3)) advised of the individual's home address and all of the individual's telephone numbers and electronic mail addresses. Information required by this section must be provided in writing, including electronically, to each individual entitled to the information.

As added by P.L.186-2019, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-19-26.5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 26.5 / Section 31-19-26.5-7
Certain children eligible for Medicaid
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. An adoptive child who is:

(1) a child with special needs based on a medical, a physical, a mental, or an emotional condition that existed before the filing of the adoption petition; and

(2) the beneficiary of an agreement for adoption subsidy under this chapter;

is eligible for Medicaid.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.562.
Ind. Code § 31-21-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-21-5-7
Proceeding to modify a child custody determination; proceeding commenced in another state
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. In a proceeding to modify a child custody determination, an Indiana court shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the determination has been commenced in another state. If a proceeding to enforce a child custody determination has been commenced in another state, the Indiana court may:

(1) stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing the proceeding for enforcement;

(2) enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement; or

(3) proceed with the modification under conditions the Indiana court considers appropriate.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-16
Department of child services child care fund
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) The department of child services child care fund is established for the purpose of providing training and facilitating compliance with and enforcement of IC 31-25 through IC 31-28. The fund shall be administered by the department.

(b) The fund consists of the fees and civil penalties collected under IC 31-25 through IC 31-28.

(c) The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from money in the fund.

(d) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same manner as other public funds may be invested. Interest that accrues from these investments shall be deposited in the fund.

(e) Money in the fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert to the state general fund.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2-7.6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-19-2-7.6
Notification of criminal charge while adoption pending
Status: in_force

Sec. 7.6. If a petitioner for adoption is charged with:

(1) a felony; or

(2) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children;

during the pendency of the adoption, the petitioner shall notify the court of the criminal charge in writing.

As added by P.L.200-1999, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-34-5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-34-5-3
Release or detention of child; findings required for detention; contents of detention order
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) The juvenile court shall release the child to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian. However, the court may order the child detained if the court makes written findings of fact upon the record of probable cause to believe that the child is a child in need of services and that any of the following factors applies:

(1) Detention is necessary to protect the child.

(2) The child is unlikely to appear before the juvenile court for subsequent proceedings.

(3) The child has a reasonable basis for requesting that the child not be released.

(4) The parent, guardian, or custodian:

(A) cannot be located; or

(B) is unable or unwilling to take custody of the child.

(5) Consideration for the safety of the child precludes the use of family services to prevent removal of the child. In considering this factor, the court shall:

(A) give great weight to evidence:

(i) of the presence in the child's residence of; or

(ii) that the child has been exposed to;

a fentanyl containing substance or fentanyl related substance for which the child's parent, guardian, or custodian does not have a valid prescription; and

(B) evaluate whether the evidence described in clause (A)(i) or (A)(ii) necessitates removal in consideration of the following factors:

(i) The age of the child.

(ii) Whether the child is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of the fentanyl containing substance or fentanyl related substance due to the child's medical or developmental condition.

(iii) The risk of the child accidentally ingesting the fentanyl containing substance or fentanyl related substance.

(b) The juvenile court shall include in any order approving or requiring detention of a child all findings and conclusions required under:

(1) applicable provisions of Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.); or

(2) any applicable federal regulation, including 45 CFR 1356.21;

as a condition of eligibility of a child in need of services for assistance under Title IV-E or any other federal law.

(c) Inclusion in a juvenile court order of language approved and recommended by the judicial conference of Indiana, in relation to:

(1) removal from the child's home; or

(2) detention;

of a child who is alleged to be, or adjudicated as, a child in need of services constitutes compliance with subsection (b).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-6(g).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.580; P.L.179-2025, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-21 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-21
Records regarding children
Status: in_force

Sec. 21. (a) A licensee shall keep records required by the department regarding each child in the control and care of the licensee and shall report to the department upon request the facts the department requires with reference to children.

(b) The department shall keep records regarding children and facts learned about children and the children's relatives confidential.

(c) The following have access to records regarding children and facts learned about children:

(1) A state agency involved in the licensing of the foster family home.

(2) A legally mandated child protection agency.

(3) A law enforcement agency.

(4) An agency having the legal responsibility to care for a child placed at the foster family home.

(5) The parent, guardian, or custodian of the child at the foster family home.

(6) A citizen review panel established under IC 31-25-2-20.4.

(7) The department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.54; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.375; P.L.123-2014, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-19-3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-19-3-2
Notice not compelling adoptive placement
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Providing the putative father with actual notice under section 1 of this chapter does not obligate the mother of the child to proceed with an adoptive placement of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-6.4(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-19-19-0.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-19-19-0.5
Storing and maintaining adoption records or other adoption information
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.5. (a) This section does not apply to a confidential intermediary appointed under IC 31-19-24.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) or (d), a person that is required to store, maintain, or release adoption records or other adoption information under IC 31-19-12-5, IC 31-19-17, IC 31-19-18, this chapter, or IC 31-19-20 through IC 31-19-25.5 shall store and maintain the adoption records or other adoption information for at least ninety-nine (99) years after the date the adoption was filed. Unless otherwise provided by law, the adoption records or other adoption information may be stored and maintained in an electronic or other format, including microfiche, microfilm, or a digital format.

(c) A person who transfers adoption records or other adoption information to the state registrar or a transferee agency in accordance with IC 31-19-12-5 is not required to comply with the storage or maintenance requirements of subsection (b).

(d) A person, including a court, who obtains custody of or jurisdiction over adoption records or other adoption information following the dissolution, sale, transfer, closure, relocation, or death of a person shall transfer the records or other information to the state registrar or a transferee agency in accordance with IC 31-19-12-5, unless the person wishes to store and maintain the records in accordance with subsection (b).

As added by P.L.42-2009, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.191-2011, SEC.19.
Ind. Code § 31-19-27-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-19-27-1
Program to place hard to place children
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The department shall carry out a program to place hard to place children in suitable adoptive homes in cases in which restoration to the biological family is not possible or appropriate.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-3-3(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.264.
Ind. Code § 31-14-2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-14-2-1
Exclusive methods of establishing paternity
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. A man's paternity may only be established:

(1) in an action under this article; or

(2) by executing a paternity affidavit in accordance with IC 16-37-2-2.1.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-9(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-37-8-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-37-8-1
Receipt and forwarding of information concerning delinquent child; preliminary inquiry
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A person may give an intake officer or a prosecuting attorney written information indicating that a child is a delinquent child.

(b) If the information is given to the intake officer, the intake officer shall:

(1) immediately forward the information to the prosecuting attorney;

(2) complete a dual status screening tool on the child, as described in IC 31-41-1-3; and

(3) complete a risk screening tool on the child.

(c) If the prosecuting attorney has reason to believe the child has committed a delinquent act, the prosecuting attorney shall instruct the intake officer to make a preliminary inquiry, which includes the use of a risk screening tool, to determine whether the interests of the public or of the child require further action.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-7(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.66-2015, SEC.9; P.L.101-2022, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-3-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-18.5-3-6
Inappropriate tribunal
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If a petition or comparable pleading is received by an inappropriate Indiana tribunal, the tribunal shall:

(1) forward the pleading and accompanying documents to an appropriate tribunal of this state or another state; and

(2) notify the petitioner where and when the pleading was sent.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-31-5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-31-5-2
Compensation; travel expenses
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The salary of a probation officer shall be fixed by the county fiscal body in accordance with the salary schedule adopted by the county fiscal body under IC 36-2-16.5. The salary of a probation officer shall be paid by the county.

(b) Subject to the approval of the county fiscal body, the judge shall fix and the county shall pay the salaries of juvenile court employees other than probation officers.

(c) In addition to their annual salary, probation officers shall be reimbursed for any necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the law governing state officers and employees.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-9-4(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.277-2003, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-17-2-2
Application of Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Proceedings under this chapter, IC 31-17-4, IC 31-17-6, and IC 31-17-7 must comply with the Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-4(e) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-19-24-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 24 / Section 31-19-24-6
Confidentiality of communications; manner of communicating
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. All communications under this chapter are confidential, and any communication shall be made by a personal contact by the confidential intermediary.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-22(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.196-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-22 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-22
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.128-2012, SEC.102.
Ind. Code § 31-19-19-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-19-19-5
Disclosure of confidential information; offense; discharge from public office
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) An employer or any person administering adoption records who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally:

(1) discloses any confidential information relating to any adoption except as provided in IC 31-19-17, this chapter, or IC 31-19-20 through IC 31-19-25.5; or

(2) allows an employee to disclose any confidential information relating to any adoption except as provided in this chapter;

commits a Class A misdemeanor.

(b) If a public employee commits a violation described in subsection (a), the violation is cause for discharge.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-19(b), (c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.191-2011, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-35-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-35-4-2
Admissibility of statements or videotapes
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A statement or videotape that:

(1) is made by a child who at the time of the statement or videotape:

(A) is less than fourteen (14) years of age; or

(B) is at least fourteen (14) years of age but less than eighteen (18) years of age and has a disability attributable to an impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior that:

(i) is likely to continue indefinitely;

(ii) constitutes a substantial disability to the child's ability to function normally in society; and

(iii) reflects the child's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated;

(2) concerns an act that is a material element in determining whether a parent-child relationship should be terminated; and

(3) is not otherwise admissible in evidence under statute or court rule;

is admissible in evidence in an action described in section 1 of this chapter if the requirements of section 3 of this chapter are met.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-15-2 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-14-6-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-14-6-2
Objections and admissibility
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A party may object to the admissibility of genetic test results obtained under section 1 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-6.1-8(a) before its repeal) if the party files a written objection at least thirty (30) days before a scheduled hearing at which the test results may be offered as evidence. If a party does not file an objection under this section (or IC 31-6-6.1-8(b) before its repeal), the test results are admissible as evidence of paternity without the necessity of:

(1) foundation testimony; or

(2) other proof;

regarding the accuracy of the test results.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-8(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-34-10-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-34-10-6
Admission or denial of allegations by parent, guardian, or custodian
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. Except if a petition is filed under IC 31-34-1-6 or IC 31-34-1-3.5, the juvenile court shall determine whether the parent, guardian, or custodian admits or denies the allegations of the petition. A failure to respond constitutes a denial.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-13.6(f).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.46-2016, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-16-14-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-16-14-5
Dependent spouse's collection of other spouse's debts; lease or mortgage of other spouse's real property; disposition of proceeds
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. If the court orders support to be paid under this chapter, the court may, without appointing a receiver, authorize the dependent spouse to:

(1) collect debts owed to the other spouse; and

(2) lease or mortgage any part of the other spouse's real property and apply the proceeds of the mortgage or lease to the support of the dependent spouse and dependent children.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-11-5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-21-3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-21-3-2
Question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction priority
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this article is raised in a child custody proceeding, the question, on a request of a party, must be given priority on the court's calendar and handled expeditiously.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-33-27-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-33-27-4
Expungement of records; amended information
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) The department shall expunge child abuse or neglect information relating to a substantiated report not later than the time specified for expungement of the report from the child protection index under IC 31-33-26-15.

(b) The department shall amend information relating to a substantiated report by deleting the name of a person as an alleged perpetrator if:

(1) a court having jurisdiction over a child in need of services proceeding; or

(2) an administrative hearing officer under IC 31-33-26-9;

finds that the person was not a perpetrator of the child abuse or neglect that occurred.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.56.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-35-1-5
Deadline for hearing on termination petition; notice requirements
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) The court shall hold an initial hearing on a petition filed under section 4 of this chapter not later than thirty (30) days after the date on which the petition is filed.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), the parents shall be notified of the hearing in accordance with IC 31-32-9.

(c) A parent who has made a valid consent to the termination of a parent-child relationship may waive the notice required by subsection (b) if the waiver:

(1) is in writing either:

(A) in the parent's consent to terminate the parent-child relationship; or

(B) in a separate document;

(2) is signed by the parent in the presence of a notary public; and

(3) contains an acknowledgment that:

(A) the waiver is irrevocable; and

(B) the parent will not receive notice of:

(i) adoption; or

(ii) termination of parent-child relationship;

proceedings.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-2(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.146-2007, SEC.13; P.L.179-2025, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-32-1-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-32-1-4
Hearing notices regarding CHINS or delinquent cases
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) Any written notice of a hearing or other court proceeding in a child in need of services case under IC 31-34 or a delinquency case under IC 31-37 shall be given to:

(1) a party in the manner provided by Rule 5 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure; or

(2) an individual who is not a party by:

(A) personal delivery to the individual; or

(B) mail as provided in Rule 5(B)(2) of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.

(b) Notice by mail must be deposited in the United States mail not less than five (5) calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and national legal holidays recognized by the federal government) before the date of the scheduled hearing or proceeding.

(c) Written notice may be given by either:

(1) a copy of a court order or docket entry; or

(2) a letter addressed to the individual required to be notified;

that states the date, time, and purpose of the hearing or proceeding.

(d) Written notice is not required if verbal notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing or proceeding is given by the court at an earlier hearing or proceeding at which the individual to be notified is present.

(e) Written notice is not required if:

(1) the hearing or proceeding is scheduled to be held at a time within forty eight (48) hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and any day on which a legal holiday is observed for state employees) after the court sets the time for the hearing or proceeding; and

(2) the individual responsible for giving the notice under this section:

(A) provides verbal notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing or proceeding directly to the person required to be notified; and

(B) verifies by affidavit or testimony at the hearing that verbal notice was given as required under this subsection.

(f) Except as provided in subsection (d):

(1) the department is responsible for giving all notices of a hearing or proceeding in a child in need of services case under IC 31-34; and

(2) the prosecuting attorney or the probation department of the juvenile court is responsible for giving all notices of a hearing or proceeding in a delinquency case under IC 31-37.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.64.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-27 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-27
Priority of order over other claims
Status: in_force

Sec. 27. An income withholding order under this chapter has priority over any secured or unsecured claim on income except claims for federal, state, and local taxes that are required to be withheld for the calendar year in which the income is subject to a withholding order.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-10-22.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-32-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-32-1-2
Applicability of laws governing criminal trials
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. If a person is charged with a crime, the laws governing criminal trials apply.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-1(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-21-6-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-21-6-5
Hearing to contest validity of a registered order
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered order must request a hearing not more than twenty (20) days after service of the notice. At the hearing, the court shall confirm the registered order unless the person contesting the registration establishes that:

(1) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under IC 31-21-5;

(2) the child custody determination sought to be registered has been:

(A) vacated;

(B) stayed; or

(C) modified;

by a court having jurisdiction to do so under IC 31-21-5; or

(3) the person contesting registration was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of IC 31-21-3-3 in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which registration is sought.

(b) If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registration is not made:

(1) the registration is confirmed as a matter of law; and

(2) the person requesting registration and each person served must be notified of the confirmation.

(c) Confirmation of a registered order whether:

(1) by operation of law; or

(2) after notice and hearing;

precludes further contest of the order with respect to a matter that may have been asserted at the time of registration.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-33-6-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-33-6-1
Immunity from civil or criminal liability
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and section 2 of this chapter, a person, other than a person accused of child abuse or neglect, who:

(1) makes or causes to be made a report of a child who may be a victim of child abuse or neglect;

(2) is a health care provider and detains a child for purposes of causing photographs, x-rays, or a medical examination to be made under IC 31-33-10;

(3) makes any other report of a child who may be a victim of child abuse or neglect;

(4) participates in or assists with an investigation by the department or a law enforcement agency resulting from a report that a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect, including by transferring photographs, x-rays, or medical examination records completed under subdivision (2);

(5) is a health care provider and provides professional intervention resulting from a report that a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect, including:

(A) providing care or treatment to the child;

(B) participating in a case review concerning the child;

(C) providing advice or consultation concerning the child;

(D) disclosing medical records and other health information concerning the child, in accordance with federal or state law governing the disclosure of medical records;

(E) providing information to a child fatality review team; or

(F) recommending judicial action concerning a child; or

(6) participates, including testifying as a witness, in any judicial proceeding or other proceeding:

(A) resulting from a report that a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect; or

(B) relating to the subject matter of the report;

is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be imposed because of such actions, even if the reported child abuse or neglect is classified by the department as unsubstantiated.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to an action brought against a qualified health care provider for medical malpractice under IC 34-18-8.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-7 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.106-2018, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-27-7-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-27-7-4
Determination of reasonability of cost
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. For purposes of this chapter, the department shall determine whether a cost is reasonable based on what a reasonable person would pay in the same or similar circumstances for the same or similar item or service.

As added by P.L.173-2022, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-64 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-64
"Costs of secure detention"
Status: in_force

Sec. 64. "Costs of secure detention", for purposes of this title, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-40-1-1.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-25.5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 25.5 / Section 31-19-25.5-3
Determine if adoptee and pre-adoptive sibling submitted similar requests
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) If an adoptee submits a written request to the state registrar under section 2 of this chapter, the state registrar shall determine whether the pre-adoptive sibling of the adoptee has submitted a similar request.

(b) If a pre-adoptive sibling of an adoptee submits a written request to the state registrar under section 2 of this chapter, the state registrar shall determine whether an adoptee has submitted a similar request.

As added by P.L.191-2011, SEC.55.
Ind. Code § 31-11-4-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-11-4-16
Completion, disposition, filing, and recording of marriage certificates and marriage licenses
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) The individual who solemnizes a marriage shall do the following:

(1) Complete the original and duplicate certificates described in section 15 of this chapter.

(2) Give the original certificate to the individuals who married each other.

(3) Not later than thirty (30) days after the date of the marriage, file the duplicate certificate and the license to marry with the clerk of the circuit court who issued the marriage license.

(b) The clerk of the circuit court shall record the duplicate certificate and license to marry as prescribed by the Indiana department of health under section 15 of this chapter.

(c) If a duplicate certificate and marriage license are filed with a clerk of the circuit court who did not issue the marriage license, the clerk shall return the certificate and license to the clerk of the circuit court who issued the license.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-3-15.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.256.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-258 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-258
"Youth service bureau"
Status: in_force

Sec. 258. "Youth service bureau", for purposes of IC 31-26-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-17-4-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-17-4-6
Hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. A hearing upon the restraining order must be held at the earliest convenience of the court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-26(c) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-20.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-20.2
Receipt and administration of money to or for the benefit of persons receiving payments or services; child trust clearance account; commingling prohibited
Status: in_force

Sec. 20.2. (a) This section does not apply to:

(1) money received before January 1, 2009, to reimburse the county family and children's fund for expenditures made from the appropriations of the counties; or

(2) money received after December 31, 2008, to reimburse the department for expenditures made by the department for child services.

(b) The department may receive and administer money available to or for the benefit of a person receiving payments or services from the department. The following apply to all money received under this section:

(1) The money shall be kept in a special account known as the child trust clearance account and may not be commingled with any other money.

(2) The money may be expended by the department in any manner consistent with the following:

(A) The purpose of the child trust clearance account or with the intention of the donor of the money.

(B) Indiana law.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.568.
Ind. Code § 31-19-9-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-19-9-16
Challenge of adoption or validity of irrevocably implied consent by putative father; when precluded
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. A putative father whose consent to adoption is irrevocably implied under section 15 of this chapter is not entitled to contest:

(1) the adoption; or

(2) the validity of the putative father's implied consent to the adoption.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-6.4(g).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-27 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-27
Emancipation of child; findings; terms
Status: in_force

Sec. 27. (a) The juvenile court for the county in which a child resides may emancipate the child under section 1(a)(5) or 5(b)(5) of this chapter upon a petition brought by the child.

(b) The court in which a petition is filed under subsection (a) shall appoint an attorney to serve as guardian ad litem for the child. The guardian ad litem shall investigate the statements contained in the petition and file a report of the investigation with the court.

(c) After receiving the report of the guardian ad litem under subsection (b) and holding a hearing, the court may grant the petition if the court finds that the child:

(1) wishes to be free from parental control and protection and no longer needs that control and protection;

(2) has sufficient money for the child's own support;

(3) understands the consequences of being free from parental control and protection; and

(4) has an acceptable plan for independent living.

(d) If the juvenile court completely emancipates the child, the child has all the rights and responsibilities of an adult. If the juvenile court partially emancipates the child, the court shall specify the terms of the emancipation, which may include the following:

(1) Suspension of the parent's or guardian's duty to support the child. In this case, the judgment of emancipation supersedes the support order of a court.

(2) Suspension of:

(A) the parent's or guardian's right to the control or custody of the child; and

(B) the parent's right to the child's earnings.

(3) Empowering the child to consent to military enlistment.

(4) Empowering the child to consent to:

(A) medical;

(B) psychological;

(C) psychiatric;

(D) educational; or

(E) social;

services.

(5) Empowering the child to contract.

(6) Empowering the child to own property.

(e) An emancipated child remains subject to the following:

(1) IC 20-33-2 concerning compulsory school attendance.

(2) The continuing jurisdiction of the court.

(3) IC 31-11-1-4 concerning minimum age for marriage.

(4) Other specific constitutional and statutory age requirements applicable to the emancipated child because of the emancipated child's age, including requirements regarding voting, use of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products, and other health and safety regulations.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.7 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.1-2005, SEC.212; P.L.85-2017, SEC.107; P.L.94-2020, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-19-16-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-19-16-6
Voiding or modifying agreement
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) The court may void or modify a postadoption contact agreement approved under this chapter at any time before or after the adoption if the court determines after a hearing that the best interest of the child requires the voiding or modifying of the agreement.

(b) Before the court:

(1) voids or modifies an agreement; or

(2) hears a motion to compel compliance with an agreement approved under this chapter;

the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate under IC 31-32-3 to represent and protect the best interests of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-13(f).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.196-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-21-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-21-4-2
Party communication
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, the parties must be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on jurisdiction is made.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-7.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-7.5
Income payor duties
Status: in_force

Sec. 7.5. (a) An income payor that is required to withhold income under this chapter shall:

(1) forward income withheld for the payment of current or past due child support as directed by an income withholding order to the state central collection unit at the time that an obligor is paid;

(2) include a statement that identifies the:

(A) cause number for each obligee;

(B) Indiana support enforcement tracking system (ISETS) or its successor statewide automated support enforcement system case number for each obligee;

(C) name of each obligor and the obligor's Social Security number;

(D) name of each obligee with the amount of the withheld income forwarded by the income payor; and

(E) date on which the amount was withheld from the obligor's income; and

(3) begin withholding income not later than the first pay date after fourteen (14) days following the date the order for income withholding is received by the income payor.

(b) An income payor may retain, in addition to the amount of income forwarded to the state central collection unit, a fee of not more than two dollars ($2) each time the income payor forwards income to the state central collection unit. If an income payor retains a fee under this subsection, the income payor shall reduce the amount of income withheld for the payment of current and past due child support, if necessary to avoid exceeding the maximum amount permitted to be withheld under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).

As added by P.L.103-2007, SEC.33. Amended by P.L.80-2010, SEC.41; P.L.128-2012, SEC.42.
Ind. Code § 31-30-2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-30-2-1
Continuing juvenile court jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (h), the juvenile court's jurisdiction over a delinquent child or a child in need of services and over the child's parent, guardian, or custodian continues until:

(1) the child becomes twenty-one (21) years of age, unless the court discharges the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian at an earlier time; or

(2) guardianship of the child is awarded to the department of correction.

(b) The juvenile court may, on its own motion, after guardianship of a child is awarded to the department of correction, reinstate the court's jurisdiction for the purpose of ordering the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to participate in programs operated by or through the department of correction.

(c) The juvenile court's jurisdiction over a parent or guardian of the estate of a child under this section continues until the parent or guardian of the estate has satisfied the financial obligation of the parent or guardian of the estate that is imposed under IC 31-40 (or IC 31-6-4-18 before its repeal).

(d) Except as provided in subsection (g), the jurisdiction of the juvenile court over a proceeding described in IC 31-30-1-1(a)(10) for a guardianship of the person continues until the earlier of the date that:

(1) the juvenile court terminates the guardianship of the person; or

(2) the child becomes:

(A) nineteen (19) years of age, if a child who is at least eighteen (18) years of age is a full-time student in a secondary school or the equivalent level of vocational or career and technical education; or

(B) eighteen (18) years of age, if clause (A) does not apply.

If the guardianship of the person continues after the child becomes the age specified in subdivision (2), the juvenile court shall transfer the guardianship of the person proceedings to a court having probate jurisdiction in the county in which the guardian of the person resides. If the juvenile court has both juvenile and probate jurisdiction, the juvenile court may transfer the guardianship of the person proceedings to the probate docket of the court.

(e) The jurisdiction of the juvenile court to enter, modify, or enforce a support order under IC 31-40-1-5 continues during the time that the court retains jurisdiction over a guardianship of the person proceeding described in IC 31-30-1-1(a)(10).

(f) At any time, a juvenile court may, with the consent of a probate court, transfer to the probate court guardianship of the person proceedings and any related support order initiated in the juvenile court.

(g) A juvenile court may retain jurisdiction over an older youth, as defined in IC 31-28-5.8-4, who is a recipient or beneficiary of:

(1) kinship guardianship assistance under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 673), as amended; or

(2) other financial assistance provided to or for the benefit of a child who:

(A) was previously adjudicated as a child in need of services or delinquent child;

(B) is a protected person under a legal guardianship if IC 29-3-8-9(f) applies; and

(C) is approved for assistance under a rule or published policy of the department.

(h) Upon receipt of a motion under IC 31-37-22-11, the juvenile court shall reinstate its jurisdiction to conduct a hearing and issue an appropriate order in accordance with IC 31-37-22-11.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-2-3(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.217-2001, SEC.4; P.L.234-2007, SEC.167; P.L.48-2012, SEC.36; P.L.86-2017, SEC.4; P.L.115-2023, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-23.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-23.5
Title IV-D incentive fund; use of money
Status: in_force

Sec. 23.5. (a) Each county that receives payments under section 23(a)(1) of this chapter shall establish a Title IV-D incentive fund.

(b) The incentive payments under section 23(a)(1) of this chapter shall be paid into the fund.

(c) Money in the fund may be used only for child support enforcement purposes.

(d) Money in the fund does not revert to any other fund.

As added by P.L.162-2011, SEC.21.
Ind. Code § 31-39-8-1.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-39-8-1.5
Exclusive jurisdiction to expunge delinquency and CHINS findings
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.5. The juvenile court in the county of the original action has exclusive original jurisdiction over petitions to expunge records of a child alleged to be a delinquent child or a child in need of services.

As added by P.L.86-2017, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-10
Eligibility of waivers and variances
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. A group home may be eligible to receive a waiver or variance from the requirements of this chapter by complying with IC 31-27-2-8.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-14-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-14-1-1
Public policy regarding establishment of paternity
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The general assembly favors the public policy of establishing paternity under this article of a child born out of wedlock.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-1.5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-37-17-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-37-17-2
Participation by parent, guardian, or custodian; out-of-home placement with blood or adoptive relative caretaker
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) In addition to providing the court with a recommendation for the care, treatment, or rehabilitation of the child, the person preparing the report shall consider the necessity, nature, and extent of the participation by a parent, guardian, or custodian in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child.

(b) If a probation officer believes that an out-of-home placement would be appropriate for a delinquent child, the probation officer shall consider whether the child should be placed with a suitable and willing relative, before considering other out-of-home placements for the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.640; P.L.123-2014, SEC.25.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-14.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-14.5
Use of reasonable and prudent parent standard
Status: in_force

Sec. 14.5. A licensee shall use the reasonable and prudent parent standard when determining whether to allow a child in foster care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities.

As added by P.L.104-2015, SEC.24.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-6-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-18.5-6-11
Modification of child support order of another state
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) If section 13 of this chapter does not apply, upon petition, an Indiana tribunal may modify a child support order issued in another state which is registered in Indiana if, after notice and hearing, the tribunal finds that:

(1) the following requirements are met:

(A) neither the child, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the obligor resides in the issuing state;

(B) a petitioner who is a nonresident of this state seeks modification; and

(C) the respondent is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the Indiana tribunal; or

(2) Indiana is the residence of the child, or a party who is an individual is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the Indiana tribunal, and all of the parties who are individuals have filed consents in a record in the issuing tribunal for an Indiana tribunal to modify the support order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.

(b) Modification of a registered child support order is subject to the same requirements, procedures, and defenses that apply to the modification of an order issued by an Indiana tribunal and the order may be enforced and satisfied in the same manner.

(c) An Indiana tribunal may not modify any aspect of a child support order that may not be modified under the law of the issuing state, including the duration of the obligation of support. If two (2) or more tribunals have issued child support orders for the same obligor and same child, the order that controls and must be so recognized under IC 31-18.5-2-7 establishes the aspects of the support order which are nonmodifiable.

(d) In a proceeding to modify a child support order, the law of the state that is determined to have issued the initial controlling order governs the duration of the obligation of support. The obligor's fulfillment of the duty of support established by that order precludes imposition of a further obligation of support by an Indiana tribunal.

(e) On the issuance of an order by an Indiana tribunal modifying a child support order issued in another state, the Indiana tribunal becomes the tribunal having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.

(f) Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (e) and IC 31-18.5-2-1(b), an Indiana tribunal retains jurisdiction to modify an order issued by an Indiana tribunal if:

(1) one (1) party resides in another state; and

(2) the other party resides outside the United States.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-12-2-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-12-2-3
Order compelling party to cooperate in counseling services
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A judge may order either or both parties in a domestic relations proceeding to:

(1) report to the domestic relations bureau;

(2) cooperate in counseling; and

(3) furnish the counselor with pertinent information in a party's knowledge.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-5 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-16-21-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-16-21-3
Supplemental remedies
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. This chapter is supplemental to all other statutes relating to support payments.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-8-4.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-34-1-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-34-1-11
Risks or injuries arising from use of alcohol, controlled substance, or legend drug by child's mother during pregnancy
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. Except as provided in sections 12 and 13 of this chapter, a child is a child in need of services if:

(1) the child:

(A) has an injury;

(B) has abnormal physical or psychological development;

(C) has symptoms of neonatal intoxication or withdrawal; or

(D) is at a substantial risk of a life threatening condition;

that arises or is substantially aggravated because the child's mother used alcohol, a controlled substance, or a legend drug during pregnancy; and

(2) the child needs care, treatment, or rehabilitation that:

(A) the child is not receiving; or

(B) is unlikely to be provided or accepted without the coercive intervention of the court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-3.1(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.2-2005, SEC.81; P.L.243-2017, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-232 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-232
"State registrar"
Status: in_force

Sec. 232. "State registrar", for purposes of IC 31-19-18 through IC 31-19-25.5, means the person who:

(1) is in charge of the division of the Indiana department of health that administers the system of vital records; and

(2) has charge of the files and records pertaining to vital records.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-21-7.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-34-21-7.3
Internet posting of information to facilitate adoption of child
Status: in_force

Sec. 7.3. (a) This section applies after:

(1) a court approves a permanency plan for a child under which the only intended permanent or long term arrangement for care and custody of the child is placement of the child for adoption, if the child is not already in a pre-adoptive placement in a proposed adoptive home;

(2) a court authorizes the filing of a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship; or

(3) a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship is filed;

in relation to a child in need of services.

(b) The department shall post the following nonidentifying information on the Internet to facilitate a potential adoptive placement of the child:

(1) The child's age, gender, and summary of the child's educational, social, and medical background, including known disabilities.

(2) The reason the child was removed from the child's home.

(3) Whether a person has expressed an interest in adopting the child.

(4) The name, address, and telephone number of a contact person from:

(A) the department;

(B) the appropriate local office; or

(C) the appropriate licensed child placing agency;

where a person who may be interested in adopting the child may obtain further information about adopting the child.

(5) Whether a petition to terminate the rights of the child's parents has been authorized or filed, and whether the rights of the child's parents have been terminated.

(6) An address and telephone number of:

(A) the department;

(B) the appropriate local office; or

(C) the appropriate licensed child placing agency;

where a person who may be interested in adopting the child may obtain further information about adopting the child.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d), the information posted under subsection (b) may not identify the name of any of the following persons:

(1) The child.

(2) The child's biological or adoptive parents.

(3) A sibling of the child.

(4) A caretaker of the child.

(d) If the child is a hard to place child, the information posted by the department under subsection (b) may include the child's first name and picture.

(e) The department shall update any relevant information under this section after either of the following:

(1) Each of the child's periodic reviews that occur after the information under this section is required to be posted.

(2) The rights of the child's parents have been terminated.

(f) The department shall remove the information required under subsection (b) from the Internet whenever the child is reunited with the child's family or an adoption of the child is filed under IC 31-19-2.

(g) Upon request, the department shall inform the person making the request of the address of the website containing the information described in this section.

As added by P.L.35-1998, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.323; P.L.128-2012, SEC.168; P.L.179-2025, SEC.21; P.L.23-2026, SEC.267.
Ind. Code § 31-14-8-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-14-8-3
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-7(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.257-1997(ss), SEC.40.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-35-3-1
Application of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter applies to the termination of the parent-child relationship between an individual convicted of an offense listed in section 4(1) of this chapter and a child described in section 4(2) of this chapter.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-3
Index components
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. In addition to the equipment needed to establish, operate, and maintain the index, the index must include the following components:

(1) Automated risk assessment in which a family case manager or supervisor is able to review a substantiated child abuse or neglect case to determine prior case history during the intake, assessment, and case management processes.

(2) The capability to allow supervisors to monitor child abuse and neglect cases and reports relating to the cases.

(3) The automated production of standard reports to enable the automated compilation of information gathered on forms used by family case managers to report the information and results of child abuse and neglect cases. The index must also provide for the automation of other data for planning and evaluation as determined by the department.

(4) The capability of same day notification and transfer of statistical information to the department regarding new and closed child abuse and neglect cases.

(5) The enabling of child welfare supervisors to review a child abuse or neglect determination at any point after the assessment is initially classified as substantiated abuse or neglect, to confirm the status of the case, and to allow for the consolidated management of cases.

(6) The capability for adjusting the index's programming at a later date if additional reporting requirements occur.

(7) A word processing capability to allow case notes to be recorded with each substantiated child abuse and neglect case.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.56; P.L.128-2012, SEC.156.
Ind. Code § 31-19-11-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-19-11-3
Request for financial assistance; determination of eligibility for financial assistance
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) If the petition for adoption contained a request for financial assistance, the court shall refer the petitioner to the department to complete and submit to the department the Indiana Adoption Program application for a determination of eligibility for:

(1) adoption assistance under 42 U.S.C. 673, including applicable federal and state regulations; or

(2) an adoption subsidy under IC 31-19-26.5.

(b) The department shall determine the eligibility of the adoptive child for financial assistance and the amount of assistance, if any, that will be provided.

(c) The court may not order payment of:

(1) adoption assistance under 42 U.S.C. 673; or

(2) any adoption subsidy under IC 31-19-26.5.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-8(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.561; P.L.131-2009, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-183 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-183
"Preliminary inquiry"
Status: in_force

Sec. 183. "Preliminary inquiry", for purposes of IC 31-34 and IC 31-37, means an informal investigation into the facts and circumstances reported to the court.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-21-4-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-21-4-10
Travel and reasonable expenses
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under sections 8 and 9 of this chapter may be assessed against the parties according to Indiana law.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-19-18-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-19-18-3
Voluntary transmission of medical information; storage; affirmation
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) Any person may voluntarily transmit medical information to the state registrar for inclusion with the medical history.

(b) The state registrar shall store all information received under this section in a manner that makes the information readily recoverable.

(c) Any transmission of voluntary information must include an affirmation by the person that:

(1) the information is true; or

(2) the person believes the information is true.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-13.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-21-5-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-21-5-14
Order to appear before the court
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. (a) In a child custody proceeding in Indiana, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in Indiana to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who:

(1) is in Indiana; and

(2) has physical custody or control of the child;

to appear in person with the child.

(b) If a party to a child custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside Indiana, the court may order that a notice given under IC 31-21-3-3 include a statement:

(1) directing the party to appear in person with or without the child; and

(2) informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party.

(c) The court may enter an order necessary to ensure the safety of:

(1) the child; and

(2) any person ordered to appear under this section.

(d) If a party to a child custody proceeding who is outside Indiana:

(1) is directed to appear under subsection (b); or

(2) desires to appear personally before the court with or without the child;

the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party who appears and of the child.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-5
Investigation of applicants
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The department shall investigate a person seeking licensure to determine whether the person is in compliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article. The investigation shall be conducted at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner in announced or unannounced visits. Activities may include onsite inspections, record reading, observation, and interviewing. The department may require that evidence of compliance with the rules adopted under this article be presented in a form and manner specified in the rules.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-39-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-39-5-7
Expungement of record
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. Whenever fingerprints or photographs are expunged from the files of a law enforcement agency under section 4 of this chapter, the law enforcement agency may retain no other information on the incident. However, this section does not require the alteration of any law enforcement record, such as a blotter entry made at the time of arrest, or of any record in the juvenile court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-8-1.5(g).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-40-5-0.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-40-5-0.1
"Commission"
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.1. As used in this chapter, "commission" means the commission on improving the status of children in Indiana established by IC 2-5-36-3.

As added by P.L.201-2023, SEC.236.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-82.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-82.5
"Discriminate"
Status: in_force

Sec. 82.5. "Discriminate", for purposes of IC 31-10-3.5, includes any one (1) or more of the following acts when done wholly or partially based on a person's sincerely held religious belief:

(1) Denying or otherwise making unavailable any funding to the person, including:

(A) a state grant;

(B) a loan;

(C) a scholarship;

(D) a guarantee; or

(E) an entitlement or a state benefit.

(2) Terminating, altering the terms of, or refusing to enter into a contract with the person, including a subcontract or cooperative agreement.

(3) Refusing to recognize or taking any adverse action against a person's:

(A) license;

(B) certificate;

(C) custody award or agreement; or

(D) any other similar status.

(4) Refusing to place a child with the person, except for the reasons set forth in IC 31-10-3.5-1.

(5) Altering in any way the person's tax treatment, including:

(A) imposing a tax penalty;

(B) denying or otherwise making unavailable an exemption from taxation; or

(C) disallowing or otherwise making unavailable a deduction for state tax purposes of any charitable donation made by or to the person.

(6) Imposing on the person any of the following:

(A) A monetary fine.

(B) A fee.

(C) A penalty.

(D) A damages award.

(E) An injunction.

(7) Taking any of the following actions:

(A) Refusing to hire or promote the person.

(B) Forcing the person to resign.

(C) Firing, demoting, or disciplining the person.

(D) Altering the terms or conditions of the person's employment.

(E) Retaliating against the person.

(F) Taking any other adverse employment action against the person.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-12-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-19-12-2
Information for new birth records
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The official decree of each:

(1) adoption; or

(2) annulment or revocation of adoption;

that is provided to the clerk of the circuit court for the official order book record must set forth all pertinent information that is necessary to make possible the establishment of the birth records prescribed by section 1 of this chapter.

(b) The completion of the record is a prerequisite to the issuance of a certificate of final adoption by the court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-12(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-34-20-1.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-34-20-1.5
Placement in household with certain individuals prohibited; criminal history checks; exceptions; considerations
Status: in_force

Note: This version of section amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.207. See also following version of this section amended by P.L.158-2026, SEC.28.

Sec. 1.5. (a) Except as provided in subsection (d), the juvenile court may not enter a dispositional decree approving or ordering placement of a child in another home under section 1(a)(3) of this chapter or awarding wardship to the department that will place the child in another home under section 1(a)(4) of this chapter if a person who is currently residing in the home in which the child would be placed under section 1(a)(3) or 1(a)(4) of this chapter has committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 if committed by an adult, or has a conviction for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168.

(b) The department or caseworker who prepared the predispositional report shall conduct a criminal history check (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-58) to determine if a person described in subsection (a) has committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 if committed by an adult, or has a conviction for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168. However, the department or caseworker is not required to conduct a criminal history check under this section if criminal history information under IC 31-34-4-2 or IC 31-34-18-6.1 establishes whether a person described in subsection (a) has committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 if committed by an adult, or has a conviction for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168.

(c) The department or caseworker is not required to conduct a criminal history check under this section if:

(1) the department or caseworker is considering only an out-of-home placement to an entity or a facility that:

(A) is not a residence (as defined in IC 3-5-2.1-90); or

(B) is licensed by the state; or

(2) placement under this section is undetermined at the time the predispositional report is prepared.

(d) A juvenile court may enter a dispositional decree that approves placement of a child in another home or award wardship to the department that will place the child in a home with a person described in subsection (a) if:

(1) the person described in subsection (a) has:

(A) committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect;

(B) been convicted of:

(i) battery (IC 35-42-2-1);

(ii) criminal recklessness (IC 35-42-2-2) as a felony;

(iii) criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) as a felony;

(iv) arson (IC 35-43-1-1) as a felony;

(v) nonsupport of a dependent child (IC 35-46-1-5);

(vi) operating a motorboat while intoxicated (IC 35-46-9-6) as a felony;

(vii) a felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47;

(viii) a felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4; or

(ix) a felony under IC 9-30-5;

if the conviction did not occur within the past five (5) years; or

(C) had a juvenile adjudication for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony; and

(2) the person's commission of the offense, delinquent act, or act of abuse or neglect described in subdivision (1) is not relevant to the person's present ability to care for a child, and placing a child in another home or awarding wardship to the department is in the best interest of the child.

However, a court may not enter a dispositional decree that approves placement of a child in another home or awards wardship to the department if the person has been convicted of a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that is not specifically excluded under subdivision (1)(B).

(e) In considering the placement under subsection (d), the court shall consider the following:

(1) The length of time since the person committed the offense, delinquent act, or act that resulted in the substantiated report of abuse or neglect.

(2) The severity of the offense, delinquent act, or abuse or neglect.

(3) Evidence of the person's rehabilitation, including the person's cooperation with a treatment plan, if applicable.

As added by P.L.70-2004, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.183; P.L.145-2006, SEC.312; P.L.1-2007, SEC.207; P.L.146-2008, SEC.603; P.L.162-2011, SEC.50; P.L.128-2012, SEC.165; P.L.158-2013, SEC.322; P.L.65-2016, SEC.15; P.L.183-2017, SEC.49; P.L.243-2019, SEC.17; P.L.142-2020, SEC.44; P.L.186-2025, SEC.161; P.L.145-2026, SEC.207.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-19 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-19
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.128-2012, SEC.135.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-3-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-18.5-3-8
Powers of department of child services
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) If the department of child services determines that the support enforcement agency is neglecting or refusing to provide services to an individual, the department of child services may:

(1) order the support enforcement agency to perform its duties under this article; or

(2) provide those services directly to the individual.

(b) The department of child services may determine that a foreign country has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with Indiana and take appropriate action for notification of the determination.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4.5 / Section 31-26-4.5-1
Establishment
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) The insuring foster youth trust program is established under this chapter to recognize that:

(1) foster youth have limited access to resources as they begin to age out of the system;

(2) foster youth require additional resources as they begin to age out of the system to ensure a successful transition to adulthood;

(3) ensuring that foster youth can afford automobile insurance is paramount to the successful transition of a foster youth to adulthood; and

(4) providing funding to help defray the cost of automobile insurance will drastically increase the chances of a successful transition of a foster youth to adulthood.

(b) Subject to available funding, the insuring foster youth trust program shall provide funding to help defray the cost of the following:

(1) Automobile insurance coverage for foster youth.

(2) Not more than forty-four (44) of the fifty (50) hours of supervised driving practice for foster youth pursuant to IC 9-24-3-2.5.

As added by P.L.59-2022, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-15-3-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-15-3-9
Decree; term; findings
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. In an action for legal separation under section 2 of this chapter, the court may grant a decree for a separation of the parties to the marriage for a period not to exceed one (1) year if the court finds that:

(1) conditions in or circumstances of the marriage make it currently intolerable for both parties to live together;

(2) the marriage should be maintained; and

(3) neither party has filed a petition or counter petition for dissolution of marriage under IC 31-15-2 (or IC 31-1-11.5 before its repeal).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-1-11.5-8(c), 31-1-11.5-9(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-32-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-32-2-5
Parent's right to representation by counsel
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A parent is entitled to representation by counsel in proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-2(c) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-11-6-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-11-6-1
Persons authorized to solemnize marriages
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Marriages may be solemnized by any of the following:

(1) A member of the clergy of a religious organization (even if the cleric does not perform religious functions for an individual congregation), such as a minister of the gospel, a priest, a bishop, an archbishop, or a rabbi.

(2) A judge.

(3) A mayor, within the mayor's county.

(4) A clerk or a clerk-treasurer of a city or town, within a county in which the city or town is located.

(5) A clerk of the circuit court.

(6) The governor.

(7) The lieutenant governor.

(8) A member of the general assembly.

(9) The Friends Church, in accordance with the rules of the Friends Church.

(10) The German Baptists, in accordance with the rules of their society.

(11) The Bahai faith, in accordance with the rules of the Bahai faith.

(12) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in accordance with the rules of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

(13) An imam of a masjid (mosque), in accordance with the rules of the religion of Islam.

(b) The governor, the lieutenant governor, or a member of the general assembly may not accept any money for solemnizing a marriage.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-5-1.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.34-1999, SEC.1; P.L.93-2017, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-6.7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-6.7
Security, bond, or guarantee; determinations
Status: in_force

Sec. 6.7. (a) The court shall consider requiring security, a bond, or another guarantee under section 6.5 of this chapter if the court makes a finding under subdivision (1), (2), (4), or (7) by clear and convincing evidence. If the court makes a finding under subdivision (1), (2), (4), or (7), the court shall also consider subdivisions (3), (5), (6), (8), and (9) in determining the amount of security, bond, or other guarantee. In making a determination under this section, the court shall consider the following:

(1) Whether a party has previously taken a child out of Indiana or another state in violation of a custody, parenting time, or visitation order.

(2) Whether a party has previously threatened to take a child out of Indiana or another state in violation of a custody, parenting time, or visitation order.

(3) Whether a party has strong ties to Indiana.

(4) Whether a party:

(A) is a citizen of another country;

(B) has strong emotional or cultural ties to the other country; and

(C) has indicated or threatened to take a child out of Indiana to the other country.

(5) Whether a party has friends or family living outside Indiana.

(6) Whether a party does not have a financial reason to stay in Indiana, such as whether the party is unemployed, able to work anywhere, or is financially independent.

(7) Whether a party has engaged in planning that would facilitate removal from Indiana, such as quitting a job, selling the party's primary residence, terminating a lease, closing an account, liquidating other assets, hiding or destroying documents, applying for a passport, applying for a birth certificate, or applying for school or medical records.

(8) Whether a party has a history of marital instability, a lack of parental cooperation, domestic violence, or child abuse.

(9) Whether a party has a criminal record.

After considering evidence, the court shall issue a written determination of security, bond, or other written guarantee supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(b) If a motion for change of judge or change of venue is filed, the court may, before a determination of change of judge or change of venue, consider security, bond, or other guarantee under this chapter.

As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-32-7-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-32-7-1
Venue of proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. If a child is alleged to be a delinquent child or a child in need of services, proceedings under the juvenile law may be commenced in the county:

(1) where the child resides;

(2) where the act occurred; or

(3) where the condition exists.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-7(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-5
Apply for licenses; criminal history checks
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) An applicant must apply for a foster family home license on forms provided by the department.

(b) An applicant must submit the required information as part of the application.

(c) An applicant must submit with the application a statement attesting the following:

(1) Whether the applicant has been convicted of:

(A) a felony; or

(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children.

(2) Whether the applicant has been charged with:

(A) a felony; or

(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children;

during the pendency of the application.

(d) An applicant shall submit the necessary information, forms, or consents for the department to conduct a criminal history check for each individual who is an applicant.

(e) The department or, at the discretion of the department, an applicant, shall conduct a criminal history check of:

(1) the applicant's employees and volunteers who have or will have direct contact, on a regular and continuing basis, with children who are or will be under the direct supervision of the applicant; and

(2) all household members.

(f) If the applicant conducts criminal history checks under subsection (e), the applicant shall maintain records of the information received concerning each individual subject of a criminal history check.

(g) If the department conducts a criminal history check on behalf of an applicant under subsection (e), the department shall:

(1) make a determination whether the subject of a national fingerprint based criminal history check has a record of:

(A) a conviction for a felony;

(B) a conviction for a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child; or

(C) a juvenile adjudication for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony;

(2) notify the applicant of the determination under subdivision (1) without identifying a specific offense or other identifying information concerning a conviction or juvenile adjudication contained in the national criminal history record information;

(3) submit to the applicant a copy of any state limited criminal history report that the department receives on behalf of any person described in subsection (e); and

(4) maintain a record of every report and all information the department receives concerning a person described in subsection (e).

(h) Except as provided in subsection (i), a criminal history check described in subsection (e) is required only at the time an application for a new license or the renewal of an existing license is submitted.

(i) A criminal history check concerning a person described in subsection (e) must be completed on or before the date the employee or volunteer has direct contact on a regular and continuing basis with a child placed in the home or the person first becomes a resident of the applicant's household as described in subsection (e)(2).

(j) The applicant is responsible for any fees associated with a criminal history check.

(k) The department shall, at the applicant's request, inform the applicant whether the department has or does not have a record of the person who is the subject of a criminal history check and if the department has identified the person as an alleged perpetrator of abuse or neglect. The department may not provide to the applicant any details or personally identifying information contained in any child protective investigation report.

(l) A person who is the subject of a criminal history check conducted in accordance with this section may request the state police department to provide the person with a copy of any state or national criminal history report concerning the person.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.51; P.L.162-2011, SEC.28; P.L.128-2012, SEC.108; P.L.183-2017, SEC.17; P.L.145-2026, SEC.178.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-146 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-146
"Juvenile law"
Status: in_force

Sec. 146. "Juvenile law" refers to IC 31-30 through IC 31-40.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-4
"Account"
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) "Account", for purposes of IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-3.

(b) "Account", for purposes of IC 31-26-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-1-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-15-7-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-15-7-4
Division of property
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) In an action for dissolution of marriage under IC 31-15-2-2, the court shall divide the property of the parties, whether:

(1) owned by either spouse before the marriage;

(2) acquired by either spouse in his or her own right:

(A) after the marriage; and

(B) before final separation of the parties; or

(3) acquired by their joint efforts.

(b) The court shall divide the property in a just and reasonable manner by:

(1) division of the property in kind;

(2) setting the property or parts of the property over to one (1) of the spouses and requiring either spouse to pay an amount, either in gross or in installments, that is just and proper;

(3) ordering the sale of the property under such conditions as the court prescribes and dividing the proceeds of the sale; or

(4) ordering the distribution of benefits described in IC 31-9-2.1-190(b)(2) or IC 31-9-2.1-190(b)(3) that are payable after the dissolution of marriage, by setting aside to either of the parties a percentage of those payments either by assignment or in kind at the time of receipt.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-11(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.163.
Ind. Code § 31-32-2.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 2.5 / Section 31-32-2.5-1
Petition to request intervention
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and subject to this chapter, an individual who is providing care and supervision of a child as:

(1) a foster parent;

(2) a long term foster parent; or

(3) an unlicensed kinship caregiver;

at the time the child is the subject of a child in need of services proceeding under IC 31-34 or a termination of parent-child relationship proceeding under IC 31-35 may intervene as a party during any stage of the proceeding if the individual files a petition to intervene with the court and the court makes the findings described in section 3 of this chapter.

(b) Any person described in subsection (a) who has been:

(1) the subject of a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect; or

(2) convicted of a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168;

may not intervene under this chapter.

As added by P.L.210-2019, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.68-2022, SEC.3; P.L.46-2024, SEC.16; P.L.179-2025, SEC.9; P.L.145-2026, SEC.193.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-59 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-59
"Contact"
Status: in_force

Sec. 59. "Contact", for purposes of IC 31-33-18-1.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-33-18-1.5(d).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-10
Duration of license; limitations; renewal
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. (a) A license for a child placing agency expires four (4) years after the date of issuance, unless the license is revoked or voluntarily returned.

(b) A license issued under this chapter:

(1) is not transferable;

(2) applies only to the licensee and the location stated in the application; and

(3) remains the property of the department.

(c) A child placing agency shall have the child placing agency's license available for inspection.

(d) If a licensee submits a timely application for renewal, the current license shall remain in effect until the department issues a license or denies the application.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.39; P.L.128-2012, SEC.132.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-33 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-33
Compliance with rules; disciplinary sanctions; revocation of license
Status: in_force

Sec. 33. (a) A licensee shall operate a foster family home in compliance with the rules established under this article and is subject to the disciplinary sanctions under subsection (b) if the department finds that the licensee has violated this article or a rule adopted under this article.

(b) After complying with the procedural provisions in sections 22 through 24 of this chapter, the department may revoke the license when the department finds that a licensee has committed a violation under subsection (a). However, the department shall permanently revoke the license of a licensee who has been convicted of any of the nonwaivable offenses, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168. The department may permanently revoke the license of a person who has been convicted of a nonwaivable offense that is not described in IC 31-9-2.1-168 and for other reasons set forth in rules adopted by the department.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.34; P.L.162-2011, SEC.33; P.L.128-2012, SEC.115; P.L.183-2017, SEC.21; P.L.145-2026, SEC.182.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4.5-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4.5 / Section 31-26-4.5-10
Implementation; application for funding
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. The department or the department's designee may:

(1) develop evaluation criteria, payment calculation standards, and other policies related to the implementation of this chapter; and

(2) adopt and make available to foster youth a method for applying for funding under this chapter.

As added by P.L.59-2022, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-207 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-207
"Relative"
Status: in_force

Sec. 207. (a) "Relative", for purposes of IC 31-19-18 and IC 31-19-25, means:

(1) an adoptive or whole blood related parent;

(2) a sibling; or

(3) a child.

(b) "Relative", for purposes of IC 31-34-3, means:

(1) a maternal or paternal grandparent;

(2) an adult aunt or uncle;

(3) a parent of a child's sibling if the parent has legal custody of the sibling; or

(4) any other adult relative suggested by either parent of a child.

(c) "Relative", for purposes of sections 40, 152, and 251 of this chapter, IC 31-27, IC 31-28-5.8, IC 31-34-4, IC 31-34-19, IC 31-34-23-6, and IC 31-37, means any of the following in relation to a child:

(1) A parent.

(2) A grandparent.

(3) A brother.

(4) A sister.

(5) A stepparent.

(6) A stepgrandparent.

(7) A stepbrother.

(8) A stepsister.

(9) A first cousin.

(10) An uncle.

(11) An aunt.

(12) Any other individual with whom a child has an established and significant relationship.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-15
Probationary status; duration; expiration; extension
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. (a) The department may place a licensee on probationary status if the licensee is temporarily unable to comply with a rule and if:

(1) the noncompliance does not present an immediate threat to the health and well-being of the children in the care of the licensee;

(2) the licensee files a plan with the department or the Indiana department of health to correct the areas of noncompliance within the probationary period; and

(3) the department or the Indiana department of health approves the plan.

(b) A probationary status period is for not more than six (6) months. However, the department may extend a probationary status period for one (1) additional period of six (6) months.

(c) At the expiration of a probationary status period, the department shall:

(1) reactivate the license to the end of the original term of the license;

(2) extend the probationary status period as permitted in subsection (b); or

(3) revoke the license.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.36; P.L.56-2023, SEC.303; P.L.28-2026, SEC.44.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-35 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-35
"Child at imminent risk of placement"
Status: in_force

Sec. 35. "Child at imminent risk of placement", for purposes of IC 31-26-5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-10-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-34-10-8
Procedure following admission of allegations by parent, guardian, or custodian
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. If the parent, guardian, or custodian admits the allegations under section 6 of this chapter, the juvenile court shall do the following:

(1) Enter judgment accordingly.

(2) Schedule a dispositional hearing.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-13.6(h).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-37-22-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-37-22-11
Vacating adjudication of trafficked child; requirements and notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) As used in this section, "trafficked child" means a child who was the victim of human trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5), regardless of whether the person who committed the human trafficking offense was charged, tried, or convicted. The term includes a person who is now an adult.

(b) Upon the written motion of a trafficked child, or any person acting on behalf of a trafficked child, the court that adjudicated the trafficked child a delinquent child shall vacate the adjudication issued with respect to the trafficked child, if the movant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that:

(1) the child was a trafficked child at the time the child performed the delinquent act that resulted in the adjudication;

(2) the delinquent act did not result in bodily injury to another person; and

(3) at the time the child committed the delinquent act, the child was:

(A) coerced by; or

(B) under the control of;

another person.

(c) Before vacating an adjudication under subsection (b), the court shall:

(1) forward a copy of the motion to the prosecuting attorney; and

(2) conduct a hearing at which the prosecuting attorney and the movant are entitled to be heard.

As added by P.L.86-2017, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.142-2020, SEC.48.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-18.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-18.5
Use of reasonable and prudent parent standard
Status: in_force

Sec. 18.5. A licensee shall use the reasonable and prudent parent standard when determining whether to allow a child in foster care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities.

As added by P.L.104-2015, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-12-1-3
Designation of court
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Each court exercising the jurisdiction conferred by this chapter may be designated as a domestic relations court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-3.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-14-18-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-14-18-2
Costs of maintaining action and attorney's fees
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The court may order a party to pay:

(1) a reasonable amount for the cost to the other party of maintaining an action under this article; and

(2) a reasonable amount for attorney's fees, including amounts for legal services provided and costs incurred, before the commencement of the proceedings or after entry of judgment.

(b) The court may order the amount to be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's name.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by law, neither costs nor attorney's fees may be taxed against an agency or the agency's agents that is authorized to maintain proceedings under this article by Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) and IC 31-25-4-17.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-18(b), (c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.230.
Ind. Code § 31-28-5.8-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 5.8 / Section 31-28-5.8-6
Updating case plans; transitional services plan; visitation with family case manager
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) The department shall, jointly with a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate participating with the consent of the youth and with the older youth, develop, implement, and update periodically a case plan that is consistent with requirements set forth in:

(1) 45 CFR 1356.21(g);

(2) IC 31-34-15-4; and

(3) the collaborative care agreement.

(b) The case plan must include a transitional services plan, as described in IC 31-25-2-21 and the applicable rules of the department.

(c) The case plan shall provide for visitation between the older youth and a department family case manager at least once every thirty (30) days.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.34.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1-4.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-35-1-4.5
Putative father's consent to termination irrevocably implied
Status: in_force

Sec. 4.5. The putative father's consent to the termination of the parent-child relationship is irrevocably implied without further court action if the father:

(1) fails to file a paternity action under IC 31-14 or in a court located in another state that is competent to obtain jurisdiction over the paternity action, not more than thirty (30) days after receiving actual notice under IC 31-19-3 of the mother's intent to proceed with an adoptive placement of the child, regardless of whether:

(A) the child is born before or after the expiration of the thirty (30) day period; or

(B) a petition for adoption or for the termination of the parent-child relationship is filed; or

(2) files a paternity action:

(A) under IC 31-14; or

(B) in a court located in another state that is competent to obtain jurisdiction over the paternity action;

during the thirty (30) day period prescribed by subdivision (1) and fails to establish paternity in the paternity proceeding within a reasonable period determined under IC 31-14-21-9 through IC 31-14-21-9.2 or the laws applicable to a court of another state when the court obtains jurisdiction over the paternity action.

As added by P.L.200-1999, SEC.26. Amended by P.L.1-2010, SEC.126.
Ind. Code § 31-16-17-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-16-17-12
Contempt
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. If a defendant is in default for failure to comply with the order and judgment of the court, the same process may be used for contempt of court as in divorce proceedings.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-9-5 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-17-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-17-7-2
Exemption for agencies
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Neither costs nor attorney's fees may be taxed against an agency or its agents that is authorized to maintain proceedings under IC 31-17-2, IC 31-17-4, IC 31-17-6, or this chapter by Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) and IC 31-25-4-17.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-16(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.241.
Ind. Code § 31-32-8-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-32-8-2
Proceedings to terminate parent-child relationship with individual convicted of criminal offense
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The judge who presided over the trial at which an individual was convicted of an offense listed in IC 31-35-3-4 may not be the judge who presides over the proceedings in an action filed under IC 31-35-3 with respect to that individual.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-9(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-14-21-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-14-21-3
Putative father's notice of paternity action; notice to attorney or agency in adoption proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A putative father shall give notice of the paternity action to an attorney or agency that serves the putative father with notice as described in section 1(1) of this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2.1(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-28-4-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-28-4-8
"Executive head"; appointment of compact administrator
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. As used in Article VII of the interstate compact on the placement of children (section 1 of this chapter), the term "executive head" means the governor. The governor may appoint a compact administrator in accordance with the terms of Article VII.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274.
Ind. Code § 31-33-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-33-1-2
Judge may directly contact local DCS office
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. When confronted with a potential case of child abuse or neglect, a judge who wishes to contact the department shall first use the child abuse hotline to report the suspected child abuse or neglect to the department. If the:

(1) judge does not obtain a response from the child abuse hotline; or

(2) response the judge obtains from the hotline will not, in the opinion of the judge, serve the best interests of the child;

the judge may contact a local office of the department directly to report the suspected child abuse or neglect.

As added by P.L.158-2013, SEC.317.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-17-2-8.3
Supervised parenting time; conviction of crime involving domestic or family violence; batterer's intervention program
Status: in_force

Sec. 8.3. (a) This section applies if a court finds that a noncustodial parent has been convicted of a crime involving domestic or family violence that was witnessed or heard by the noncustodial parent's child.

(b) There is created a rebuttable presumption that the court shall order that the noncustodial parent's parenting time with the child must be supervised:

(1) for at least one (1) year and not more than two (2) years immediately following the crime involving domestic or family violence; or

(2) until the child becomes emancipated;

whichever occurs first.

(c) As a condition of granting the noncustodial parent unsupervised parenting time, the court may require the noncustodial parent to complete a batterer's intervention program certified by the Indiana coalition against domestic violence.

As added by P.L.133-2002, SEC.33. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.32; P.L.162-2011, SEC.12.