Ind. Code § 31-37-3-3.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-37-3-3.5
Defenses
Status: in_force

Sec. 3.5. (a) It is a defense to a violation under this chapter that the child was emancipated:

(1) under IC 31-37-19-27 or IC 31-6-4-15.7 (before its repeal);

(2) by virtue of having married; or

(3) in accordance with the laws of another state or jurisdiction;

at the time that the child engaged in the prohibited conduct.

(b) It is a defense to a violation under this chapter that the child engaged in the prohibited conduct while:

(1) accompanied by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(2) accompanied by an adult specified by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(3) participating in, going to, or returning from:

(A) lawful employment;

(B) a school sanctioned activity;

(C) a religious event;

(D) an emergency involving the protection of a person or property from an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or substantial damage;

(E) an activity involving the exercise of the child's rights protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article 1, Section 31 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana, or both, such as freedom of speech and the right of assembly; or

(F) an activity conducted by a nonprofit or governmental entity that provides recreation, education, training, or other care under the supervision of one (1) or more adults;

(4) participating in an activity undertaken at the prior written direction of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian; or

(5) engaged in interstate or international travel from a location outside Indiana to another location outside Indiana.

As added by P.L.79-2001, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.82-2006, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-200 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-200
"Recipient"
Status: in_force

Sec. 200. "Recipient", for purposes of IC 31-25-3 and IC 31-25-4, means a person who has received or is receiving assistance for the person or another person.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-21-6-18 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-21-6-18
Proceeding to locate a child
Status: in_force

Sec. 18. (a) In a case arising under this article or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a prosecuting attorney or other appropriate public official may take a lawful action, including resorting to a proceeding under this article or any other available civil proceeding, to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child custody determination if there is:

(1) an existing child custody determination;

(2) a request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding;

(3) a reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or

(4) a reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

(b) A prosecuting attorney or other appropriate public official acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent a party.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-21-2-19 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21-2-19
"State"
Status: in_force

Sec. 19. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or a territory or an insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-21-3-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-21-3-5
Persons subject to personal jurisdiction not immune to service of process
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A person who is subject to personal jurisdiction in Indiana on a basis other than physical presence is not immune from service of process in Indiana. A person present in Indiana who is subject to the jurisdiction of another state is not immune from service of process allowable under the laws of that state.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-229 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-229
"Spousal support order"
Status: in_force

Sec. 229. "Spousal support order", 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.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-18.5-5-5
Penalties for noncompliance
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. An income payor that willfully fails to comply with an income withholding order issued in another state and received for enforcement is subject to the same penalties that may be imposed for noncompliance with an order issued by an Indiana tribunal.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-37-10-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-37-10-6
Detention hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If the juvenile court grants the request to have the child taken into custody, the court shall proceed in accordance with IC 31-37-6.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-19-18-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-19-18-5
Rules; forms
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The state registrar:

(1) may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2; and

(2) shall prescribe forms necessary;

to implement this chapter, IC 31-19-12-5, and IC 31-19-19 through IC 31-19-25.5.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-16.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.130-2005, SEC.10; P.L.191-2011, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-11-9-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-11-9-3
Fraud
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A marriage is voidable if the marriage was brought about through fraud on the part of one (1) of the parties to the marriage.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-11.7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-11.7
Telehealth services
Status: in_force

Sec. 11.7. A juvenile court may recommend telehealth services (as defined in IC 25-1-9.5-6) as an alternative to a child receiving a diagnostic assessment under this section.

As added by P.L.101-2022, SEC.29.
Ind. Code § 31-33-8-7.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-33-8-7.5
Reporting of observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect
Status: in_force

Sec. 7.5. (a) If, during the assessment, a caseworker observes, or has reason to believe, that an animal is a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, the caseworker may make a report of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect to:

(1) the local law enforcement agency; or

(2) the local animal control officer.

(b) The information provided in a report under subsection (a) must include the following:

(1) A name and description of the animal and the animal's condition.

(2) The name and contact number, if known, of the owner or custodian of the animal.

(3) The address or location of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.

(4) The nature and apparent extent of the observed or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.

(c) This section does not impose a duty or obligation on the caseworker to investigate known or suspected animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.

(d) A caseworker who makes a report of an animal that may be a victim of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect is immune from any civil or criminal liability unless the caseworker made the report as a result of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

(e) The identity of any caseworker who makes a report under this section is confidential.

(f) This section does not expand or limit other laws concerning confidentiality requirements.

As added by P.L.106-2018, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-33-6-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-33-6-3
Presumption of good faith
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A person making a report that a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect or assisting in any requirement of this article is presumed to have acted in good faith.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-34-19-6.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-34-19-6.1
Juvenile court entering dispositional decree or a modification to a dispositional decree; department consideration of juvenile court recommendations; written findings by juvenile court; appeal by department
Status: in_force

Sec. 6.1. (a) Before entering its dispositional decree or a modification to a dispositional decree, the juvenile court shall do the following:

(1) Consider the recommendations for the needs of the child for care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement made by the department in the department's predispositional report.

(2) Consider the recommendations for the needs of the child for care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement made by the parent, guardian or custodian, guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate, foster parent, other caretaker of the child, or other party to the proceeding.

(3) If the juvenile court determines that the best interests of the child require consideration of other dispositional options, submit the juvenile court's own recommendations for care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement of the child.

(b) If the juvenile court accepts the recommendations in the department's predispositional report, the juvenile court shall enter its dispositional decree with its findings and conclusions under section 10 of this chapter.

(c) If during or after conclusion of the dispositional hearing or modification hearing, the juvenile court does not accept the recommendations of the department as set out under subsection (a) in the predispositional report and states that the juvenile court wants the department to consider the recommendations made under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3), the dispositional hearing or modification hearing shall be continued for not more than seven (7) business days after service of notice of the juvenile court's determination. The department shall consider the recommendations that the juvenile court requested the department to consider and submit to the juvenile court a supplemental predispositional report stating the department's final recommendations and reasons for accepting or rejecting the recommendations that were not included in the department's original predispositional report. If the juvenile court accepts the recommendations in the department's supplemental report, the juvenile court may adopt the recommendations as its findings and enter its dispositional decree.

(d) The juvenile court shall accept each final recommendation of the department contained in a supplemental predispositional report submitted under subsection (c), unless the juvenile court finds that a recommendation is:

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

(2) contrary to the welfare and best interests of the child.

(e) If the juvenile court does not accept one (1) or more of the department's final recommendations contained in the department's supplemental predispositional report, the juvenile court shall:

(1) enter its dispositional decree with its written findings and conclusions under sections 6 and 10 of this chapter; and

(2) specifically state why the juvenile court is not accepting the final recommendations of the department.

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

(g) 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 (f), 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 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.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.601. Amended by P.L.48-2012, SEC.63; P.L.161-2018, SEC.40.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-80 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-80
"Diagnostic assessment"
Status: in_force

Sec. 80. "Diagnostic assessment" means a clinical evaluation provided by a certified professional in order to gather information to determine appropriate behavioral health treatment for a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-37-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-37-3-1
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-2(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Repealed by P.L.79-2001, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-7
Chairperson and vice chairperson of board
Status: in_force

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

Sec. 7. (a) The members shall annually choose a chairperson and vice chairperson from among the members of the board under this section.

(b) The director of the department or the director's designee may not serve as chairperson or vice chairperson.

(c) If the member chosen as chairperson was appointed as a member by the president pro tempore of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives, the vice chairperson must be chosen from among the members appointed by the governor. If the member chosen as chairperson was appointed as a member by the governor, the vice chairperson must be chosen from among the members appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-33-27-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-33-27-3
Expungement of records; retained information; adoption of rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) The department shall expunge child abuse or neglect information not later than twenty-four (24) years after the date of birth of the youngest child named in the department's assessment report as an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect, if:

(1) the department approved the assessment as unsubstantiated; or

(2) the court in a child in need of services case entered a final judgment based on a finding that child abuse or neglect did not occur.

(b) The department may, upon the request of an interested person, expunge information relating to an unsubstantiated assessment of child abuse or neglect at any time, if the department determines that the probative value of the information does not justify its retention in the records of the department.

(c) This subsection applies to information that is not expunged under subsection (a) or (b). The department may retain information relating to an unsubstantiated assessment of child abuse or neglect in paper or digital form or in other media that is accessible only by department employees with access rights established by the department through policy or rule.

(d) Information that is retained in the records of the department under subsection (c) may be used by the department to facilitate its assessment of a subsequent report concerning the same child or family.

(e) The department may not rely solely on information available under subsection (c) to support substantiation of a later report, if information obtained in the assessment of the later report is otherwise insufficient to support a substantiated determination.

(f) The department shall adopt a written policy, and may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2, regarding access to information retained under subsection (c).

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.56.
Ind. Code § 31-37-12-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-37-12-9
Dispositional hearing; factfinding hearing; consent
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. (a) If a child has admitted the allegations of a petition, the juvenile court may hold the dispositional hearing immediately after the initial hearing.

(b) If a child denies the allegations, the juvenile court may hold the factfinding hearing immediately after the initial hearing.

(c) Except as provided in section 10 of this chapter:

(1) the child;

(2) the child's:

(A) counsel;

(B) guardian ad litem;

(C) parent;

(D) guardian; or

(E) custodian; and

(3) the person representing the interests of the state;

must consent to the timing of the hearing.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-13(i).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-37-5-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-37-5-8
Juvenile court submission of proposed service, program, or placement to department; approval or disapproval by department; emergencies; entry of order by juvenile court; appeal by department
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) This section applies to services and programs provided to or on behalf of a child alleged to be a delinquent child at any time before:

(1) entry of a dispositional decree under IC 31-37-19; or

(2) approval of a program of informal adjustment under IC 31-37-9.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), before a juvenile court orders or approves a service, a program, or an out-of-home placement for a child:

(1) that is recommended by a probation officer or proposed by the juvenile court;

(2) for which the costs would be payable by the department under IC 31-40-1-2; and

(3) that has not been approved by the department;

the juvenile court shall submit the proposed service, program, or placement to the department for consideration. The department shall, not later than three (3) business days after receipt of the recommendation or proposal, submit to the court a report stating whether the department approves or disapproves the proposed service, program, or placement.

(c) If the juvenile court makes written findings and concludes that an emergency exists requiring an immediate out-of-home placement to protect the health and welfare of the child, the juvenile court may order or authorize implementation of the placement without first complying with the procedure specified in this section. After entry of an order under this subsection, the juvenile court shall submit a copy of the order to the department for consideration under this section of possible modification or alternatives to the placement and any related services or programs included in the order.

(d) If the department approves the service, program, or placement recommended by the probation officer or juvenile court, the juvenile court may enter an appropriate order to implement the approved proposal. If the department does not approve a service, program, or placement recommended by the probation officer or proposed by the juvenile court, the department may recommend an alternative service, program, or placement for the child.

(e) The juvenile court shall accept the recommendations of the department regarding any predispositional services, programs, or placement for the child unless the juvenile court finds a recommendation is:

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

(2) contrary to the welfare and best interests of the child.

(f) If the juvenile court does not accept the recommendations of the department in the report submitted under subsection (b), the court:

(1) may enter an order that:

(A) requires the department to provide a specified service, program, or placement, until entry of a dispositional decree or until the order is otherwise modified or terminated; and

(B) specifically states the reasons why the juvenile court is not accepting the recommendations of the department, including the juvenile court's findings under subsection (e); and

(2) must 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 (g).

(g) If the juvenile court enters its findings and order under subsections (e) and (f), the department may appeal the juvenile court's order under any available procedure provided by the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure or the Indiana Rules of Appellate Procedure to allow any disputes arising under this section to be decided in an expeditious manner.

(h) If the department prevails on an appeal initiated under subsection (g), 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, 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 court order of placement, if the 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.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.623. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.67; P.L.48-2012, SEC.70; P.L.156-2020, SEC.121.
Ind. Code § 31-33-8-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-33-8-10
Provision of information and copies of investigative report by law enforcement agency
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. If the law enforcement agency participates in the child abuse or neglect assessment, the law enforcement agency shall forward all information, including copies of an assessment report under section 7 of this chapter, on an incident in which a child may be a victim of alleged child abuse or neglect, whether obtained under this article or not, to the office of the prosecuting attorney.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.49.
Ind. Code § 31-19-14-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-19-14-3
Time for withdrawal of consent to adoption, contest or challenge to adoption, or establishment of paternity
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A person who consents to an adoption may not withdraw the consent to adoption after the entry of the adoption decree under IC 31-19-10-4.

(b) A person who is served with notice of an adoption under IC 31-19-4 may not:

(1) contest the adoption; or

(2) establish paternity;

more than fifteen (15) days after the date of service of notice of the adoption.

(c) A person who receives actual notice of an adoption under IC 31-19-3 may not:

(1) contest the adoption; or

(2) establish paternity;

more than fifteen (15) days after the date of receiving actual notice of the adoption.

(d) A person who is prohibited from taking action by subsection (a), (b), or (c) may not challenge an adoption decree.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.3-2(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.244-2023, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-17-4-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-17-4-8
Contempt
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A court that finds an intentional violation without justifiable cause by a custodial parent of an injunction or a temporary restraining order issued under this chapter (or IC 31-1-11.5-26 before its repeal):

(1) shall find the custodial parent in contempt of court;

(2) shall order the exercise of parenting time that was not exercised due to the violation under this section at a time the court considers compatible with the schedules of the noncustodial parent and the child;

(3) may order payment by the custodial parent of reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and expenses to the noncustodial parent; and

(4) may order the custodial parent to perform community restitution or service without compensation in a manner specified by the court.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-26(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.32-2000, SEC.19; P.L.68-2005, SEC.51.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-247 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-247
"Tribe"
Status: in_force

Sec. 247. "Tribe", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-20.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-14-5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-14-5-3
Time for filing action
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) This section does not apply to an action filed by the department or its agents under section 4 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-6.1-6(c) before its repeal).

(b) The mother, a man alleging to be the child's father, or the department or its agents must file a paternity action not later than two (2) years after the child is born, unless:

(1) both the mother and the alleged father waive the limitation on actions and file jointly;

(2) support has been furnished by the alleged father or by a person acting on his behalf, either voluntarily or under an agreement with:

(A) the mother;

(B) a person acting on the mother's behalf; or

(C) a person acting on the child's behalf;

(3) the mother, the department, or a prosecuting attorney operating under an agreement or contract described in IC 31-25-4-13.1 files a petition after the alleged father has acknowledged in writing that he is the child's biological father;

(4) the alleged father files a petition after the mother has acknowledged in writing that he is the child's biological father;

(5) the petitioner was incompetent at the time the child was born; or

(6) a responding party cannot be served with summons during the two (2) year period.

(c) If any of the conditions described in subsection (b) exist, the paternity petition must be filed not later than two (2) years after the condition described in subsection (b) ceases to exist.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.223; P.L.206-2015, SEC.47.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2.3-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2.3 / Section 31-34-2.3-5
Issuing child protective order; other relief; valid
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) After notice and a hearing, the court may issue a child protective order if the department's petition to remove the alleged perpetrator states facts sufficient to satisfy the court that:

(1) the child is not in danger of child abuse or neglect from a parent or other adult with whom the child will continue to reside in the child's residence; and

(2) one (1) or more of the following exist:

(A) The presence of the alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in the child's residence constitutes a continuing danger to the physical health or safety of the child.

(B) The child has been the victim of sexual abuse, and there is a substantial risk that the child will be the victim of sexual abuse in the future if the alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect remains in the child's residence.

(b) If the court issues a child protective order under this section, the court may grant other relief as provided under IC 34-26-5-9.

(c) A child protective order issued under this section is valid until one (1) of the following occurs:

(1) The court determines the child is not a child in need of services.

(2) The child is adjudicated a child in need of services and the court enters a dispositional decree.

As added by P.L.52-2007, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-17-4-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-17-4-4
Permanent injunction against custodial parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A noncustodial parent who:

(1) has been granted parenting time rights with a child who lives with the custodial parent;

(2) regularly pays support ordered by a court for the child; and

(3) is barred by a custodial parent from exercising parenting time rights ordered for the noncustodial parent and the child;

may file, in the court that has jurisdiction over the dissolution of marriage, an application for an injunction against the custodial parent under Rule 65 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-26(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.49.
Ind. Code § 31-37-12-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-37-12-1
Application of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter applies only to a child alleged to be a delinquent child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-13(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-21 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-21
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-10-18(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Repealed by P.L.103-2007, SEC.51.
Ind. Code § 31-14-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-14-1-2
Legalization of certain paternity and related orders
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A determination of paternity or related order that:

(1) was issued before May 1, 1989;

(2) was issued five (5) or more months after the father's death; and

(3) resulted from a civil proceeding for the establishment of paternity that was filed in accordance with IC 31-6-6.1-6 (before its repeal, now codified at IC 31-14-5 and IC 31-14-11):

(A) during the father's lifetime; or

(B) within five (5) months after the father's death;

is legalized and validated to the same extent as if the determination of paternity or related order had been issued during the father's lifetime or within five (5) months after the father's death.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.494.
Ind. Code § 31-14-11-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-14
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-16(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.138-2001, SEC.9; P.L.80-2010, SEC.24; P.L.128-2012, SEC.34. Repealed by P.L.207-2013, SEC.32.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-79 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-79
"Detention tool"
Status: in_force

Sec. 79. "Detention tool" means a validated instrument that assesses a child's risk for rearrest in order to inform a decision on the use of secure detention.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-185 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-185
"Prior family law and juvenile law"
Status: repealed

Sec. 185. "Prior family law and juvenile law", for purposes of IC 31-10, refers to the statutes that are repealed or amended in the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly as the statutes existed before the effective date of the applicable or corresponding provision of the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-3
Grounds for denial of license application; waiver
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) The following constitute sufficient grounds for denial of a license application:

(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:

(A) the applicant; or

(B) an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the applicant.

(2) A criminal conviction of the applicant, or the director or manager of a facility where children will be placed by the licensee, for any of the following:

(A) A felony.

(B) A misdemeanor related to the health and safety of a child.

(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal).

(D) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.

(3) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the applicant's application for licensure.

(4) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the records required by the department.

(5) A determination by the department that:

(A) the applicant; or

(B) an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the applicant;

previously operated a home or facility without a license required under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.

(6) A juvenile adjudication of the applicant for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony.

(7) A determination by the department that the applicant was previously licensed under this article and the license was revoked within one (1) year of the current application

(b) An application for a license may also be denied if an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the applicant has had any of the following:

(1) A conviction of a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168.

(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department with regard to the employee, volunteer, or contractor.

(3) 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, unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department with regard to the employee, volunteer, or contractor.

(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors:

(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction.

(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.

(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.

(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions, volunteer assignment, or contract.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:

(1) a license application could be denied due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the applicant; and

(2) the department determines that the employee, volunteer, or contractor has been dismissed by the applicant within a reasonable time after the applicant became aware of the conviction or determination;

the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee, former volunteer, or former contractor does not constitute a sufficient basis for the denial of a license application.

(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.61; P.L.162-2011, SEC.38; P.L.128-2012, SEC.130; P.L.183-2017, SEC.26; P.L.243-2019, SEC.14; P.L.78-2026, SEC.8; P.L.145-2026, SEC.187.
Ind. Code § 31-21-4-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-21-4-5
Testimony of a witness located in another state
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. In addition to other procedures available to a party, a party to a child custody proceeding may offer testimony of witnesses who are located in another state, including testimony of the parties and the child, by deposition or other means allowable in Indiana for testimony taken in another state. The court on its own motion may:

(1) order that the testimony of a person be taken in another state; and

(2) prescribe the manner in which and the terms on which the testimony is taken.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-176 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-176
"Permanency roundtable"
Status: in_force

Sec. 176. "Permanency roundtable", for purposes of IC 31-34-21-5.7 and IC 31-37-20-3, means an intervention designed to facilitate the permanency planning process for youth placed out-of-home by identifying solutions for permanency obstacles.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-39-4-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-39-4-11
Victim of delinquent act
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. The victim of a delinquent act may ask a law enforcement agency if there is probable cause to believe that a specified child committed the act. The head of the agency shall release the child's name to the victim if the victim requires the name to proceed with a civil action for damages.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-16-14-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-16-14-6
Action to modify order made under this chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. An action to modify an order made under this chapter may be initiated by filing a complaint and providing notice in accordance with sections 2 and 3 of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-19 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-19
Severance pay, accumulated sick pay, vacation pay, accumulated commissions, bonuses, or other lump sum payments; withholding of support arrearages
Status: in_force

Sec. 19. If an obligor:

(1) is entitled to net income in the form of:

(A) severance pay;

(B) accumulated sick pay;

(C) vacation pay;

(D) accumulated commissions;

(E) a bonus payment in addition to regular earned income; or

(F) other lump sum payment; and

(2) owes an amount of child support that is in arrears;

the income payor shall withhold the amount in arrears up to the maximum permitted under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-10-16.5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.103-2007, SEC.37; P.L.150-2018, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-34-2-3
Taking child into custody without court order; documentation
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) If a law enforcement officer's action under section 2 of this chapter will not adequately protect the safety of the child, the child may be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer, probation officer, or caseworker acting with probable cause to believe the child is a child in need of services if:

(1) it appears that the child's physical or mental condition will be seriously impaired or seriously endangered if the child is not immediately taken into custody;

(2) there is not a reasonable opportunity to obtain an order of the court; and

(3) consideration for the safety of the child precludes the immediate use of family services to prevent removal of the child.

(b) A probation officer or caseworker may take a child into custody only if the circumstances make it impracticable to obtain assistance from a law enforcement officer.

(c) If a person takes a child into custody under this section, the person shall make written documentation not more than twenty-four (24) hours after the child is taken into custody as provided in section 6 of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-4
Incomplete applications
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. The department may not act on an incomplete application. The department shall return an incomplete application with a notation concerning omissions. The return of an incomplete application is without prejudice.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-12-1.5-1
Determination of necessity to establish court
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) This chapter applies in a judicial circuit in which a majority of the judges of the circuit and superior courts determine that:

(1) the social conditions of the county; and

(2) the number of domestic relations cases in the courts;

make the procedures described in IC 31-12-1 necessary for the full and proper consideration of domestic relations cases.

(b) The judges shall make the determination described in subsection (a) annually in January.

As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-19-25-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-19-25-3
Contact preference form; filing; duration; withdrawal; effect of consent
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A birth parent may restrict access to identifying information concerning the birth parent by filing a contact preference form with the state registrar that evidences the birth parent's lack of consent to the release of identifying information under this chapter.

(b) A person who arranges for the signing of a consent to adoption shall provide the birth parent with a contact preference form and the explanation described in IC 31-19-9-6.

(c) Except as provided in sections 15 and 17 of this chapter, the following persons may not release any identifying information concerning a birth parent to an individual requesting the release of identifying information under section 2 of this chapter if a contact preference form that evidences the birth parent's lack of consent to the release of identifying information is in effect at the time of the request for identifying information:

(1) The state registrar.

(2) The department.

(3) A local office.

(4) A licensed child placing agency.

(5) A professional health care provider.

(6) The attorney who arranged the adoption.

(7) A court.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (f), the contact preference form filed under this section remains in effect until the birth parent who filed the contact preference form files a new contact preference form.

(e) The contact preference form is no longer in effect if the birth parent consents in writing to the release of identifying information and has not withdrawn that consent.

(f) A contact preference form is no longer in effect if the birth parent who filed the contact preference form is deceased unless the contact preference form specifically states that the contact preference form remains in effect after the birth parent's death.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4.5-4(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.261; P.L.58-2009, SEC.30; P.L.191-2011, SEC.43; P.L.128-2012, SEC.77; P.L.3-2016, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-16
Inspections
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) The department shall keep written records of the monitoring activities and inspections.

(b) The department of homeland security shall perform inspections of group homes in accordance with IC 22-14-2-11.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.28-2026, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-21-5-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-21-5-13
Information required to be sealed
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court:

(1) takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child; and

(2) determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-28-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-28-1-3
Health summary record; contents
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The local office of the county in which a foster child resides shall maintain a health summary record for the foster child. The provider that has provided ongoing care to the child shall complete the record. The record must include the following:

(1) A summary of health care provided to the child.

(2) Recommendations for future health care needs of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.142.
Ind. Code § 31-39-4-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-39-4-12
Filing of copies of access order or agreement with researcher
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. Whenever the head of a law enforcement agency grants access to the agency's records, that person shall place a copy of the access order in the file of each person to whose records the order applies. However, if the access order is a general access order or an agreement under section 9 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-8-1.2(d) before its repeal), the copy shall be placed in a general file containing all general access orders or agreements.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-1
"Bureau"
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "bureau" refers to the child support bureau established by IC 31-25-3-1.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271.
Ind. Code § 31-19-3-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-19-3-5
Putative father's notice of paternity action
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A putative father who files a paternity action as described by IC 31-19-9-15(2) after receiving notice of a potential adoption from an attorney or a licensed child placing agency under section 1 of this chapter shall notify the attorney or agency that the paternity action has been filed. The notice must include the following information:

(1) The name of the court.

(2) The cause number.

(3) The date of filing.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-13.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-13.1
Agreements with local government officials; contracting; attorney-client relationship; informing applicant; service level stipulation
Status: in_force

Sec. 13.1. (a) This section applies after December 31, 2006.

(b) The bureau shall make the agreements necessary for the effective administration of the plan with local governmental officials within Indiana. The bureau shall contract with:

(1) a prosecuting attorney;

(2) a private attorney or private entity if the bureau determines that a reasonable contract cannot be entered into with a prosecuting attorney and the determination is approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the interim study committee on public health, behavioral health, and human services established by IC 2-5-1.3-4; or

(3) a collection agency licensed under IC 25-11 to collect arrearages on child support orders under which collections have not been made on arrearages for at least two (2) years;

in each judicial circuit to undertake activities required to be performed under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651), including establishment of paternity, establishment, enforcement, and modification of child support orders, activities under the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (IC 31-2-1, before its repeal) or the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (IC 31-18.5, or IC 31-1.5 before its repeal), and if the contract is with a prosecuting attorney, prosecutions of welfare fraud.

(c) The hiring of a private attorney or private entity by an agreement or a contract made under this section is not subject to the approval of the attorney general under IC 4-6-5-3. An agreement or a contract made under this section is not subject to IC 4-13-2-14.3 or IC 5-22.

(d) Subject to section 14.1 of this chapter, a prosecuting attorney with which the bureau contracts under subsection (b):

(1) may contract with a collection agency licensed under IC 25-11 to provide child support enforcement services; and

(2) shall contract with a collection agency licensed under IC 25-11 to collect arrearages on child support orders under which collections have not been made on arrearages for at least two (2) years.

(e) A prosecuting attorney or private attorney entering into an agreement or a contract with the bureau under this section enters into an attorney-client relationship with the state to represent the interests of the state in the effective administration of the plan and not the interests of any other person. An attorney-client relationship is not created with any other person by reason of an agreement or contract with the bureau.

(f) At the time that an application for child support services is made, the applicant must be informed that:

(1) an attorney who provides services for the child support bureau is the attorney for the state and is not providing legal representation to the applicant; and

(2) communications made by the applicant to the attorney and the advice given by the attorney to the applicant are not confidential communications protected by the privilege provided under IC 34-46-3-1.

(g) A prosecuting attorney or private attorney who contracts or agrees under this section to undertake activities required to be performed under Title IV-D is not required to mediate, resolve, or litigate a dispute between the parties relating to:

(1) the amount of parenting time or parenting time credit; or

(2) the assignment of the right to claim a child as a dependent for federal and state tax purposes.

(h) An agreement made under subsection (b) must contain requirements stipulating service levels a prosecuting attorney or private entity is expected to meet. The bureau shall disburse incentive money based on whether a prosecuting attorney or private entity meets service levels stipulated in an agreement made under subsection (b).

(i) Beginning July 1, 2019, an agreement made under subsection (b) must contain provisions that a prosecuting attorney or private attorney:

(1) shall review all requests for modification of child support due to the incarceration of the obligor within an open Title IV-D case and, if appropriate, file a:

(A) petition for modification of child support; and

(B) proposed order;

in the appropriate court; and

(2) may file a petition for modification of child support without having received a request for modification from a party with an open Title IV-D case as the attorney considers appropriate.

As added by P.L.146-2006, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.210-2011, SEC.5; P.L.53-2014, SEC.143; P.L.206-2015, SEC.56; P.L.94-2018, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-39-4-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-39-4-10
Party to criminal or juvenile delinquency proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. (a) The head of the law enforcement agency shall grant any party to a criminal or juvenile delinquency proceeding access to a person's records if the information may be used:

(1) to impeach the person as a witness; or

(2) to discredit the person's reputation if the person places reputation in issue.

(b) The information may only be used in criminal or juvenile delinquency proceedings in accordance with the law of evidence.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-11-4-0.4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-11-4-0.4
Legalization of certain marriage licenses issued after August 31, 1984, and before April 16, 1985
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.4. A marriage solemnized under the legal authority of a license that:

(1) was issued under the authority of a circuit, superior, or juvenile court after August 31, 1984, and before April 16, 1985; and

(2) would have been validly issued under IC 31-1-1-1 if that statute had been in effect;

is legalized if performed in conformity with all other statutes in effect at the time of the marriage.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.491.
Ind. Code § 31-30-3-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-30-3-9
Probable cause finding
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. The finding of probable cause required to waive jurisdiction is sufficient to establish probable cause in the court to which the child is waived.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-2-4(i).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-19-4-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-19-4-5
Notice to named putative father; form
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. Notice of the adoption proceeding shall be given to:

(1) the putative father who is entitled to notice under section 1 or 2 of this chapter; or

(2) a named putative father under section 3 of this chapter;

in substantially the following form:

"NOTICE TO NAMED FATHER

______________ (putative father's name), who has been named the father of the child born to _____________ (mother's name) on ________ (date), or who claims to be the father of the child born to _______________ (mother's name) on __________ (date), is notified that a petition for adoption of the child was filed in the office of the clerk of ____________ court, ______________ (address of the court).

If ______________ (putative father's name) seeks to contest the adoption of the child, he must file a motion to contest the adoption in accordance with IC 31-19-10-1 in the above named court not later than fifteen (15) days after the date of service of this notice.

If ______________ (putative father's name) does not file a motion to contest the adoption within fifteen (15) days after service of this notice, the above named court will hear and determine the petition for adoption. His consent will be irrevocably implied and he will lose his right to contest either the adoption or the validity of his implied consent to the adoption. He will lose his right to establish his paternity of the child, by affidavit or otherwise, in Indiana or any other jurisdiction.

Nothing ____________ (mother's name) or anyone else says to _____________ (putative father's name) relieves _______________ (putative father's name) of his obligations under this notice.

Under Indiana law, a putative father is a person who is named as or claims that he may be the father of a child born out of wedlock but who has not yet been legally proven to be the child's father. For purposes of this notice, _____________ (putative father's name) is a putative father under the laws in Indiana regarding adoption.

This notice complies with IC 31-19-4-5 but does not exhaustively set forth a putative father's legal obligations under the Indiana adoption statutes. A person being served with this notice should consult the Indiana adoption statutes.".

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.200-1999, SEC.17; P.L.61-2003, SEC.8; P.L.21-2010, SEC.3; P.L.113-2017, SEC.3; P.L.244-2023, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-12
Statement of rights and responsibilities of foster parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) The department shall, in collaboration with:

(1) current foster parents;

(2) child placing agencies; and

(3) other individuals and organizations with expertise in foster care services;

develop and update periodically a statement that describes the rights of a foster parent that must be known as the "foster parent bill of rights".

(b) The statement required by subsection (a) must summarize the rights and responsibilities of a foster parent who is providing care and supervision to a child in a foster family home.

(c) The statement required by subsection (a) must be:

(1) distributed to current and prospective foster parents; and

(2) made available on the department's Internet web site.

As added by P.L.13-2018, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-14-15-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-14-15-1
Parenting time rights; permanent injunction against custodial parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. A noncustodial parent who:

(1) has been granted parenting time rights with a child who lives with the custodial parent;

(2) regularly pays support ordered by a court for the child; and

(3) is barred by a custodial parent from exercising parenting time rights ordered for the noncustodial parent and the child;

may file, in the court that has jurisdiction over the paternity action, an application for an injunction against the custodial parent under Rule 65 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-12.1(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.24.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-220.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-220.5
"Screened out"
Status: in_force

Sec. 220.5. "Screened out", with regard to a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect under IC 31-33, means that the department:

(1) received the report under IC 31-33-7; and

(2) did not refer the report for investigation under IC 31-33-9 based on the department's determination that the report:

(A) lacked sufficient information;

(B) did not contain allegations of child abuse or neglect;

(C) contained duplicative allegations that were previously assessed by the department; or

(D) did not contain information indicating a current risk to a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2.5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2.5 / Section 31-19-2.5-4
Notice not required
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. Notice of the pendency of the adoption proceedings does not have to be given to:

(1) a person whose consent to adoption has been filed with the court;

(2) a person whose consent to adoption is not required by:

(A) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(4)(A);

(B) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(4)(D);

(C) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(5);

(D) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(6);

(E) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(7);

(F) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(8);

(G) IC 31-19-9-9;

(H) IC 31-19-9-10;

(I) IC 31-19-9-12;

(J) IC 31-19-9-15; or

(K) IC 31-19-9-18;

(3) the hospital of an infant's birth or a hospital to which an infant is transferred for medical reasons after birth if the infant is being adopted at or shortly after birth;

(4) a person whose parental rights have been terminated before the entry of a final decree of adoption; or

(5) a person who has waived notice under:

(A) IC 31-19-4-8; or

(B) IC 31-19-4.5-4.

As added by P.L.61-2003, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.9; P.L.203-2021, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-40-5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-40-5-2
Establishment of grant program
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The juvenile diversion grant program and the juvenile community alternatives grant program may be established, subject to available funding.

(b) The Indiana criminal justice institute (as described in IC 5-2-6) shall administer the programs described in this chapter.

As added by P.L.101-2022, SEC.31.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-105 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-105
"Foreign tribunal"
Status: in_force

Sec. 105. "Foreign tribunal", 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.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-21-2-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21-2-7
"Court"
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. "Court" means an entity authorized by state law to establish, enforce, or modify a child custody determination.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-34-13-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-34-13-2
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 child is a child in need of services; 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.17. Amended by P.L.1-2009, SEC.160.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-13
Modification or suspension of medical examination requirement during declared disaster emergency
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. If the governor declares a state of disaster emergency under IC 10-14-3-12, the director of the department, or the director's designee, may modify or suspend enforcement of a statute or rule specifying a time within which a foster parent must provide for a child to be examined by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse after the child's placement in the foster parent's home.

As added by P.L.214-2021, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.9-2022, SEC.64.
Ind. Code § 31-34-11-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-34-11-2
Judgment; order of predisposition report; scheduling of dispositional hearing; dual status assessment team report and recommendations
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) If the court finds that a child is a child in need of services, the court shall:

(1) enter judgment accordingly;

(2) order a predisposition report;

(3) schedule a dispositional hearing; and

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

(b) If a court determines a child is a dual status child, the court may refer the child for an assessment by a dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.66-2015, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-27-9-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-27-9-3
Psychotropic medication
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A licensee shall provide psychotropic medications to a child only as prescribed by a licensed professional in Indiana:

(1) whose scope of work includes prescribing psychotropic medications; and

(2) who has the responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic planning for the child.

(b) This subsection does not apply to an emergency shelter or an emergency shelter group home. A licensee shall obtain from the prescribing licensed professional a written report at least every thirty-five (35) days for each child receiving psychotropic medication. The written report must state the reasons medication is being continued, discontinued, or changed, as well as any recommended changes in the treatment goals and planning. The report must be based on the licensed professional's review of reports by staff as well as the professional's actual observation of the child at least every ninety-three (93) days.

As added by P.L.109-2024, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.81-2025, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-26 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-26
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.146-2006, SEC.60.
Ind. Code § 31-34-23-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 31-34-23-4
Modification report
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. If a hearing is required, IC 31-34-18 and IC 31-34-19 apply to the preparation and use of a modification report. The report shall be prepared if the department or any person other than the child or the child's parent, guardian, guardian ad litem, court appointed special advocate, or custodian is requesting the modification. Notice of any hearing under this chapter shall be given in accordance with IC 31-34-19-1.3.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-16(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.129-2005, SEC.10; P.L.138-2007, SEC.78; P.L.146-2008, SEC.613.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-16-12-1
Enforcement remedies
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Notwithstanding any other law, all orders and awards contained in a child support decree or an order directing a person to pay a child support arrearage may be enforced by:

(1) contempt, including the provisions under section 6 of this chapter;

(2) an income withholding order; or

(3) any other remedies available for the enforcement of a court order;

except as otherwise provided by IC 31-16-2 through IC 31-16-11 or this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-17(c) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.11; P.L.123-2001, SEC.2; P.L.39-2002, SEC.1; P.L.148-2006, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-6-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-18.5-6-5
Notice of registration of order
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) When a support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered, the registering Indiana tribunal shall notify the nonregistering party. The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order.

(b) A notice must inform the nonregistering party:

(1) that a registered support order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by an Indiana tribunal;

(2) that a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within twenty (20) days after notice unless the registered order is under IC 31-18.5-7-7;

(3) that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages; and

(4) of the amount of any alleged arrearages.

(c) If the registering party asserts that two (2) or more orders are in effect, a notice must also:

(1) identify the two (2) or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any;

(2) notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order;

(3) state that the procedures provided in subsection (b) apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and

(4) state that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order.

(d) Upon registration of an income withholding order for enforcement, the support enforcement agency or the registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's income payor under IC 31-16-15.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-11-4-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-11-4-14
Marriage license as authorization of solemnization of marriage
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. A marriage license that is issued under this chapter is the legal authority for an individual who is authorized to solemnize marriages to marry two (2) individuals.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-3-13.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-34-12-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-34-12-2
Burden of proof in proceedings to terminate parental rights
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Except as provided in IC 31-35-2-4.5(d), a finding in a proceeding to terminate parental rights must be based upon clear and convincing evidence.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-13(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.35-1998, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-31-8-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-31-8-3
Provision of juvenile detention and shelter care facilities; staff; budget; expenses
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) The juvenile court may establish juvenile detention and shelter care facilities for children, except as provided by IC 31-31-9.

(b) The court may contract with other agencies to provide juvenile detention and shelter care facilities.

(c) If the juvenile court operates the juvenile detention and shelter care facilities, the judge shall appoint staff and determine the budgets.

(d) The county shall pay all expenses. The expenses for the juvenile detention facility shall be paid from the county general fund.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-9-5(a); 31-6-9-5(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.273-1999, SEC.96; P.L.146-2008, SEC.572.
Ind. Code § 31-34-15-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-34-15-5
Cooperation in development of plan
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. Each foster parent of a child and the department shall cooperate in the development of the case plan for the child. The department shall discuss with at least one (1) foster parent of a child the foster parent's role regarding the following:

(1) Rehabilitation of the child and the child's parents, guardians, and custodians.

(2) Visitation arrangements.

(3) Services required to meet the special needs of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-6.6(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.304.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-205 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-205
"Registering tribunal"
Status: in_force

Sec. 205. "Registering tribunal", 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.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-25-4.8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-19-25-4.8
Contact through intermediary; request updated medical information; communications confidential; immunity
Status: in_force

Sec. 4.8. (a) If a birth parent indicates that the birth parent prefers to be contacted through an intermediary as described in section 4.6(a)(1)(B) of this chapter, the state registrar shall:

(1) attempt to make personal contact with the third party designated by the birth parent under section 4.6(a)(2) of this chapter; or

(2) attempt to make personal contact with the birth parent if the birth parent did not designate a third party as the birth parent's intermediary under section 4.6(a)(2) of this chapter.

(b) At the time that the state registrar makes contact with a:

(1) birth parent; or

(2) third party designated by the birth parent;

the state registrar shall request that the birth parent update the birth parent's medical information with the state registrar.

(c) If the birth parent indicates that the birth parent welcomes the state registrar to contact the birth parent for the purpose of updating medical information as provided in section 4.6(a)(1)(D) of this chapter, the state registrar shall attempt to make personal contact with the birth parent to request that the birth parent update the birth parent's medical information.

(d) All communications by the state registrar under this section are confidential.

(e) The state registrar discharging in good faith the responsibilities under this section is immune from all civil and criminal liability that otherwise might result.

As added by P.L.3-2016, SEC.19.
Ind. Code § 31-34-13-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-34-13-4
Informing parties of intention to introduce and contents of statements and videotapes
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A statement or videotape may not be admitted in evidence under this chapter unless the attorney for the department informs the parties of:

(1) an intention to introduce the statement or videotape in evidence; and

(2) the content of the statement or videotape;

at least seven (7) days before the proceedings to give the parties a fair opportunity to prepare a response to the statement or videotape before the proceeding.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-15-5 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.296; P.L.146-2008, SEC.589.
Ind. Code § 31-12-2-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-12-2-7
Counseling service not condonation of acts constituting grounds for divorce or dissolution of marriage
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The:

(1) use of counseling service provided under this chapter; and

(2) action taken that has been recommended by the domestic relations counselor;

is not condonation on the part of either spouse of acts that may constitute grounds for divorce or dissolution of the marriage.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-6.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-37-23-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 23 / Section 31-37-23-4
"Delinquent child" defined
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "delinquent child" has the meaning prescribed by IC 31-37-1-1 or IC 31-37-2-1.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-10-2 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-16-14-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-16-14-1
Grounds for bringing action
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A dependent spouse may bring an action in a circuit or superior court to obtain support from the other spouse for the benefit of the dependent spouse and the dependent children in the custody of the dependent spouse if:

(1) the other spouse has deserted the dependent spouse or dependent children without cause and without sufficient support;

(2) the other spouse has:

(A) been convicted of a felony;

(B) been imprisoned; and

(C) left the dependent spouse or dependent children without sufficient support;

(3) the other spouse:

(A) becomes incapacitated; or

(B) neglects to provide support for the dependent spouse or dependent children;

because the other spouse is a habitual drunkard;

(4) the other spouse:

(A) joins a sect or denomination that requires a renunciation of the marriage or that forbids the spouses to cohabit as husband and wife; and

(B) renounces the marriage or refuses to live with the dependent spouse in a marital relationship; or

(5) the other spouse has been adjudged insane.

(b) A dependent spouse may join other persons as codefendants in an action brought under subsection (a) if the other persons:

(1) are indebted to either spouse; or

(2) have rights, credits, or choses in action that belong to either spouse and that are in the possession or control of the other persons.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-11-1.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-17 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-17-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.93-2021, SEC.5. Repealed by P.L.152-2026, SEC.466.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-19-2-2
Adoption of minor child; petition; venue; substituting petitioner
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an individual who seeks to adopt a child less than eighteen (18) years of age must, by attorney of record, file a petition for adoption with the clerk of the court having probate jurisdiction in the county in which:

(1) the petitioner for adoption resides;

(2) a licensed child placing agency or governmental agency having custody of the child is located;

(3) the attorney maintains an office; or

(4) the child resides.

(b) A petition for adoption of a child less than eighteen (18) years of age may be filed with the clerk of a court having probate jurisdiction in any county in Indiana if either of the following is filed with the petition:

(1) A written consent to the adoption from each individual whose consent to the adoption is required under IC 31-19-9 that:

(A) is executed by the individual in compliance with IC 31-19-9 not less than thirty (30) days before the petition for adoption is filed; and

(B) is not subject to a motion to withdraw consent under IC 31-19-10 filed by the individual less than fifteen (15) days after the consent is executed.

(2) A certified copy of a court order terminating the parental rights of each parent whose consent to the child's adoption is required under IC 31-19-9.

(c) The county in which the petition for adoption may be filed is a matter of venue and not jurisdiction.

(d) Subject to IC 31-19-9-3, if an individual who files a petition for adoption of a child:

(1) decides not to adopt the child; or

(2) is unable to adopt the child;

the petition for adoption may be amended or a second petition may be filed in the same action to substitute another individual who intends to adopt the child as the petitioner for adoption.

(e) If an amended petition or second petition is filed as described in subsection (d):

(1) the amended petition or second petition relates back to the date of the original petition; and

(2) a required notice that was provided with regard to the original petition satisfies the same notice requirement for the purposes of the second or amended petition.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.146-2007, SEC.2; P.L.203-2021, SEC.3; P.L.89-2023, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-18.5-1-2
Definitions
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. In this article:

(1) "Child" means an individual, whether over or under the age of majority, who is or is alleged to be owed a duty of support by the individual's parent or who is or is alleged to be the beneficiary of a support order directed to the parent.

(2) "Child support order" means a support order for a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state or foreign country.

(3) "Convention" means the Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, concluded at The Hague on November 23, 2007.

(4) "Duty of support" means an obligation imposed or imposable by law to provide support for a:

(A) child;

(B) spouse; or

(C) former spouse;

including an unsatisfied obligation to provide support.

(5) "Foreign country" means a country, including a political subdivision thereof, other than the United States, that authorizes the issuance of support orders and:

(A) which has been declared under the law of the United States to be a foreign reciprocating country;

(B) which has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with Indiana as provided in IC 31-18.5-3-8;

(C) which has enacted a law or established procedures for the issuance and enforcement of support orders which are substantially similar to the procedures under this article; or

(D) in which the Convention is in force with respect to the United States.

(6) "Foreign support order" means a support order of a foreign tribunal.

(7) "Foreign tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity of a foreign country which is authorized to:

(A) establish, enforce, or modify support orders; or

(B) determine parentage of a child.

The term includes a competent authority under the Convention.

(8) "Home state" means:

(A) the state or foreign country in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as parent for at least six (6) consecutive months immediately preceding the time of filing of a petition or comparable pleading for support; and

(B) if a child is less than six (6) months old, the state or foreign country in which the child lived from birth with any parent or person acting as parent.

A period of temporary absence of any parent or person acting as parent is counted as part of the six (6) month or other period.

(9) "Income" includes earnings or other periodic entitlements to money from any source and any other property subject to withholding for support under Indiana law.

(10) "Income withholding order" means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's income payor (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-127) or other debtor to withhold support from the income of the obligor.

(11) "Initiating tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country from which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded or in which a petition or comparable pleading is filed for forwarding to another state or foreign country.

(12) "Issuing foreign country" means the foreign country in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(13) "Issuing state" means the state in which a tribunal issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(14) "Issuing tribunal" means the tribunal of a state or foreign country that issues a support order or a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(15) "Law" includes decisional and statutory law and rules and regulations having the force of law.

(16) "Obligee" means:

(A) an individual to whom a duty of support is or is alleged to be owed or in whose favor:

(i) a support order; or

(ii) a judgment determining parentage of a child;

has been issued;

(B) a foreign country, state, or political subdivision of a state to which the rights under a duty of support or support order have been assigned or which has independent claims based on financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support;

(C) an individual seeking a judgment determining parentage of the individual's child; or

(D) a person that is a creditor in a proceeding under IC 31-18.5-7.

(17) "Obligor" means an individual or the estate of a decedent that:

(A) owes or is alleged to owe a duty of support;

(B) is alleged but has not been adjudicated to be a parent of a child;

(C) is liable under a support order; or

(D) is a debtor in a proceeding under IC 31-18.5-7.

(18) "Outside this state" means a location in another state or a country other than the United States, whether or not the country is a foreign country.

(19) "Person" means:

(A) an individual;

(B) a corporation;

(C) a business trust;

(D) an estate;

(E) a trust;

(F) a partnership;

(G) a limited liability company;

(H) an association;

(I) a joint venture;

(J) a public corporation;

(K) a government;

(L) a governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; or

(M) any other legal or commercial entity.

(20) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

(21) "Register" means to file in an Indiana tribunal a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child issued in another state or a foreign country.

(22) "Registering tribunal" means a tribunal in which a support order or judgment determining parentage of a child is registered.

(23) "Responding state" means a state in which a petition or comparable pleading for support or to determine parentage of a child is filed or to which a petition or comparable pleading is forwarded for filing from another state or a foreign country.

(24) "Responding tribunal" means the authorized tribunal in a responding state or foreign country.

(25) "Spousal support order" means a support order for a spouse or former spouse of the obligor.

(26) "State" means:

(A) a state of the United States;

(B) the District of Columbia;

(C) Puerto Rico;

(D) the United States Virgin Islands; or

(E) any territory or insular possession under the jurisdiction of the United States.

The term includes an Indian nation or tribe.

(27) "Support enforcement agency" means a public official, governmental entity, or private agency authorized to:

(A) seek enforcement of support orders or laws relating to the duty of support;

(B) seek establishment or modification of child support;

(C) request determination of parentage of a child;

(D) attempt to locate obligors or their assets; or

(E) request determination of the controlling child support order.

(28) "Support order" means a judgment, decree, order, or directive, whether:

(A) temporary;

(B) final; or

(C) subject to modification;

issued in a state or foreign country for the benefit of a child, a spouse, or a former spouse, which provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages, retroactive support, or reimbursement for financial assistance provided to an individual obligee in place of child support. The term may include related costs and fees, interest, income withholding, automatic adjustment, reasonable attorney's fees, and other relief.

(29) "Tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage of a child.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.164.
Ind. Code § 31-14-11-21 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-21
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.207-2013, SEC.39.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-161 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-161
"Modification"
Status: in_force

Sec. 161. "Modification", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-12.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-33-10-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-33-10-1
Duty to photograph, x-ray, and physically examine trauma visible on child
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A person who:

(1) is required to report cases of known or suspected child abuse or neglect; and

(2) is also a health care provider or a person in charge of a hospital or similar medical institution treating the child;

shall cause photographs to be taken of the areas of trauma visible on the child who is the subject of a report.

(b) If medically indicated, a physician may cause a radiological examination or a physical medical examination, or both, of the child to be performed.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-9
"Adoption"
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. "Adoption", for purposes of IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means the judicial act of creating the relationship of parent and child where the relationship did not exist previously.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-41-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 41 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-41-2-5
Dual status team considerations
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The dual status assessment team shall consider the child's best interests and well-being, including:

(1) the child's mental health, including any diagnosis;

(2) the child's school records, including attendance and achievement level;

(3) the child's statements;

(4) the statements of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(5) the impact of the child's behavior on any victim;

(6) the safety of the community;

(7) the child's needs, strengths, and risks;

(8) the need for a parent participation plan;

(9) the efficacy and availability of services and community providers;

(10) whether appropriate supervision of the child can be achieved by the dismissal of a delinquency adjudication in deference to a child in need of services adjudication;

(11) whether appropriate supervision of the child can be achieved by combining a delinquency adjudication or informal adjustment with a child in need of services petition;

(12) the child's placement needs;

(13) restorative justice practices that may be appropriate;

(14) whether a child in need of services petition or informal adjustment should be filed or dismissed;

(15) whether a delinquency petition or informal adjustment should be filed or dismissed;

(16) the availability of coordinated services regardless of whether the child is adjudicated to be a child in need of services or a delinquent child;

(17) whether the team recommends the exercise of dual adjudication and the lead agency to provide supervision of the child; and

(18) any other information considered appropriate by the team.

As added by P.L.66-2015, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.149-2016, SEC.84.
Ind. Code § 31-11-10-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-11-10-4
Procedure; filing in county of guardian's residence
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) An action to annul a voidable marriage under this chapter must be conducted in accordance with IC 31-15.

(b) If a court has authorized a guardian to file an action to annul a marriage on behalf of an incapacitated person under IC 29-3-9-12.2, the guardian may file an action to annul a marriage in the guardian's county of residence if the guardian has resided in that county for at least three (3) months immediately preceding the filing of the action.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-7-4.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.83-2014, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-17-6-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-17-6-3
Protection of best interests of child; term of appointment
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate shall represent and protect the best interests of the child. A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate serves until the court enters an order for removal.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-28(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-16-12-7
Suspension of delinquent person's driving privileges
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. If a court finds that a person is delinquent (as defined in IC 31-25-4-2) as a result of an intentional violation of an order for support, the court shall issue an order to the bureau of motor vehicles:

(1) stating that the person is delinquent; and

(2) ordering the following:

(A) If the person who is the subject of the order holds a driving license or permit on the date of issuance of the order, that the driving privileges of the person be suspended until further order of the court.

(B) If the person who is the subject of the order does not hold a driving license or permit on the date of issuance of the order, that the bureau may not issue a driving license or permit to the person until the bureau receives a further order of the court.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.234.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-6
Records available to certain individuals and agencies
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. The records of the juvenile court are available without a court order to:

(1) the attorney for the department of child services;

(2) any authorized staff member of:

(A) the local office;

(B) the department of child services;

(C) the department of correction; or

(D) the department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3; or

(3) a state legislator (as defined in IC 31-33-18-1.6) as provided in IC 31-33-18-1.6.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.359; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.384; P.L.128-2012, SEC.176; P.L.84-2026, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-19-12-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-19-12-1
Records
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. For each adoption and for each annulment or revocation of adoption decreed by an Indiana court, the clerk of the court shall prepare a record on a form prescribed and furnished by the Indiana department of health. The record must include the following:

(1) All facts necessary to:

(A) locate and identify the certificate of birth of the individual adopted; and

(B) establish a new certificate of birth for the individual adopted.

(2) Official notice from the court of the fact of adoption, including identification of the court action and proceedings.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-12(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.283.
Ind. Code § 31-14-21-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-14-21-4
Putative father's notice of paternity action; notice to clerk having jurisdiction over adoption
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A putative father who has not been served with notice of a paternity action as described in section 1(1) of this chapter but knows:

(1) that an adoption has been filed; and

(2) the court in which the adoption is pending;

shall serve the clerk of the court having jurisdiction over the adoption with notice of the paternity action.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2.1(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-23.7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-23.7
Immunity from civil liability
Status: in_force

Sec. 23.7. An income payor is not subject to civil liability for income withheld and paid to an obligee, the Title IV-D agency, or a state central collection unit in accordance with an income withholding order that appears regular on its face.

As added by P.L.80-2010, SEC.44.
Ind. Code § 31-40-6-4.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-40-6-4.5
Administration of grants
Status: in_force

Sec. 4.5. (a) The Indiana criminal justice institute shall administer grants for the juvenile behavioral health competitive grant program in consultation with the oversight committee and the workgroup, taking into consideration the grant program report prepared and submitted to the commission by the oversight committee under IC 2-5-36-9.3(b).

(b) Advances from the fund may be awarded before July 1, 2027, for purposes of the juvenile behavioral health competitive grant program. An advance may not be awarded under this subsection after June 30, 2027. This subsection expires July 2, 2027.

As added by P.L.201-2023, SEC.252. Amended by P.L.144-2024, SEC.17; P.L.122-2025, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-19-26.5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 26.5 / Section 31-19-26.5-3
Payment of adoption subsidies
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) Subject to section 4 of this chapter, the department shall make payments of adoption subsidy under this chapter for the benefit of a child with special needs if the department has:

(1) either:

(A) entered into a written agreement under section 10.5 of this chapter with the adoptive parent or parents, before or at the time the court enters a final decree of adoption under IC 31-19-11-1, that specifies the amount, terms, and conditions of the adoption assistance payments; or

(B) received a written final order in an administrative appeal in accordance with section 12(4) of this chapter concluding that the adoptive parents are eligible for a subsidy payable under this chapter and determining the appropriate subsidy amount; and

(2) determined that the child is not eligible for adoption assistance under 42 U.S.C. 673.

(b) This section does not prohibit the department from modifying or terminating an agreement with the adoptive parent or parents under this chapter. However, the department may not terminate an agreement with the adoptive parent or parents due to insufficient funds in the adoption assistance account.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.562. Amended by P.L.165-2021, SEC.184.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3.5-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-35-3.5-8
Appointment of guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. The court may appoint:

(1) a guardian ad litem;

(2) a court appointed special advocate; or

(3) both a guardian ad litem and a court appointed special advocate;

for a child in a proceeding under this chapter, as provided in IC 31-17-6-1.

As added by P.L.64-2016, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-37-26-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-37-26-5
Hearing to determine competency
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. As soon as practicable after receiving the written competency evaluation, the court shall determine whether the child is competent for adjudication or disposition. Upon a motion by any party, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine competency. The child has:

(1) the right to notice;

(2) the opportunity to participate personally at the hearing;

(3) the right to present evidence; and

(4) the right to be represented by counsel. If the child is indigent, the court shall appoint counsel for the child.

The party alleging that the child is not competent has the burden of proving that the child is not competent by a preponderance of the evidence.

As added by P.L.157-2021, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-21-6-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-21-6-15
Reasonable expenses awards
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. (a) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including:

(1) costs;

(2) communication expenses;

(3) attorney's fees;

(4) investigative fees;

(5) expenses for witnesses;

(6) travel expenses; and

(7) child care during the course of the proceedings;

unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.

(b) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this article.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-15
Court assistants; appointment; agreements for services; standards
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. (a) The judge of a court having jurisdiction over actions arising under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651) shall, when necessary to satisfy the federal requirement of expedited process for obtaining and enforcing support orders (42 U.S.C. 666(a)(2); 42 CFR 303.101), appoint assistants who meet the standards established by the judicial conference of Indiana under subsection (d), including:

(1) court commissioners;

(2) hearing examiners;

(3) masters; and

(4) referees;

to make findings of fact and recommendations for the judge's approval in actions arising under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.).

(b) If appointment of a court assistant is required under subsection (a), the bureau shall enter into an agreement with the courts for services associated with cases arising under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act that are performed by:

(1) a court assistant appointed under subsection (a); and

(2) administrative and supportive personnel to the court assistant, including the following:

(A) A bailiff.

(B) A stenographer.

(C) A court reporter.

(c) The agreements entered into under subsection (b) are not subject to approval by the attorney general under IC 4-13-2-14.3.

(d) The judicial conference of Indiana shall establish educational and occupational standards for an individual to be employed as an assistant under subsection (a).

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271.
Ind. Code § 31-34-18-1.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-34-18-1.2
Mandatory attendance of child's school representative at conference
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.2. If a child in need of services is known to be eligible for special education services or placement under IC 20-35 and 511 IAC 7, the conference described in section 1.1 of this chapter must include a representative from the child's school.

As added by P.L.55-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.1-2005, SEC.204.
Ind. Code § 31-14-11-24 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-24
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-16(f).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.207-2013, SEC.41.
Ind. Code § 31-19-3-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-19-3-8
Applicability of Rules of Trial Procedure
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. The Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure do not apply to the giving of notice under this chapter.

As added by P.L.200-1999, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-37-12-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-37-12-10
Consent by emancipated child
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. If a child is emancipated:

(1) under IC 31-37-19-27;

(2) by virtue of having married; or

(3) in accordance with the laws of another state or jurisdiction;

it is only necessary for the child to consent to the factfinding hearing or the dispositional hearing described in section 9 of this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-13(j).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-5
Necessity of registration as requisite to notice rights
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. If, on or before the date the mother of a child executes a consent to the child's adoption, the mother does not disclose to an attorney or agency that:

(1) is arranging; or

(2) may arrange;

an adoption of the child the name or address, or both, of the putative father of the child, the putative father must register under this chapter to entitle the putative father to notice of the child's adoption.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-8(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-37-6-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-37-6-7
Order to appear for additional detention hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. Upon the juvenile court's own motion or upon the motion of the person representing the interests of the state, a child who has been released may be ordered to appear for an additional detention hearing.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-17-4-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-17-4-7
Security
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) This section does not apply to an order under section 2.5 of this chapter.

(b) A court may not require an applicant for a temporary restraining order or an injunction under section 4 of this chapter (or IC 31-1-11.5-26 before its repeal) to give security.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-26(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.171-2001, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-7
Age restrictions for wardship; confinement in facilities housing persons charged with, imprisoned for, or incarcerated for crimes
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) With respect to a wardship awarded under section 6(b)(2)(A) of this chapter, a child may not be awarded to the department of correction, if the child:

(1) except as provided by subsection (b), is:

(A) less than twelve (12) years of age; or

(B) at least eighteen (18) years of age;

at the time of the dispositional decree; or

(2) was determined to be a delinquent child because the child violated IC 7.1-5-7.

(b) A wardship may be awarded to the department of correction if the child:

(1) is ten (10) or eleven (11) years of age; and

(2) is found to have committed an act that would have been murder if committed by an adult.

(c) The department of correction may not confine a delinquent child, except as provided in IC 11-10-2-10, at:

(1) an adult correctional facility; or

(2) a shelter care facility;

that houses persons charged with, imprisoned for, or incarcerated for crimes unless the child is restricted to an area of the facility where the child may have not more than haphazard or incidental sight or sound contact with persons charged with, imprisoned for, or incarcerated for crimes.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.6(a), (b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-2
Therapeutic foster home; certificates; requirements; supervision and care limits
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) A person may not operate a therapeutic foster family home without a certificate issued under this article.

(b) The state or a political subdivision of the state may not operate a therapeutic foster family home without a certificate issued under this article.

(c) The department may issue a certificate only for a therapeutic foster family home that meets:

(1) all the certification requirements of a foster family home; and

(2) the additional requirements described in this section.

(d) To receive a certificate for the operation of a therapeutic foster family home, a person must do the following:

(1) Be licensed as a foster parent under this chapter and 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.

(2) Participate in preservice training that includes:

(A) preservice training to be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.; and

(B) additional preservice training in therapeutic foster care.

(e) A person who is issued a certificate to operate a therapeutic foster family home shall, within one (1) year after meeting the training requirements of subsection (d)(2) and, annually thereafter, participate in training that includes:

(1) training as required in order to be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.; and

(2) additional training in therapeutic foster care.

(f) An operator of a therapeutic foster family home may not provide supervision and care in a therapeutic foster family home to more than four (4) children at the same time, including the children for whom the applicant or operator is a relative, guardian, or custodian, and only two (2) of the children may be foster children. The department may grant an exception to this subsection whenever the placement of siblings in the same therapeutic foster family home is desirable, the foster child has an established, meaningful relationship with the therapeutic foster parent, or it is otherwise in the foster child's best interests.

(g) An operator of a therapeutic foster family home that has a therapeutic foster child placed with the therapeutic foster family home may not accept a placement of a child who is not a therapeutic foster child unless the child who is not a therapeutic foster child is a sibling of the therapeutic foster child who is placed with the therapeutic foster family home or it is in the best interests of the child being placed.

(h) A therapeutic foster family home may provide care for an individual receiving collaborative care under IC 31-28-5.8.

(i) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 necessary to carry out this section, including rules governing the number of hours of training required under subsections (d) and (e).

(j) If a therapeutic foster family home does not meet the requirements under subsection (f) or (g) on July 1, 2011, any foster child placed in the home prior to July 1, 2011, may remain placed. However, a new placement of a child may not be made in violation of this section.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.143-2008, SEC.7; P.L.131-2009, SEC.36; P.L.162-2011, SEC.26; P.L.48-2012, SEC.28; P.L.13-2013, SEC.77; P.L.123-2014, SEC.13; P.L.93-2024, SEC.205.
Ind. Code § 31-19-11-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-19-11-1-b
Decree; affidavit; criminal convictions and juvenile adjudications
Status: in_force

Note: This version of section amended by P.L.158-2026, SEC.24. See also preceding version of this section amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.170.

Sec. 1. (a) Whenever the court has heard the evidence and finds that:

(1) the adoption requested is in the best interest of the child;

(2) the petitioner or petitioners for adoption are of sufficient ability to rear the child and furnish suitable support and education;

(3) the report of the investigation and recommendation under IC 31-19-8-5 has been filed;

(4) the attorney or agency arranging an adoption has filed with the court an affidavit prepared by the Indiana department of health under IC 31-19-5-16 indicating whether a man is entitled to notice of the adoption because the man has registered with the putative father registry in accordance with IC 31-19-5;

(5) proper notice arising under subdivision (4), if notice is necessary, of the adoption has been given;

(6) the attorney or agency has filed with the court an affidavit prepared by the Indiana department of health under:

(A) IC 31-19-6 indicating whether a record of a paternity determination; or

(B) IC 16-37-2-2(g) indicating whether a paternity affidavit executed under IC 16-37-2-2.1;

has been filed in relation to the child;

(7) proper consent, if consent is necessary, to the adoption has been given;

(8) the petitioner for adoption is not prohibited from adopting the child as the result of an inappropriate criminal history described in subsection (c) or (d); and

(9) the person, licensed child placing agency, or local office that has placed the child for adoption has provided the documents and other information required under IC 31-19-17 to the prospective adoptive parents;

the court shall grant the petition for adoption and enter an adoption decree.

(b) A court may not grant an adoption unless the Indiana department of health's affidavit under IC 31-19-5-16 is filed with the court as provided under subsection (a)(4).

(c) A juvenile adjudication for an act listed in IC 31-9-2-84.8 that would be a felony if committed by an adult, a conviction of a misdemeanor related to the health and safety of a child, or a conviction of a felony not listed in IC 31-9-2-84.8 by a petitioner for adoption or household member is a permissible basis for the court to deny the petition for adoption. In addition, the court may not grant an adoption if a petitioner for adoption has been convicted of a nonwaivable offense under IC 31-9-2-84.8. However, the court is not prohibited from granting an adoption based upon a felony conviction for:

(1) a felony under IC 9-30-5;

(2) battery (IC 35-42-2-1);

(3) criminal recklessness (IC 35-42-2-2) as a felony;

(4) criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3);

(5) arson (IC 35-43-1-1);

(6) nonsupport of a dependent child (IC 35-46-1-5);

(7) operating a motorboat while intoxicated (IC 35-46-9-6) (before its repeal) as a felony;

(8) a felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47; or

(9) a felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4;

if the date of the conviction did not occur within the immediately preceding five (5) year period.

(d) A court may not grant an adoption if the petitioner is a sex or violent offender (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5) or a sexually violent predator (as defined in IC 35-38-1-7.5).

(e) In addition to this section, section 1.1 of this chapter applies when one (1) or more petitioners is a person with a disability.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-3-1-8(a); 31-3-1.5-14(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.257-1997(ss), SEC.38; P.L.200-1999, SEC.23; P.L.1-2002, SEC.126; P.L.123-2002, SEC.29; P.L.129-2005, SEC.3; P.L.140-2006, SEC.17 and P.L.173-2006, SEC.17; P.L.145-2006, SEC.253; P.L.1-2007, SEC.196; P.L.138-2007, SEC.44; P.L.216-2007, SEC.34; P.L.3-2008, SEC.238; P.L.21-2010, SEC.7; P.L.162-2011, SEC.16; P.L.128-2012, SEC.56; P.L.158-2013, SEC.311; P.L.243-2019, SEC.5; P.L.142-2020, SEC.38; P.L.146-2021, SEC.9; P.L.56-2023, SEC.282; P.L.158-2026, SEC.24.
Ind. Code § 31-34-21-0.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-34-21-0.2
First periodic case review; petition to terminate parent-child relationship; conditions; required notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.2. At a child's first periodic case review occurring after June 30, 1998, the local office is required to advise the child's parent, guardian, or custodian in writing that a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship must be filed with respect to the child after June 30, 1999, if the child has been removed from the child's parent and has been under the supervision of a local office for at least fifteen (15) months of the most recent twenty-two (22) months. However, if a child's parent, guardian, or custodian fails to appear at the first periodic case review occurring after June 30, 1998, the local office shall make reasonable efforts to send notice of the advisement to the last known address of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.516. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.166.
Ind. Code § 31-32-13-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-32-13-5
Specificity of order
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. An order issued under section 1 of this chapter must specifically describe in reasonable detail the acts or persons to be regulated under the order.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-14(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-31-3-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-31-3-5
Referees; funding for salaries
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The county shall pay the salary of a part-time juvenile court referee appointed under this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-9-2(c) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-19-20-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-19-20-4
Release of medical records by provider
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. IC 31-19-19, this chapter, and IC 31-19-23 through IC 31-19-25.5 do not restrict a provider (as defined in IC 16-18-2-295) from releasing medical records to an attorney or agency arranging an adoption if the provider receives the appropriate authorization under IC 16-39-1.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-32.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.191-2011, SEC.23; P.L.3-2016, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-14-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-14-5-5
Action to be filed during lifetime or within five months of death of alleged father
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an action must be filed:

(1) during the lifetime of the alleged father; or

(2) not later than five (5) months after his death.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-231 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-231
"State department"
Status: in_force

Sec. 231. "State department", for purposes of IC 31-19-5, refers to the Indiana department of health.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-21 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-21
Transitional services plan; participation by child representatives
Status: in_force

Sec. 21. (a) As used in this section, "transitional services plan" means a plan that provides information concerning the following to an individual described in subsection (b):

(1) Education.

(2) Employment.

(3) Housing.

(4) Health care, including information concerning the individual's eligibility and participation in the Medicaid program.

(5) Development of problem solving skills.

(6) Available local, state, and federal financial assistance.

(b) The department shall implement a program that provides a transitional services plan to the following:

(1) An individual who has become or will become:

(A) eighteen (18) years of age; or

(B) emancipated;

while receiving foster care.

(2) An individual who:

(A) is at least eighteen (18) but less than twenty-one (21) years of age; and

(B) is receiving collaborative care under IC 31-28-5.8.

(c) A transitional services plan for an individual described in subsection (b) shall contain a document that:

(1) describes the rights of the individual with respect to:

(A) education, health, visitation, and court participation;

(B) the right to be provided with the individual's medical documents and any other medical information; and

(C) the right to stay safe and avoid exploitation; and

(2) includes a signed acknowledgment by the individual that the:

(A) individual has been provided with a copy of the document described in subdivision (1); and

(B) rights contained in the document have been explained to the individual in an age appropriate manner.

(d) The individual's child representatives selected by the individual under IC 31-34-15-7 or IC 31-37-19-1.7 may participate in the development of a transitional services plan for the individual.

(e) The department, as part of the program described in this section, in cooperation with the office of Medicaid policy and planning, shall include, as part of the transitional services plan for an individual described in subsection (b), the enrollment of the individual in the Medicaid program.

(f) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 necessary to implement the program described in this section.

As added by P.L.143-2008, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.33; P.L.48-2012, SEC.24; P.L.104-2015, SEC.17; P.L.124-2017, SEC.2; P.L.198-2019, SEC.3; P.L.93-2024, SEC.203.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-1
Application of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) This chapter applies to all records of the juvenile court except the following:

(1) Records involving an adult charged with a crime or criminal contempt of court.

(2) Records involving a pregnant minor or her physician seeking a waiver of the requirement under IC 35-1-58.5-2.5 (before its repeal) or IC 16-34-2-4 that a physician who performs an abortion on an unemancipated minor first obtain the written consent of the minor's parent or guardian.

(3) Records involving proceedings that pertain to:

(A) paternity issues;

(B) custody issues;

(C) parenting time issues; or

(D) child support issues;

concerning a child born to parents who are not married to each other.

(b) The legal records subject to this chapter include the following:

(1) Chronological case summaries.

(2) Index summaries.

(3) Summonses.

(4) Warrants.

(5) Petitions.

(6) Orders.

(7) Motions.

(8) Decrees.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.1-2014, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-34-12-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-34-12-4
Presumption that child is child in need of services
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A rebuttable presumption is raised that the child is a child in need of services because of an act or omission of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian if the state introduces competent evidence of probative value that:

(1) the child has been injured;

(2) at the time the child was injured, the parent, guardian, or custodian:

(A) had the care, custody, or control of the child; or

(B) had legal responsibility for the care, custody, or control of the child;

(3) the injury would not ordinarily be sustained except for the act or omission of a parent, guardian, or custodian; and

(4) there is a reasonable probability that the injury was not accidental.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-13(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.48-2012, SEC.60.
Ind. Code § 31-37-6-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-37-6-6
Release; conditions; findings required for detention order; annual report
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) The juvenile court shall use the results of the detention tool to inform decisions regarding the detention or temporary detention of a child taken into custody under IC 31-37-5.

(b) The juvenile court shall release the child on the child's own recognizance or to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian upon the person's written promise to bring the child before the court at a time specified. However, the court may order the child detained if the court finds probable cause to believe the child is a delinquent child and that:

(1) the child is unlikely to appear for subsequent proceedings;

(2) detention is essential to protect the child or the community;

(3) the parent, guardian, or custodian:

(A) cannot be located; or

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

(4) return of the child to the child's home is or would be:

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

(B) harmful to the safety or health of the child; or

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

However, the findings under this subsection are not required if the child is ordered to be detained in the home of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian or is released subject to any condition listed in subsection (e).

(c) If a child is detained for a reason specified in subsection (b)(3), (b)(4), or (b)(5), the child shall be detained under IC 31-37-7-1.

(d) If a child is detained for a reason specified in subsection (b)(4), the court shall make written findings and conclusions that include the following:

(1) The factual basis for the finding specified in subsection (b)(4).

(2) A description of the family services available and efforts made to provide family services before removal of the child.

(3) The reasons why efforts made to provide family services did not prevent removal of the child.

(4) Whether efforts made to prevent removal of the child were reasonable.

(e) Whenever the court releases a child under this section, the court may impose conditions upon the child, including:

(1) home detention;

(2) electronic monitoring;

(3) a curfew restriction;

(4) a protective order;

(5) a no contact order;

(6) an order to comply with Indiana law; or

(7) an order placing any other reasonable conditions on the child's actions or behavior.

(f) If the juvenile court releases a child to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian under this section, the court may impose conditions on the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to ensure:

(1) the safety of the child's physical or mental health;

(2) the public's physical safety; or

(3) that any combination of subdivisions (1) and (2) is satisfied.

(g) The juvenile court shall include in any order approving or requiring detention of a child or approving temporary detention of a child taken into custody under IC 31-37-5 all findings and conclusions required under:

(1) the 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 delinquent child for assistance under Title IV-E or any other federal law.

(h) 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 delinquent child constitutes compliance with subsection (g).

(i) The order described in subsection (g) shall also include:

(1) the rationale and reasoning for approving or requiring detention of a child if the child did not score as high risk on the detention tool; and

(2) the child's detention screening results.

(j) The juvenile court shall send information related to:

(1) local policies and procedures regarding the use of secure detention; and

(2) the detention tool results and justification of overrides of the tool;

to the office of judicial administration on an annual basis.

(k) The office of judicial administration shall develop an annual report that includes the information described in subsection (j). 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.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.188-1999, SEC.2; P.L.217-2001, SEC.13; P.L.1-2002, SEC.127; P.L.146-2006, SEC.55; P.L.146-2008, SEC.624; P.L.101-2022, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-186 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-186
"Private secure facility"
Status: in_force

Sec. 186. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), "private secure facility", for purposes of the juvenile law, means the following:

(1) A facility that is licensed under IC 31-27 to operate as a private secure facility.

(2) A private facility that is licensed in another state to provide residential care and treatment to one (1) or more children in a secure facility other than a detention center, prison, jail, or similar correctional facility.

(b) "Private secure facility", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a private secure facility other than the following:

(1) A juvenile detention facility established under IC 31-31-8 or IC 31-31-9 (or IC 31-6-9-5 or IC 31-6-9.5 before their repeal).

(2) A facility operated by the department of correction.

(3) A county jail.

(4) A detention center operated by a county sheriff.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-1
Exclusive original jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A juvenile court has exclusive original jurisdiction, except as provided in sections 9, 10, 12, and 13 of this chapter, in the following:

(1) Proceedings in which a child, including a child of divorced parents, is alleged to be a delinquent child under IC 31-37.

(2) Proceedings in which a child, including a child of divorced parents, is alleged to be a child in need of services under IC 31-34.

(3) Proceedings concerning the paternity of a child under IC 31-14.

(4) Proceedings under the interstate compact on juveniles under IC 31-37-23.

(5) Proceedings governing the participation of a parent, guardian, or custodian in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for a child under IC 31-34-20 or IC 31-37-15.

(6) Proceedings under IC 31-34-4, IC 31-34-5, IC 31-37-5, and IC 31-37-6 governing the detention of a child before a petition has been filed.

(7) Proceedings to issue a protective order under IC 31-32-13.

(8) Proceedings in which a child less than sixteen (16) years of age is alleged to have committed an act that would be a misdemeanor traffic offense if committed by an adult.

(9) Proceedings in which a child is alleged to have committed an act that would be an offense under IC 9-30-5 if committed by an adult.

(10) Guardianship of the person proceedings for a child:

(A) who has been adjudicated as a child in need of services;

(B) for whom a juvenile court has approved a permanency plan under IC 31-34-21-7 that provides for the appointment of a guardian of the person; and

(C) who is the subject of a pending child in need of services proceeding under IC 31-34.

(11) Proceedings concerning involuntary drug and alcohol treatment under IC 31-32-16.

(12) Proceedings under the interstate compact for juveniles under IC 11-13-4.5-1.5.

(13) Proceedings under IC 31-28-5.8.

(14) Other proceedings specified by law.

(b) A juvenile court has jurisdiction over a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age for an alleged offense:

(1) committed while the person was a child; and

(2) that could not have been waived under IC 31-30-3.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.164-1999, SEC.1; P.L.217-2001, SEC.3; P.L.196-2003, SEC.1; P.L.137-2011, SEC.6; P.L.48-2012, SEC.35; P.L.172-2022, SEC.6; P.L.115-2023, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-32-5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-32-5-1
Waiver of rights guaranteed to child
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Any rights guaranteed to a child under the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Indiana, or any other law may be waived only:

(1) by counsel retained or appointed to represent the child if the child knowingly and voluntarily joins with the waiver;

(2) by the child's custodial parent, guardian, custodian, or guardian ad litem if:

(A) that person knowingly and voluntarily waives the right;

(B) that person has no interest adverse to the child;

(C) meaningful consultation has occurred between that person and the child; and

(D) the child knowingly and voluntarily joins with the waiver; or

(3) by the child, without the presence of a custodial parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem, if:

(A) the child knowingly and voluntarily consents to the waiver; and

(B) the child has been emancipated under IC 31-34-20-6 or IC 31-37-19-27, by virtue of having married, or in accordance with the laws of another state or jurisdiction.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-3(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-13-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 13 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-13-1-1
Parties to marriage more closely related than second cousins
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. If a marriage is void because the parties to the marriage are more closely related than second cousins, the children of the marriage shall be treated as if the children are children of a marriage that is not void.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-1.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-8
Public access to records of juvenile delinquency proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) The records of the juvenile court are available without a court order to the public, subject to the restrictions in subsections (b) and (c), whenever a petition has been filed alleging that a child is delinquent as the result of any of the following alleged acts or combination of alleged acts:

(1) An act that would be murder or a felony if committed by an adult.

(2) An aggregate of two (2) unrelated acts that would be misdemeanors if committed by an adult if the child was at least twelve (12) years of age when the acts were committed.

(3) An aggregate of five (5) unrelated acts that would be misdemeanors if committed by an adult if the child was less than twelve (12) years of age when the acts were committed.

(b) Only the following information or documents may be released under this section:

(1) The child's name.

(2) The child's age.

(3) The nature of the offense.

(4) Chronological case summaries.

(5) Index entries.

(6) Summonses.

(7) Warrants.

(8) Petitions.

(9) Orders.

(10) Motions, excluding:

(A) motions concerning psychological evaluations; and

(B) motions concerning child abuse and neglect.

(11) Decrees.

(12) If the child is adjudicated as a delinquent child for an act or combination of acts described in subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3), the child's photograph.

(c) The clerk of the juvenile court shall place all other records of the child alleged to be or adjudicated as a delinquent child in an envelope marked "confidential" inside the court's file pertaining to the child. Records placed in the confidential envelope may only be released to persons who are allowed disclosure under this section or section 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 of this chapter. The identifying information of any child who is a victim or a witness shall remain confidential under this section.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-15-5-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-15-5-8
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-8.2(g) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.133-2002, SEC.69.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-244 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-244
"Title IV-D agency"
Status: in_force

Sec. 244. "Title IV-D agency" means:

(1) the bureau of child support established in the department of child services established by IC 31-25-3-1; or

(2) a designated agent of the department described in IC 31-25-4-13.1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-27-8-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-27-8-3
Personnel records
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A licensee shall establish and maintain an individual record for each staff member.

(b) The record must include the following information before employment:

(1) Application.

(2) Name, address, and telephone number.

(3) Name, address, and telephone number of the person to be notified in the event of an emergency.

(4) Documentation of training, education, experience, and any other required qualifications.

(5) Reference notes or reports, with evaluations of ability, character, and suitability for working with children.

(6) Signed, notarized criminal history affidavit.

(c) The record must include the following information after employment:

(1) Documentation of initial physical examination and results of initial tuberculosis test.

(2) Annual report of tuberculosis screening results.

(3) Annual evaluation of staff member's performance.

(4) Documentation of workshops or training sessions attended and of courses of study successfully completed.

(5) Dates of employment and termination with any reason for termination.

(6) Copies of any incident report involving the staff member.

As added by P.L.109-2024, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-14-6-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-14-6-3
Test results; effect; admissibility
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The results of the tests and the finding of the expert:

(1) constitute conclusive evidence if the results and finding exclude a party as the biological father of the child; and

(2) are admissible in all paternity proceedings, unless the court excludes the results or finding for good cause.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-16
Delinquent acts involving controlled or counterfeit substances or prescription drugs; prior adjudication of act on or near school property; denial of learner's permit
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) This section applies if:

(1) a child has been previously determined to be a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1 (or IC 31-6-4-1(b)(1) before its repeal) due to the commission of a delinquent act described in section 15(a)(1), 15(a)(2), or 15(a)(3) of this chapter (or IC 31-6-4-15.9(e)(1), IC 31-6-4-15.9(e)(2), or IC 31-6-4-15.9(e)(3) before its repeal); or

(2) the delinquent act described in section 15(a)(1), 15(a)(2), or 15(a)(3) of this chapter (or IC 31-6-4-15.9(e)(1), IC 31-6-4-15.9(e)(2), or IC 31-6-4-15.9(e)(3) before its repeal) was committed:

(A) on school property;

(B) within one thousand (1,000) feet of school property; or

(C) on a school bus.

(b) The juvenile court shall, in addition to any other order or decree the court makes under this chapter, order the bureau of motor vehicles not to issue the child a learner's permit for a period specified by the court of at least six (6) months but not more than two (2) years from the time the child would otherwise be eligible for a learner's permit.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.9(e) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-15
Investigation of unlicensed premises
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. The department shall investigate any premises that the department has reason to believe are being used for child care without a license in circumstances where a license is required.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-5
Establish access restrictions; maintain confidentiality; read only access by child services ombudsman
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) The department shall establish access restrictions in order to maintain the security and confidentiality of the index as required by this chapter.

(b) The department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3 shall have read only access to the index concerning:

(1) children who are the subject of complaints filed with; or

(2) cases being investigated by;

the department of child services ombudsman. The office of the department of child services ombudsman shall not have access to any information related to cases or information that involves the ombudsman or any member of the ombudsman's immediate family.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67. Amended by P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.383; P.L.162-2011, SEC.47.
Ind. Code § 31-16-6-7.8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-16-6-7.8
Child support considered priority claim
Status: in_force

Sec. 7.8. Child support that:

(1) the parent was obligated to pay; and

(2) has not been paid at the time of the parent's death;

constitutes a priority claim against the estate.

As added by P.L.207-2013, SEC.47.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-202 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-202
"Region"
Status: in_force

Sec. 202. "Region", for purposes of this title, refers to an area in Indiana designated as a region by the department. However, for purposes of IC 31-26-6, the term refers to a service region established under IC 31-26-6.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-30-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-30-2-5
Satisfaction of restitution order
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. If any part of an order of restitution remains unpaid at the time a child is released by the department of correction, the court may reinstate jurisdiction over the child and place the child under the supervision of the probation department until the restitution order is satisfied.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-2-3(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-15-4-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-15-4-14
Provisional order; termination
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. A provisional order terminates when:

(1) the final decree is entered subject to right of appeal; or

(2) the petition for dissolution or legal separation is dismissed.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-7(g) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-2
Admissibility of reports; opportunity to controvert report
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Any predispositional report may be admitted into evidence to the extent that the report contains evidence of probative value even if the report would otherwise be excluded.

(b) If a report contains information that should not be released to the child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, a factual summary of the report may be admitted.

(c) The following shall be given a fair opportunity to controvert any part of the report admitted into evidence:

(1) The child.

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

(3) The person representing the interests of the state.

(4) A foster parent or other caretaker who is entitled to notice of the dispositional hearing under section 1.3 of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.85.
Ind. Code § 31-37-8-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-37-8-4
Advisement required for child interview
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. If a child interview occurs, the intake officer shall advise the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian of the following:

(1) The nature of the allegations against the child.

(2) That the intake officer is conducting a preliminary inquiry to assist the prosecuting attorney in determining whether a petition should be filed alleging that the child is a delinquent child.

(3) That the intake officer will recommend whether to:

(A) file a petition;

(B) file a petition and recommend that the child be referred for an assessment by a dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41;

(C) refer the child to juvenile diversion as described in IC 31-37-8.5;

(D) refer the child to juvenile diversion as described in IC 31-37-8.5 and recommend that the child be referred for an assessment by the dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5;

(E) informally adjust the case;

(F) informally adjust the case and recommend that the child be referred for an assessment by the dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5;

(G) refer the child to another agency; or

(H) dismiss the case.

(4) That the child has a right to remain silent.

(5) That anything the child says may be used against the child in subsequent judicial proceedings.

(6) That the child has a right to consult with an attorney before the child talks with the intake officer.

(7) That the child has a right to stop at any time and consult with an attorney.

(8) That the child has a right to stop talking with the intake officer at any time.

(9) That if the child cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney for the child.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.66-2015, SEC.11; P.L.101-2022, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-33-15-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-33-15-3
Costs of services of guardian ad litem
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Any costs related to the services of a guardian ad litem shall be paid according to IC 31-40.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-9(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-19-21-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-19-21-4
Release after consenting person's death
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A consenting person may restrict the consent to the release of the information only after the consenting person's death. The holder of the information may release the information in conformity with the consent only if proof of the consenting person's death is submitted to the holder.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-27(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-119 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-119
"Health care"
Status: in_force

Sec. 119. "Health care", for purposes of IC 31-42, has the meaning set forth in IC 16-36-1-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-34-5-2
Findings
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. If a child has been removed from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian under IC 31-34-2-3 or IC 31-34-2-4, then, in accordance with federal law, at the detention hearing the court shall make written findings and conclusions that state the following:

(1) Whether removal of the child authorized by IC 31-34-2-3 or IC 31-34-2-4 was necessary to protect the child.

(2) A description of the family services available before removal of the child.

(3) Efforts made to provide family services before removal of the child.

(4) Why the efforts made to provide family services did not prevent removal of the child.

(5) Whether the efforts made to prevent removal of the child were reasonable.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-14-14-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-14-14-4
Missed parenting time; noncustodial parent in military
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A noncustodial parent who misses parenting time as the result of participation in an activity of:

(1) the Indiana National Guard; or

(2) a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States;

may make up the lost parenting time as provided in IC 10-16-7-22.

As added by P.L.103-1997, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.2-2003, SEC.71; P.L.68-2005, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-14-16-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-14-16-1
Protective order; procedure
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. A parent may request a court to issue a protective order against the other parent to prevent domestic or family violence at any time after a final decree of paternity is issued under this article (or IC 31-6-6.1 before its repeal) if the parties have an unemancipated child. The parent must file a petition under IC 34-26-5 in the court in which the case is pending, and the court may not require the moving party to give security. If the petitioner requests an ex parte protective order, the court shall immediately:

(1) review the request; and

(2) if required, set a hearing;

under IC 34-26-5. The procedure and law for a proceeding under this section are controlled by IC 34-26-5.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-12.5(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.133-2002, SEC.26; P.L.221-2003, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-17-5-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-17-5-8
Paternity proceedings; effect on visitation rights
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) This section applies to a child born out of wedlock.

(b) Visitation rights provided for in section 1 or 10 of this chapter survive the establishment of paternity of a child by a court proceeding other than an adoption proceeding.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.7-2(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-14-6-0.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-14-6-0.1
Effect of certain amendments to chapter on certain court orders
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.1. The amendments made to section 4 of this chapter by P.L.44-2003 do not negate a court order entered before July 1, 2003, requiring an individual found to be the biological father of a child to reimburse the state or a political subdivision for the costs of genetic testing.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.495.
Ind. Code § 31-19-26.5-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 26.5 / Section 31-19-26.5-13
Applicability of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. This chapter does not affect:

(1) the legal status of an adoptive child;

(2) the rights and responsibilities of the adoptive parents as provided by law; or

(3) the eligibility of an adoptive child or adoptive parents for adoption assistance under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 673), federal and state regulations applicable to the Title IV-E adoption assistance program, or determination of the amount of any assistance provided by the department through the Title IV-E adoption assistance program.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.562.
Ind. Code § 31-32-13-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-32-13-6
Duration of order; extension, modification, or dissolution
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. An order issued under section 1 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-7-14(a) before its repeal) remains in effect for one (1) year. However, the juvenile court may:

(1) extend the order for additional one (1) year periods after an annual review of the order; and

(2) modify or dissolve the order at any time after a showing that:

(A) the original circumstances concerning the order have changed; or

(B) new circumstances have developed.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-14(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-21-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21-2-4
"Child custody determination"
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) "Child custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other court order providing for:

(1) legal custody;

(2) physical custody; or

(3) visitation;

with respect to a child.

(b) The term does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of a person.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-17-5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-17-5-1
Right to seek visitation
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A child's grandparent may seek visitation rights if:

(1) the child's parent is deceased;

(2) the marriage of the child's parents has been dissolved in Indiana; or

(3) subject to subsection (b), the child was born out of wedlock.

(b) A court may not grant visitation rights to a paternal grandparent of a child who is born out of wedlock under subsection (a)(3) if the child's father has not established paternity in relation to the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.7-2(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-14.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-14.1
Program to contract with collection agency; duties; contract requirements; costs
Status: in_force

Sec. 14.1. (a) This section applies after December 31, 2006.

(b) The bureau shall establish a program to allow a prosecuting attorney with which the bureau has contracted under section 13.1 of this chapter to contract with a collection agency licensed under IC 25-11 to provide child support enforcement services.

(c) The bureau shall:

(1) establish a list of approved collection agencies with which a prosecuting attorney may contract under this section;

(2) establish requirements for participation in the program established under this section to assure:

(A) effective administration of the plan; and

(B) compliance with all federal and state statutes, regulations, and rules;

(3) update and review the list described in subdivision (1) and forward a copy of the updated list to each prosecuting attorney annually; and

(4) preapprove or approve all contracts between a collection agency and a prosecuting attorney.

(d) A contract between a prosecuting attorney and a collection agency under this section must include the following provisions:

(1) A provision that records of a contractor operated child support enforcement system are subject to inspection and copying to the same extent the records would be subject to inspection and copying if the contractor were a public agency under IC 5-14-3.

(2) A provision that records that are provided by a contractor to the prosecuting attorney that relate to compliance by the contractor with the terms of the contract are subject to inspection and copying in accordance with IC 5-14-3.

(e) The bureau is not liable for any costs related to a contract entered into under this section that are disallowed for reimbursement by the federal government under the Title IV-D program of the federal Social Security Act.

(f) The bureau shall treat costs incurred by a prosecuting attorney under this section as administrative costs of the prosecuting attorney.

(g) Contracts between a collection agency licensed under IC 25-11 and the bureau or a prosecuting attorney:

(1) must:

(A) be in writing;

(B) include:

(i) all fees, charges, and costs, including administrative and application fees; and

(ii) the right of the bureau or the prosecuting attorney to cancel the contract at any time;

(C) require the collection agency, upon the request of the bureau or the prosecuting attorney, to provide the:

(i) source of each payment received for arrearage on a child support order;

(ii) form of each payment received for arrearage on a child support order;

(iii) amount and percentage that is deducted as a fee or a charge from each payment of arrearage on a child support order; and

(iv) amount of arrearage owed under a child support order; and

(D) be one (1) year renewable contracts; and

(2) may be negotiable contingency contracts in which a collection agency may not collect a fee that exceeds fifteen percent (15%) of the arrearages collected per case.

(h) A collection agency that contracts with the bureau or a prosecuting attorney under this section may, in addition to the collection of arrearages on a child support order, assess and collect from an obligor all fees, charges, costs, and other expenses as provided under the terms of the contract described in subsection (g).

As added by P.L.146-2006, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-26-6-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-26-6-13
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.571. Repealed by P.L.134-2012, SEC.33.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-9-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. Amended by P.L.93-2021, SEC.3. Repealed by P.L.152-2026, SEC.460.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-14
"Adult"
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. (a) "Adult", for purposes of IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

(b) "Adult", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a person other than a child.

(c) "Adult", for purposes of IC 31-11, means:

(1) a person at least eighteen (18) years of age; or

(2) a:

(A) married minor who is at least sixteen (16) years of age; or

(B) minor who has been completely emancipated by a court;

subject to specific constitutional and statutory age requirements and health and safety regulations that remain applicable to the person because of the person's age.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-35-3-2
Law governing proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Proceedings under this chapter are governed by the procedures prescribed by:

(1) IC 31-32-1, IC 31-32-4 through IC 31-32-10, and IC 31-32-12 through IC 31-32-15;

(2) IC 31-34; and

(3) IC 31-37;

but are distinct from proceedings under IC 31-34 and IC 31-37.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-1 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-19-24-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 24 / Section 31-19-24-13
Closed proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. All hearings held in proceedings under this chapter shall be held in closed court without admittance of any person other than:

(1) essential officers of the court;

(2) the parties;

(3) witnesses;

(4) counsel;

(5) persons who have not previously consented to the adoption but are required to consent to the adoption; and

(6) representatives of the agencies present to perform their official duties.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-24.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-8.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-8.5
Duties related to interception of winnings and prizes
Status: in_force

Sec. 8.5. In addition to the duties imposed by sections 7 and 8 of this chapter, the bureau shall do the following:

(1) Share data regarding obligors who are delinquent with:

(A) a licensed owner, operating agent, and trustee in accordance with IC 4-33-4-27;

(B) a permit holder and trustee in accordance with IC 4-35-4-16;

(C) the state lottery commission;

(D) a game operator or licensee in accordance with IC 4-33-24-29;

(E) a certificate holder as provided in IC 4-38-11; and

(F) for purposes of compliance with rules adopted under IC 4-38-3-1, the Indiana gaming commission;

to allow for the interception of cash winnings and prizes from the obligors.

(2) Distribute money collected from the persons described in subdivision (1) according to federal child support laws and regulations.

As added by P.L.80-2010, SEC.48. Amended by P.L.212-2016, SEC.3; P.L.293-2019, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-8
Service of petition and summons
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. Whenever a petition is filed, a copy of the petition, including a copy of a summons, shall be served upon the other party to the marriage in the same manner as service of summons in civil actions generally.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-5 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-19-9-19 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-19-9-19
Implied consent to adoption bar to adoption challenge
Status: in_force

Sec. 19. A person whose consent to adoption is irrevocably implied under section 18 of this chapter may not contest the adoption or the validity of the person's implied consent to the adoption.

As added by P.L.61-2003, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-28 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-28
Grounds for revocation of license; waiver
Status: in_force

Sec. 28. (a) The following constitute sufficient grounds for revocation of a license:

(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-33) by:

(A) the licensee; or

(B) an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the licensee.

(2) A criminal conviction of the licensee, or the director or manager of a facility where children will be placed by the licensee, for any of the following:

(A) A felony.

(B) A misdemeanor related to the health or safety of a child.

(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal).

(D) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.

(3) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the licensee's application for licensure.

(4) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the records required by the department.

(5) A determination by the department that:

(A) the licensee; or

(B) an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the licensee;

previously operated a home or facility without a license required under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.

(6) A juvenile adjudication of a licensee for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony.

(b) A license may also be revoked if an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the licensee has had any of the following:

(1) A conviction of a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168.

(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department with regard to the employee, volunteer, or contractor.

(3) 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, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department with regard to the employee, volunteer, or contractor.

(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors:

(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction.

(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.

(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.

(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions, volunteer assignment, or contract.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:

(1) a license could be revoked due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the licensee; and

(2) the department determines that the employee, volunteer, or contractor has been dismissed by the licensee within a reasonable time after the licensee became aware of the conviction or determination;

the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee, former volunteer, or former contractor does not constitute a sufficient basis for the revocation of a license.

(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.63; P.L.162-2011, SEC.39; P.L.183-2017, SEC.27; P.L.243-2019, SEC.15; P.L.145-2026, SEC.189.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-76 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-76
"Department"
Status: in_force

Sec. 76. "Department", for purposes of this chapter, IC 31-19, and IC 31-25 through IC 31-40, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-2-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-253 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-253
"Victim of child abuse or neglect"
Status: in_force

Sec. 253. (a) "Victim of child abuse or neglect", for purposes of IC 31-32-11-1 and IC 31-33, refers to:

(1) a child as described in:

(A) IC 31-34-1-1 through IC 31-34-1-5;

(B) IC 31-34-1-10; or

(C) IC 31-34-1-11;

regardless of whether the child needs care, treatment, rehabilitation, or the coercive intervention of a court; or

(2) an individual who:

(A) is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-one (21) years of age;

(B) resides, or has previously resided, at a residential facility licensed by the department; and

(C) is harmed or threatened with harm as a result of:

(i) a battery offense included in IC 35-42-2; or

(ii) sexual activity (as defined in IC 35-42-4-13(b));

committed by a member of the staff at the residential facility.

(b) The term does not include a child who is alleged to be a victim of a sexual offense under IC 35-42-4-3 unless the alleged offense under IC 35-42-4-3 involves the fondling or touching of the buttocks, genitals, or female breasts.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-33-18.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 18.5 / Section 31-33-18.5-1
Applicability
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter applies to the following:

(1) Reports made under this article (or IC 31-6-11 before its repeal).

(2) Any other information obtained or written reports taken concerning the reports in the possession of:

(A) the division of family resources;

(B) the local office;

(C) the department; or

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

As added by P.L.84-2026, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-34-15-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-34-15-3
Provision of copy of completed case plan
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A copy of the completed case plan shall be sent, not later than ten (10) days after the plan's completion, to:

(1) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(2) the child, if the child is at least fourteen (14) years of age;

(3) any child representatives selected by the child under section 7 of this chapter; and

(4) any agency having the legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-6.6(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.595; P.L.104-2015, SEC.36.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4.5-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4.5 / Section 31-26-4.5-8
Rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. The department may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement this chapter.

As added by P.L.59-2022, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-12-4-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-12-4-3
Gifts and donations
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. With the prior approval of the judge or group of judges described in IC 31-12-1, IC 31-12-1.5, or IC 31-12-2, a domestic relations counseling bureau may receive gifts and donations from a private source to supplement the budget of the domestic relations counseling bureau.

As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-18.5-5-3
Employer's compliance with two or more income withholding orders
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. If an obligor's income payor receives two (2) or more income withholding orders with respect to the earnings of the same obligor, the income payor satisfies the terms of the orders if the income payor complies with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment to establish the priorities for withholding and allocating income withheld for two (2) or more child support obligees.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-19-8-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-19-8-2
Supervision period; waiver of supervision period
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), the period of supervision required by section 1 of this chapter may be before or after the filing of a petition for adoption, or both.

(b) The length of the period of supervision is within the sole discretion of the court hearing the petition for adoption.

(c) A court hearing a petition for adoption of a child may waive the period of supervision under subsection (a) if one (1) of the petitioners is a stepparent or grandparent of the child and the court waives the report under section 5(c) of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.39.
Ind. Code § 31-19-8-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-19-8-5
Agency report and recommendation; filing requirements; waiver of report
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), not more than sixty (60) days from the date of reference of a petition for adoption to each appropriate agency:

(1) each licensed child placing agency, for a child who is not adjudicated to be a child in need of services; or

(2) if the child is the subject of an open child in need of services action, each local office;

shall submit to the court a written report of the investigation and recommendation as to the advisability of the adoption.

(b) The report and recommendation:

(1) shall be filed with the adoption proceedings; and

(2) become a part of the proceedings.

(c) A court hearing a petition for adoption of a child may waive the report required under subsection (a) if one (1) of the petitioners is a stepparent or grandparent of the child and the court waives the period of supervision.

(d) If the court waives the reports required under subsection (a), the court shall require the licensed child placing agency for a child who is not adjudicated to be a child in need of services or, if the child is the subject of an open child in need of services action, each local office to:

(1) ensure a criminal history check is conducted under IC 31-19-2-7.5; and

(2) report to the court the results of the criminal history check.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.40; P.L.131-2009, SEC.18; P.L.128-2012, SEC.52.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-248 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-248
"Tribunal"
Status: in_force

Sec. 248. "Tribunal", 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.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-2
Dispositional decree that includes a no contact order; protective order depository; confidential form
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. If a court enters a dispositional decree that includes a no contact order under section 1(a)(7) of this chapter:

(1) the clerk of the court that enters a dispositional decree that includes a no contact order under section 1(a)(7) of this chapter shall comply with IC 5-2-9; and

(2) the petitioner shall file a confidential form prescribed or approved by the office of judicial administration with the clerk.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.4(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.133-2002, SEC.36; P.L.85-2017, SEC.106; P.L.161-2018, SEC.42.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-100 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-100
"Financial institution"
Status: in_force

Sec. 100. "Financial institution", for purposes of IC 31-25-3 and IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-128 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-128
"Income withholding order"
Status: in_force

Sec. 128. (a) "Income withholding order", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's income payor to withhold:

(1) support; and

(2) support fees and maintenance fees as described in IC 33-37-5-6;

from the income of the obligor.

(b) "Income withholding order", 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.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-25-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-19-25-11
Storage and indexing of requests and contact preference forms
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. The state registrar shall provide for the storage and indexing of requests and contact preference forms under this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4.5-6 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.3-2016, SEC.21.
Ind. Code § 31-19-9-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-19-9-14
Establishment of paternity by putative father; when precluded
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. A putative father whose consent to adoption of a child is implied under this chapter or IC 31-19-5-18 is not entitled to establish paternity of the child, by affidavit or otherwise, in Indiana or any other jurisdiction.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.113-2017, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-20-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-20-1-2
Void agreements
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A surrogate agreement described in section 1 of this chapter that is formed after March 14, 1988, is void.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-27-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-27-7-2
"Child services provider"
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "child services provider" means the following:

(1) A child caring institution, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-42.

(2) A group home, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-115.

(3) A licensed child placing agency, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-46.

(4) A secure private facility, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-223.

As added by P.L.173-2022, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.190.
Ind. Code § 31-37-9-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-37-9-3
Petition for compliance
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. If:

(1) the child is an alleged delinquent child; and

(2) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian fails to participate in the program of informal adjustment;

the probation department or the department may file a petition for compliance.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.338.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-16-12-13
Suspension, denial, or nonrenewal of delinquent person's employee's permit
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. If a court finds that a person who holds or has applied for an employee's permit issued under IC 7.1-3-18-9(a)(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 alcohol and tobacco commission that:

(1) requires the person's employee's permit be suspended until further order of the court;

(2) orders the chairman of the alcohol and tobacco commission not to issue an employee's permit to the person who is the subject of the order if the person does not currently hold an employee's permit; or

(3) orders the chairman of the alcohol and tobacco commission not to renew the employee's permit of the person who is the subject of the order.

As added by P.L.80-2010, SEC.35.
Ind. Code § 31-15-7-0.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-15-7-0.2
Application of certain amendments to prior law
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.2. The rebuttable presumption established under IC 31-1-11.5-11(c) (before its repeal, now codified at section 5 of this chapter), as amended by P.L.283-1987, does not apply to the division of marital property in actions for marriage dissolution filed before September 1, 1987.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.498.
Ind. Code § 31-36-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 36 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-36-2-4
Fingerprint records; release; destruction
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) A state or local governmental agency or a public or private organization maintaining a record of the fingerprints of a child shall release a copy of that record to a law enforcement agency if:

(1) the child is a missing child (as defined in IC 10-13-5-4);

(2) a parent or guardian of the child provides written consent for the release of the record; and

(3) the law enforcement agency requests a copy of the record.

(b) Except as provided in IC 31-39-5, a record of the fingerprints of a child taken and retained by a state or local governmental agency shall be destroyed when the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-13-8.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.19. Amended by P.L.2-2003, SEC.78.
Ind. Code § 31-34-9-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-34-9-6
Detention hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If the juvenile court grants the request to have the child taken into custody, the court shall proceed under IC 31-34-5-1 and IC 31-34-5-2.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-10(f).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-34-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-34-4-2-b
Placement of child with relative caretaker or de facto custodian; evaluation; criminal history check required; exceptions; out-of-home placement; considerations
Status: in_force

Note: This version of section effective 7-1-2026. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 7-1-2026.

Sec. 2. (a) If a child alleged to be a child in need of services is taken into custody under an order of the court under this chapter and the court orders out-of-home placement, the department is responsible for that placement and care and must consider placing the child with a:

(1) suitable and willing relative; or

(2) de facto custodian;

before considering any other out-of-home placement.

(b) The department shall consider placing a child described in subsection (a) with a relative related by blood, marriage, or adoption before considering any other placement of the child.

(c) Before the department places a child in need of services with a relative or a de facto custodian, the department shall complete an evaluation based on a home visit of the relative's home.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (f), before placing a child in need of services in an out-of-home placement, the department shall conduct a criminal history check of each person who is currently residing in the location designated as the out-of-home placement.

(e) Except as provided in subsection (g), the department may not make an out-of-home placement if a person described in subsection (d) has:

(1) committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect; or

(2) been convicted of a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 or had 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.

(f) The department is not required to conduct a criminal history check under subsection (d) if the department makes an out-of-home placement to an entity or a facility that is not a residence (as defined in IC 3-5-2.1-90) or that is licensed by the state.

(g) A court may order or the department may approve an out-of-home placement if:

(1) a person described in subsection (d) 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) (before its repeal) 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 the placement is in the best interest of the child.

However, a court or the department shall not make an out-of-home placement 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).

(h) In considering the placement under subsection (g), the court or the department shall consider the following:

(1) The length of time since the person committed the offense, delinquent act, or 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.

(i) In considering any out-of-home placement, the department shall consider the following to determine whether a particular out-of-home placement is in the child's best interest:

(1) The caregiver is interested in providing permanence for the child if reunification efforts ultimately fail.

(2) The expressed wishes of the child's birth parent and the child, if applicable, unless the wishes are contrary to law, child safety, or stability.

(3) The relationship of the caregiver with the child and the child's family.

(4) The proximity of the placement home to the birth parents' home and the child's current school or school district.

(5) The strengths and parenting style of the caregiver in relation to the child's behavior and needs.

(6) The caregiver's willingness to interact with the birth family, unless the caregiver has safety concerns.

(7) The caregiver's ability and willingness to accept placement of the child and any of the child's siblings.

(8) If any sibling will be placed separately, the caregiver's ability and willingness to provide or assist in maintaining frequent visitation or other ongoing contact between the child and the child's siblings.

(9) The child's fit with the family with regard to age, gender, and sibling relationships.

(10) If the child has chronic behavioral health needs:

(A) whether the child's behavior will place other children in the home at risk; and

(B) the caregiver's ability to provide the necessary level of supervision to prevent harm to the child or others by the child.

(11) Whether placement in the home would comply with the placement preferences prescribed by federal law.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.70-2004, SEC.18; P.L.234-2005, SEC.176; P.L.145-2006, SEC.290; P.L.1-2007, SEC.206; P.L.52-2007, SEC.9; P.L.146-2008, SEC.578; P.L.162-2011, SEC.49; P.L.128-2012, SEC.159; P.L.158-2013, SEC.321; P.L.123-2014, SEC.21; P.L.65-2016, SEC.14; P.L.183-2017, SEC.42; P.L.243-2019, SEC.16; P.L.142-2020, SEC.43; P.L.46-2024, SEC.18; P.L.186-2025, SEC.159; P.L.116-2026, SEC.6; P.L.145-2026, SEC.204; P.L.158-2026, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-46 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-46
"Child placing agency"
Status: in_force

Sec. 46. "Child placing agency", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a person that provides child welfare services to children and families, including:

(1) home studies, investigation, and recommendation of families for the purpose of placing, arranging, or causing the placement of children for adoption, foster care, or residential care; and

(2) supervision of those placements.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-14-21-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-14-21-9
Duty of court with jurisdiction to establish paternity within period prescribed by chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. (a) Except as provided under section 13 of this chapter and subject to IC 31-19-2-14, if a court presiding over a paternity action under this article knows of:

(1) a pending adoption of a child who is the subject of the paternity action; and

(2) the court in which the adoption is pending;

the court having jurisdiction over the paternity action shall establish a child's paternity within the period prescribed by this chapter.

(b) Except as provided under section 13 of this chapter and subject to IC 31-19-2-14, the court shall conduct an initial hearing not more than thirty (30) days after:

(1) the filing of the paternity petition; or

(2) the birth of the child;

whichever occurs later.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2.2(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.200-1999, SEC.3; P.L.61-2003, SEC.1; P.L.58-2009, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-12-1-15
Setting cause for hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. If after a reasonable time it appears that the use of counseling services under this chapter is not effective, the court shall, upon application of either party, set the cause for hearing on the court's trial docket.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-13.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-34-21-5.7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-34-21-5.7
Permanency plan; requirement; approval; reports and orders not required
Status: in_force

Sec. 5.7. (a) This section applies at any phase of a child in need of services proceeding whenever a court enters a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify or preserve a child's family are not required under section 5.6 of this chapter.

(b) The department shall do the following:

(1) Complete a permanency plan for the child that complies with the requirements of section 7.5 of this chapter.

(2) Seek court approval of the permanency plan under section 7 of this chapter.

(3) Refer a case to the permanency roundtable if the department places a child in a child caring institution, group home, or private secure facility.

(c) Notwithstanding any otherwise applicable requirements under IC 31-34, whenever the department seeks approval of a permanency plan for the child under subsection (b), the following reports, orders, and hearings are not required:

(1) A predispositional report to consider participation of a child's parent, guardian, or custodian in any program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation of the child.

(2) A dispositional decree under IC 31-34-19-6 and findings and conclusions under IC 31-34-19-10 that concern:

(A) participation of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian in a program for future care or treatment of the child; or

(B) reasonable efforts to prevent the child's removal from the child's home or to reunite the child with the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

As added by P.L.35-1998, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.320; P.L.48-2012, SEC.65.
Ind. Code § 31-19-16-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-19-16-7
Guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The provisions of IC 31-32-3 concerning the:

(1) representation;

(2) duties;

(3) liabilities; and

(4) appointment;

of a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate apply to proceedings under this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-37-17-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-37-17-3
Financial report
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The probation officer shall collect information and prepare a financial report, in the form prescribed by the department, on the parent or the estate of the child to assist the juvenile court and the department in:

(1) determining the person's financial responsibility; and

(2) obtaining federal reimbursement;

for services provided for the child or the person.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.273-1999, SEC.109; P.L.145-2006, SEC.341; P.L.146-2008, SEC.641.
Ind. Code § 31-28-5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-28-5-4
Department denial of sibling visitation; petitions to juvenile courts; juvenile court orders
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) If the department denies a request for sibling visitation under section 3 of this chapter, the child's guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate may petition the juvenile court with jurisdiction in the county in which the child receiving foster care is located for an order requiring sibling visitation.

(b) If the juvenile court determines it is in the best interests of the child receiving foster care to have sibling visitation, the juvenile court shall order sibling visitation and establish a schedule for the sibling visitation.

As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-89 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-89
"Emergency shelter"
Status: in_force

Sec. 89. "Emergency shelter", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a short term place of residence, other than a private secure facility, that:

(1) is not locked to prevent a child's departure unless the administrator determines that locking is necessary to protect the child's health; and

(2) provides twenty-four (24) hours a day temporary care for not more than sixty (60) consecutive days to a child who is admitted on an emergency basis.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-33 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-33
Objections to order; hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 33. (a) An obligor may contest the Title IV-D agency's determination to issue an order under section 32 of this chapter by making a written application to the Title IV-D agency within twenty (20) days after the date the notice is mailed to the obligor.

(b) The only basis for contesting an order issued under this section is a mistake of fact.

(c) The Title IV-D agency or the office of administrative law proceedings shall hold a hearing, within twenty-five (25) days after written application is made under subsection (a), to review its determination to issue an order under section 32 of this chapter. The Title IV-D agency or the office of administrative law proceedings shall make a determination in writing on the issuance of an order under section 32 of this chapter at the hearing.

(d) If the obligor requests a hearing but fails to appear or if the obligor appears and is found to be delinquent, the Title IV-D agency or the office of administrative law proceedings shall issue an order to the bureau of motor vehicles stating that the obligor is delinquent.

(e) An order issued under subsection (d) must require the following:

(1) If the obligor who is the subject of the order holds a driving license or permit on the date the order is issued, that the obligor's driving privileges be suspended under further order of the Title IV-D agency or the office of administrative law proceedings.

(2) If the obligor who is the subject of the order does not hold a driving license or permit on the date the order is issued, that the bureau of motor vehicles may not issue a driving license or permit to the obligor until the bureau of motor vehicles receives a further order from the Title IV-D agency or the office of administrative law proceedings.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271. Amended by P.L.183-2017, SEC.11; P.L.13-2021, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-2
Powers of department
Status: in_force

Note: This version of section effective until 7-1-2027. See also following version of this section, effective 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 fire prevention and building safety commission, 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.
Ind. Code § 31-16-6-7.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-16-6-7.5
Funeral expenses
Status: in_force

Sec. 7.5. If the child dies while a support order is in effect, the court may order either or both parents to pay reasonable funeral expenses.

As added by P.L.207-2013, SEC.46.
Ind. Code § 31-17-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-17-5-7
Modification of order
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The court may modify an order granting or denying visitation rights whenever modification would serve the best interests of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.7-8.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-11-3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-11-3-3
"Property" defined
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "property" means an interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real and personal property, including income and earnings.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-2.5-3 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-37-22-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-37-22-7
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-16(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Repealed by P.L.187-2015, SEC.33.
Ind. Code § 31-34-8-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-34-8-3
Petition for compliance; notice; hearing; order; contempt
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) Upon the filing of a petition for compliance and after notice and a hearing on the petition for compliance, the juvenile court may order the parent, guardian, or custodian of a child to participate in a program of informal adjustment implemented under section 1 of this chapter.

(b) A parent, guardian, or custodian who fails to participate in a program of informal adjustment after being ordered under subsection (a) to participate may be found in contempt of court.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.585.
Ind. Code § 31-26-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-26-1-1
"Account"
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "account" refers to the youth service bureau grant account.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-2.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-2.5
Persons prohibited from serving as guardian or custodian of a child
Status: in_force

Sec. 2.5. A juvenile court may not appoint a person to serve as the guardian or custodian of a child or permit a person to continue to serve as a guardian or custodian of a child if the person:

(1) is a sexually violent predator (as described in IC 35-38-1-7.5);

(2) was at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the offense and committed child molesting (IC 35-42-4-3) or sexual misconduct with a minor (IC 35-42-4-9) against a child less than sixteen (16) years of age:

(A) by using or threatening the use of deadly force;

(B) while armed with a deadly weapon; or

(C) that resulted in serious bodily injury; or

(3) was less than eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the offense but was tried and convicted as an adult of an offense described in:

(A) IC 35-42-4-1;

(B) IC 35-42-4-2 (before its repeal);

(C) IC 35-42-4-3 as a Class A or Class B felony (for crimes committed before July 1, 2014) or as a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 felony (for crimes committed after June 30, 2014);

(D) IC 35-42-4-5(a)(1);

(E) IC 35-42-4-5(a)(2);

(F) IC 35-42-4-5(a)(3) (before that provision was redesignated by P.L.158-2013, SECTION 441);

(G) IC 35-42-4-5(b)(1) as a Class A or Class B felony (for crimes committed before July 1, 2014) or as a Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 felony (for crimes committed after June 30, 2014);

(H) IC 35-42-4-5(b)(2); or

(I) IC 35-42-4-5(b)(3) as a Class A or Class B felony (for crimes committed before July 1, 2014) or as a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 felony (for crimes committed after June 30, 2014).

As added by P.L.139-2006, SEC.3, P.L.140-2006, SEC.18, and P.L.173-2006, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.38; P.L.158-2013, SEC.314; P.L.214-2013, SEC.24; P.L.168-2014, SEC.39; P.L.86-2018, SEC.218; P.L.142-2020, SEC.39.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-24 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-24
Duties of circuit court clerk; support money; cash payments
Status: in_force

Sec. 24. (a) Each circuit court clerk shall do the following:

(1) Before January 1, 2007, receive support money assigned to the state and paid under the terms of a court order in the clerk's jurisdiction and pay the money to the Title IV-D agency within the time limits established by P.L.93-647, as amended, and any related regulations that are promulgated.

(2) Maintain all records concerning the payment or nonpayment of support money that have been assigned to the state and transmit the records to the Title IV-D agency upon request.

(3) Contract with the Title IV-D agency for the performance and the remuneration for the performance of duties prescribed in this section.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2007, for purposes of subsection (a)(1), each circuit court clerk may accept only support money that is paid in cash.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.24; P.L.1-2007, SEC.199.
Ind. Code § 31-37-14-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-37-14-3
Burden of proof in other cases
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A finding not covered by section 1 or 2 of this chapter must be based upon a preponderance of the evidence.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-13(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-32-6-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-32-6-6
Closing of proceeding to protect child witness or child victim; findings; filing of exclusion order
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If a proceeding is closed to the public under section 4 of this chapter, the juvenile court shall:

(1) make findings of fact concerning the closing of the proceeding; and

(2) place the exclusion order in the file of the proceedings.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-10(f).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-18.5-2-5
Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support order
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) An Indiana tribunal that has issued a child support order consistent with Indiana law has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child support order if the order is the controlling order and:

(1) at the time of the filing of a request for modification Indiana is the residence of:

(A) the obligor;

(B) the individual obligee; or

(C) the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or

(2) even if Indiana is not the residence of:

(A) the obligor;

(B) the individual obligee; or

(C) the child for whose benefit the support order is issued;

the parties consent in a record or in open court that an Indiana tribunal may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify its order.

(b) An Indiana tribunal that has issued a child support order consistent with Indiana law may not exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if:

(1) all of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the Indiana tribunal that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one (1) of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or

(2) its order is not the controlling order.

(c) If a tribunal of another state has issued a child support order pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act or a law substantially similar to that act which modifies a child support order of an Indiana tribunal, Indiana tribunals shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state.

(d) An Indiana tribunal that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state.

(e) A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-14-5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-14-5-4
Action by division or county office of family and children furnishing public assistance; time for filing action
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. If:

(1) public assistance has been furnished for the child by the division of family resources; and

(2) an assignment of support rights under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) has been executed on behalf of the child;

the division of family resources or the county office of family and children may file an action before the child becomes nineteen (19) years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs first.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.224.
Ind. Code § 31-14-14-0.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-14-14-0.2
Application of certain amendments to prior law
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.2. The amendments made to IC 31-6-6.1-12 (before its repeal, now codified in this chapter) by P.L.270-1989 apply to adoptions in which a final order is issued by a trial court after May 5, 1989.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.497.