Ind. Code § 31-16-19-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-16-19-1
Payment into court or agency
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) If:

(1) an individual, by the terms of a court order or decree, is ordered to pay support money to or for the dependent wife, husband, father, or mother of the individual; and

(2) the:

(A) dependents are being supported in whole or in part by public money; or

(B) parent of the dependents has sought the assistance of the agency designated to administer Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669);

the court shall order that the payment of the support money be made to the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the decree or order is entered.

(b) If the support order is for a child:

(1) who qualifies for assistance under IC 12-14-1-1; or

(2) whose parent has sought the assistance of the agency designated to administer Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669);

the court shall order that the payment of the support be made to the agency of state government designated to administer Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) in compliance with the federal regulations established for the administration of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669).

(c) The order must contain:

(1) the date when the first support payment is to be made; and

(2) the frequency of the payments.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.148-2006, SEC.26.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-6.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-6.5
"Disability"; foster family home
Status: in_force

Sec. 6.5. (a) As used in this section, "disability" has the meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C. 12102.

(b) The department, in determining whether to grant an application for a license to operate a foster family home:

(1) shall not discriminate against; and

(2) shall take into consideration the provision of reasonable accommodations to;

an applicant who is a person with a disability, as provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 through 42 U.S.C. 12134), and other applicable state and federal law.

As added by P.L.146-2021, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-5
Supervision of placement
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The court may order the probation department or any licensed child placing agency to supervise the placement to ensure that the custodial or parenting time terms of the decree are carried out if:

(1) both parents or the child request supervision; or

(2) the court finds that without supervision the child's physical health and well-being would be endangered or the child's emotional development would be significantly impaired.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.17; P.L.146-2008, SEC.557.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-7
Incomplete applications
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. 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 § 31-18.5-3-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-18.5-3-15
Nonparentage as defense
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. A party whose parentage of a child has been previously determined by or under law may not plead nonparentage as a defense to a proceeding under this article.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-17-2-5
Responsive pleading or counter petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A responsive pleading or a counter petition may be filed under this chapter, IC 31-17-4, IC 31-17-6, or IC 31-17-7.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-224 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-224
"Sending state"
Status: in_force

Sec. 224. "Sending state", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-5
Release of department of child services from obligations to child placed in state institution for voluntary treatment
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. If the court authorizes a child who is under the custody or supervision of the department to be placed in a state institution (as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-318) for voluntary treatment in accordance with IC 12-26-3, the court may not release the department from obligations of the department to the child until the earlier of:

(1) the date the child is discharged; or

(2) the date that a parent, guardian, or other responsible person approved by the court assumes the obligations.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.344; P.L.146-2008, SEC.645; P.L.145-2026, SEC.214.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-13
Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2:

(1) to provide procedures not inconsistent with section 9 of this chapter by which any person identified as a perpetrator in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect that is entered into the child protection index may request and obtain an administrative hearing as provided in this chapter; and

(2) to establish procedures for the conduct of the administrative hearing.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67. Amended by P.L.92-2025, SEC.76.
Ind. Code § 31-32-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-32-5-5
Parent's waiver of right to representation by counsel
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A parent who is entitled to representation by counsel may waive that right if the parent does so knowingly and voluntarily.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-18.5-3-2
Proceeding by minor parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A minor parent, or a guardian or other legal representative of a minor parent, may maintain a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of the minor's child.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-26-1-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-26-1-9
Grant recipients' duties
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. A youth service bureau that receives a grant under this chapter shall do the following:

(1) Maintain accurate and complete records, reports, statistics, and other information necessary for the conduct of the youth service bureau's programs.

(2) Establish appropriate written policies and procedures to protect the confidentiality of individual client records.

(3) Submit service and activity reports to the department as required by the department.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-33-3-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-33-3-8
Confidentiality of matters reviewed
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. The members of the community child protection team are bound by all applicable laws regarding the confidentiality of matters reviewed by the team.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-15(i).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-14-11-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-4
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-13(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.358. Repealed by P.L.207-2013, SEC.23.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-85 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-85
"Drug or alcohol screen test"
Status: in_force

Sec. 85. "Drug or alcohol screen test" means a test used to determine the presence or use of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a drug in a person's bodily substance.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-28 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-28
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.146-2006, SEC.60.
Ind. Code § 31-11-8-0.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-11-8-0.3
Legalization of certain marriages between first cousins
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.3. Marriages between first cousins that were solemnized before April 9, 1907, are legalized.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.492.
Ind. Code § 31-30.5-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30.5 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30.5-1-3
Admissible statements
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) This section applies only to the custodial interrogation of a juvenile that is:

(1) not conducted at a place of detention; and

(2) conducted at a school or another place where a juvenile is detained in connection with the investigation.

(b) A statement made during a custodial interrogation described in subsection (a) is admissible against the juvenile in a felony criminal prosecution or in a juvenile proceeding only if:

(1) the interrogation complies with Indiana Evidence Rule 617; or

(2) the interrogation:

(A) is recorded by using audio equipment; and

(B) complies with every requirement of Indiana Evidence Rule 617, except for the requirement that an electronic recording be an audio-visual recording.

As added by P.L.187-2015, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-26-5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-26-5-1
"Child at imminent risk of placement"
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "child at imminent risk of placement" means a child less than eighteen (18) years of age who reasonably may be expected to face in the near future out-of-home placement under IC 31-27 through IC 31-28 and IC 31-30 through IC 31-40 as a result of at least one (1) of the following:

(1) Dependency, abuse, or neglect.

(2) Emotional disturbance.

(3) Family conflict so extensive that reasonable control of the child is not exercised.

(4) Delinquency adjudication.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-32-2-2.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-32-2-2.5
Privileged statements made to a mental health evaluator; exceptions
Status: in_force

Sec. 2.5. (a) This section applies only to a court ordered or voluntary mental health:

(1) screening;

(2) assessment;

(3) evaluation; or

(4) treatment;

provided by or under the direction of an evaluator, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-90, in conjunction with proceedings under this article.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) and except for purposes of:

(1) a probation revocation proceeding; or

(2) a modification of a dispositional decree under IC 31-37-22;

a statement communicated to an evaluator in the evaluator's official capacity may not be admitted as evidence against the child on the issue of whether the child committed a delinquent act or a crime.

(c) This section does not affect the admissibility of evidence when a juvenile interposes the defense of insanity.

(d) This section does not affect a disclosure or reporting requirement in effect on July 1, 2007, under statute or in case law regarding a statement that:

(1) relates directly to the facts or immediate circumstances of a homicide; or

(2) reveals that the child may intend to commit a crime.

As added by P.L.120-2007, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.191.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-17-2-12
Investigation and report concerning custodial arrangements for child
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) In custody proceedings after evidence is submitted upon the petition, if a parent or the child's custodian so requests, the court may order an investigation and report concerning custodial arrangements for the child. The investigation and report may be made by any of the following:

(1) The court social service agency.

(2) The staff of the juvenile court.

(3) The local probation department or, if the child is the subject of a child in need of services case under IC 31-34, the department of child services.

(4) A private agency employed by the court for the purpose.

(5) A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate appointed for the child by the court under IC 31-17-6 (or IC 31-1-11.5-28 before its repeal).

(b) In preparing a report concerning a child, the investigator may consult any person who may have information about the child and the child's potential custodian arrangements. Upon order of the court, the investigator may refer the child to professional personnel for diagnosis. The investigator may consult with and obtain information from medical, psychiatric, or other expert persons who have served the child in the past without obtaining the consent of the parent or the child's custodian. However, the child's consent must be obtained if the child is of sufficient age and capable of forming rational and independent judgments. If the requirements of subsection (c) are fulfilled, the investigator's report:

(1) may be received in evidence at the hearing; and

(2) may not be excluded on the grounds that the report is hearsay or otherwise incompetent.

(c) The court shall mail the investigator's report to counsel and to any party not represented by counsel at least ten (10) days before the hearing. The investigator shall make the following available to counsel and to any party not represented by counsel:

(1) The investigator's file of underlying data and reports.

(2) Complete texts of diagnostic reports made to the investigator under subsection (b).

(3) The names and addresses of all persons whom the investigator has consulted.

(d) Any party to the proceeding may call the investigator and any person whom the investigator has consulted for cross-examination. A party to the proceeding may not waive the party's right of cross-examination before the hearing.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-22(a), (b), (c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.558.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-18 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-18
Records
Status: in_force

Sec. 18. (a) A licensee shall keep records required by the department regarding each child in the control and care of the licensee and shall report to the department, upon request, the facts the department requires with reference to children.

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

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

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

(2) A legally mandated child protection agency.

(3) A law enforcement agency.

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

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

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

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

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.58; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.376; P.L.123-2014, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-15-4-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-15-4-11
Change of venue or change from judge; effect on jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. The filing by either party of a motion for change of venue or change from the judge during the period before the court makes a determination under section 6 of this chapter does not divest the court of jurisdiction to:

(1) hear evidence upon the petition;

(2) set an amount of temporary child support;

(3) determine temporary custody; or

(4) order appropriate parenting time.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-7(e) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-32-16-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-32-16-7
Participation of parent, guardian, or custodian in treatment
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The juvenile court may order each parent, guardian, or custodian of the child to participate in any aspect of the child's treatment under section 5 or 6 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.196-2003, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-29 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-29
Compliance with rules; disciplinary sanctions; revocation of license
Status: in_force

Sec. 29. (a) A licensee shall operate a child placing agency in compliance with the rules established under this article and is subject to the disciplinary sanctions under subsection (b) if the department finds that the licensee has violated this article or a rule adopted under this article.

(b) After complying with the procedural provisions in sections 16 through 18 of this chapter, the department may revoke the license when the department finds that a licensee has committed a violation under subsection (a).

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.42; P.L.128-2012, SEC.139.
Ind. Code § 31-21-2-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21-2-13
"Person"
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a business trust, an estate, a trust, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a joint venture, a government, a governmental subdivision, an agency or instrumentality, a public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-19-26.5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 26.5 / Section 31-19-26.5-2
"Child with special needs"
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "child with special needs" means a child who:

(1) is a hard to place child; and

(2) meets the requirements of a special needs child, as specified in 42 U.S.C. 673(c) and the rules of the department applicable to those requirements.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.562.
Ind. Code § 31-32-12-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-32-12-4
Effect of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. This chapter is in addition to, is not limited by, and does not limit IC 16-36-3.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-15-7-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-15-7-6
Monetary judgment to spouse for expenses of postsecondary education
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If the court finds there is little or no marital property, the court may award either spouse a money judgment not limited to the property existing at the time of final separation. However, this award may be made only for the financial contribution of one (1) spouse toward tuition, books, and laboratory fees for the postsecondary education of the other spouse.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-11(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.359.
Ind. Code § 31-19-25-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-19-25-14
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4.5-2.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Repealed by P.L.191-2011, SEC.57.
Ind. Code § 31-37-23-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 23 / Section 31-37-23-10
Supplementary agreements
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. (a) The compact administrator may enter into supplementary agreements with other states under the compact.

(b) An agreement that involves a state agency or institution must be approved by the agency or institution.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-10-4.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-34-10-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-34-10-2
Initial hearing; service of petition and summons; determination of referral for dual status assessment; CHINS petition; additional initial hearings
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The juvenile court shall hold an initial hearing on each petition within ten (10) days after the filing of the petition.

(b) The juvenile court shall set a time for the initial hearing. A summons shall be issued for the following:

(1) The child.

(2) The child's parent, guardian, custodian, guardian ad litem, or court appointed special advocate.

(3) Any other person necessary for the proceedings.

(c) A copy of the petition must accompany each summons. The clerk shall issue the summons under Rule 4 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.

(d) If the initial hearing is not scheduled and held within the specified time as described in this section, the child shall be released to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(e) The juvenile court shall determine if a child should be referred for an assessment by a dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5. In making its determination, the court shall consider the length of time since the delinquent act or the incident of abuse or neglect.

(f) The court may schedule an additional initial hearing on the child in need of services petition if necessary to comply with the procedures and requirements of this chapter with respect to any person to whom a summons has been issued under this section, including if the court refers a child to be assessed by a dual status assessment team. An additional initial hearing shall be conducted if the court refers a child to be assessed by a dual status assessment team unless the court has:

(1) granted an extension of time due to extraordinary circumstances; and

(2) stated the extraordinary circumstances in a written court order.

(g) Except for cases in which a child has been referred for an assessment by a dual status assessment team, an additional initial hearing on the child in need of services petition shall be held not more than thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the first initial hearing on the child in need of services petition, unless the court has:

(1) granted an extension of time for extraordinary circumstances; and

(2) stated the extraordinary circumstance in a written court order.

(h) The department shall provide notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of the initial hearing and any additional initial hearing scheduled under this section to each foster parent or other caretaker with whom the child has been temporarily placed under IC 31-34-2.5, IC 31-34-4, or IC 31-34-5. The court shall:

(1) provide a:

(A) person for whom a summons is required to be issued under subsection (b); and

(B) person who is required to be notified under this subsection;

an opportunity to be heard; and

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

at the initial hearing.

(i) A petition alleging that a child is a child in need of services shall be filed before a detention hearing concerning the child is held.

(j) If a detention hearing is held under IC 31-34-5, the initial hearing on the child in need of services petition shall be held at the same time as the detention hearing.

(k) The court may schedule an additional initial hearing on a child in need of services petition if necessary to comply with the procedures and requirements of this chapter with respect to any person to whom a summons has been issued under this section.

(l) An additional initial hearing under subsection (k) shall be held not more than thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the first initial hearing on the child in need of services petition unless the court:

(1) grants an extension of time for extraordinary circumstances; and

(2) states the extraordinary circumstance in a written court order.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-6-4-13.6(b); 31-6-7-4 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.133-2000, SEC.4; P.L.217-2001, SEC.8; P.L.129-2005, SEC.7; P.L.138-2007, SEC.70; P.L.131-2009, SEC.62; P.L.48-2012, SEC.58; P.L.66-2015, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-28-5.8-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 5.8 / Section 31-28-5.8-2
"Collaborative care agreement"
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "collaborative care agreement" means a voluntary agreement that:

(1) is signed by the department, a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate participating with the consent of the youth, and the older youth;

(2) is approved by a juvenile court under this chapter;

(3) includes provisions required or authorized under the department's rules concerning collaborative care services; and

(4) may be amended by agreement between the department, a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate participating with the consent of the youth, and the older youth without review or approval by the court.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.34.
Ind. Code § 31-34-25-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-34-25-1
Eligible to file petition for no contact order
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Any of the following may sign and file a petition for the juvenile court to require a person to refrain from direct or indirect contact with a child or a member of a foster family home (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-108):

(1) The attorney for the department.

(2) The guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate.

As added by P.L.133-2002, SEC.35. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.614; P.L.65-2016, SEC.17; P.L.145-2026, SEC.210.
Ind. Code § 31-34-9-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-34-9-8
Dismissal on motion of person representing interests of state
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) A person representing the interests of the state may file a motion to dismiss any petition that the person has filed under this chapter.

(b) If a person files a motion to dismiss under subsection (a), the person must provide to the court a statement that sets forth the reasons the person is requesting that the petition be dismissed.

(c) Not later than ten (10) days after the motion to dismiss is filed under subsection (a), the court shall:

(1) summarily grant the motion to dismiss; or

(2) set a date for a hearing on the motion to dismiss.

(d) If the court sets a hearing on the motion to dismiss under subsection (c)(2), 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;

to represent and protect the best interests of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-11 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.129-2005, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-34-14-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-34-14-2
Court order for use of closed circuit television
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. On the motion of the attorney for the department, the court may order that:

(1) the testimony of a child be taken in a room other than the courtroom and be transmitted to the courtroom by closed circuit television; and

(2) the questioning of the child by the parties be transmitted to the child by closed circuit television.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-16-2 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.297; P.L.146-2008, SEC.590.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-145 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-145
"Juvenile diversion"
Status: in_force

Sec. 145. "Juvenile diversion" has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-8.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-1
Duties of department of child services
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The department shall perform the following duties:

(1) Administer the licensing and monitoring of child caring institutions, foster family homes, group homes, and child placing agencies in accordance with this article.

(2) Ensure that a criminal history check of an applicant is conducted under IC 31-9-2.1-58 before issuing a license.

(3) Provide for the issuance, denial, and revocation of licenses.

(4) Cooperate with governing bodies of child caring institutions, foster family homes, group homes, and child placing agencies and their staffs to improve standards of child care.

(5) Prepare at least biannually a directory of licensees, except for foster family homes, with a description of the program capacity and type of children served that will be distributed to the legislature, licensees, and other interested parties as a public document.

(6) Deposit all license application fees collected under section 2 of this chapter in the department of child services child care fund established by IC 31-25-2-16.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.26; P.L.1-2007, SEC.201; P.L.128-2012, SEC.93; P.L.145-2026, SEC.173.
Ind. Code § 31-31-3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-31-3-3
Referees; appointment
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The judge of a juvenile court may appoint one (1) or more part-time juvenile court referees.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.98-2004, SEC.110; P.L.201-2011, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-32-16-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-32-16-3
Verified petition; summary of facts
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A verified petition filed under section 2 of this chapter must include the name and age of the child and a summary of facts that support the petitioner's request for involuntary drug and alcohol treatment.

As added by P.L.196-2003, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-19-13-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-19-13-1
New certificate of birth
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the Indiana department of health shall establish a new certificate of birth for an individual born in Indiana upon a receipt of an official report that the individual has been adopted.

(b) The Indiana department of health shall not establish a new certificate of birth following an adoption if:

(1) the court decreeing the adoption;

(2) the adoptive parents; or

(3) the adopted individual;

so requests.

(c) A new certificate of birth established under this section must show the actual place and date of birth.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.287.
Ind. Code § 31-33-7-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-33-7-5
Written report; copies made available to law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorney, and coroner
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A copy of the written report of the department shall immediately be made available to:

(1) the appropriate law enforcement agency;

(2) the prosecuting attorney; and

(3) in a case involving death, the coroner for the coroner's consideration.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.112.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-19 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-19
"Application"
Status: in_force

Sec. 19. "Application", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-12-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-19-12-3
Forwarding of records and reports to Indiana department of health
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Not later than the tenth day of each calendar month, the clerk of the court shall forward to the Indiana department of health records of decrees of:

(1) adoption; or

(2) annulment, revocation, or amendment of adoption;

entered in the preceding month, together with related reports required by the Indiana department of health.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.284.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-236 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-236
"Successful adulthood services"
Status: in_force

Sec. 236. "Successful adulthood services", for purposes of IC 31-25 and IC 31-28, means services for youth that are designed to assist youth who will age out of foster care with the skills and abilities necessary or desirable to be self-reliant, including housing and educational support, career exploration, vocational training, job placement and support, daily living skills, budgeting and financial management skills, substance abuse prevention, preventative health activities, and counseling.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-1-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-34-1-7
Parent, guardian, or custodian failing to participate in school disciplinary proceeding
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. A child is a child in need of services if before the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age:

(1) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian fails to participate in a disciplinary proceeding in connection with the student's improper behavior, as provided for by IC 20-33-8-26, if the behavior of the student has been repeatedly disruptive in the school; and

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

(A) the child is not receiving; and

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

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.1-2005, SEC.203.
Ind. Code § 31-31-9-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-31-9-8
Advisory board; members; appointment; qualifications
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) The advisory board consists of the following seven (7) members:

(1) Two (2) members, appointed by the executive committee, who are not members of the same political party.

(2) Two (2) members, appointed by the mayor of the consolidated city, who are not members of the same political party.

(3) Three (3) members, appointed by the council, not more than two (2) of whom may be members of the same political party.

(b) Members of the advisory board must be residents of the county who have demonstrated an interest in and knowledge of the juvenile justice system.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-9.5-3(a), (b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.142-2007, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-116 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-116
"Guardian"
Status: in_force

Sec. 116. (a) "Guardian", for purposes of IC 31-11-10-1, IC 31-15-2-5, and IC 31-15-3-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 29-3-1-6.

(b) "Guardian", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a person appointed by a court to have the care and custody of a child or the child's estate, or both.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-37-12-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-37-12-7
Child's admission or denial of allegations
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) If:

(1) the prosecuting attorney has not requested that the juvenile court waive the court's jurisdiction; or

(2) a waiver has been requested and denied;

the juvenile court shall determine whether a child admits or denies the allegations of a petition.

(b) A failure to respond constitutes a denial.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-37-7-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-37-7-4
Placement in facility located outside child's county of residence
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A court may not place a child in:

(1) a community based correctional facility for children;

(2) a juvenile detention facility;

(3) a secure facility;

(4) a secure private facility; or

(5) a shelter care facility;

that is located outside the child's county of residence unless placement of the child in a comparable facility with adequate services located in the child's county of residence is unavailable or the child's county of residence does not have an appropriate comparable facility with adequate services.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-31-9-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-31-9-2
Operation and maintenance
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The executive committee shall operate and maintain all juvenile detention centers located within the county.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-9.5-6(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.142-2007, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-28-4-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-28-4-6
Visitation, inspection, or supervision requirements of children or facilities under other law; fulfillment under compact
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. A requirement for visitation, inspection, or supervision of children, homes, institutions, or other agencies in another party state that apply under the provisions of IC 31-27 is considered to be met if performed under an agreement entered into by appropriate officers or agencies of this state or a subdivision of this state as contemplated by paragraph (b) of Article V of the interstate compact on the placement of children (section 1 of this chapter).

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274.
Ind. Code § 31-14-9-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-14-9-2
Submission to department
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Not later than the tenth day of each month, the clerk of the court shall forward to the Indiana department of health the following:

(1) Each record of a paternity determination entered during the preceding month.

(2) Each order entered during the preceding month indicating that a court has set aside a paternity determination.

(3) Any other related reports that the Indiana department of health requires.

(b) Not later than five (5) days after a petition to establish paternity has been filed, the clerk of the court shall forward to the Indiana department of health a notice required by section 0.5 of this chapter related to the petition to establish paternity.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-10.5(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.4; P.L.56-2023, SEC.261.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3.5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-35-3.5-7
Termination of parental rights; burden of proof
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) The court shall terminate the parent-child relationship if the court finds:

(1) by clear and convincing evidence that the allegations in a petition described in section 5(2)(A) and 5(2)(B) of this chapter are true; and

(2) that termination of the parent-child relationship is in the best interests of the child.

(b) If the court does not find either element in subsection (a), the court shall deny the petition.

As added by P.L.64-2016, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-27-7-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-27-7-1
"Base rate"
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "base rate" has the same meaning as set forth in 465 IAC 2-16-4 (as in effect on December 31, 2021).

As added by P.L.173-2022, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-8
Exclusive jurisdiction of juvenile division of Marion superior court
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. The juvenile division of the Marion superior court established under IC 33-33-49 has exclusive jurisdiction over a child who:

(1) has been taken into custody in Marion County; and

(2) has allegedly committed an act that would be a misdemeanor traffic offense if committed by an adult.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.98-2004, SEC.105.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-11
Binding court determinations; stay of administrative hearings; perpetrator entitlement to administrative hearings
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) If a court having jurisdiction over a child in need of services case under IC 31-34 has determined or is anticipated to determine whether:

(1) a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is properly substantiated;

(2) child abuse or neglect occurred; or

(3) any person was a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect;

the determination of the court is binding.

(b) The administrative hearing under this chapter shall be stayed pending an anticipated action by the court.

(c) A person named as a perpetrator in a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is not entitled to an administrative hearing under this chapter if a court has determined that:

(1) the alleged child abuse or neglect did not occur; or

(2) the person was not a perpetrator of the alleged child abuse or neglect.

(d) The administrative hearing under this chapter shall be stayed pending the conclusion of any program of informal adjustment entered into by the perpetrator of the alleged child abuse or neglect.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67. Amended by P.L.48-2012, SEC.54.
Ind. Code § 31-11-11-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-11-11-4
Acceptance of false information concerning applicant's physical condition
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A clerk of the circuit court or a deputy of the clerk who issues a license to marry, knowing that the information concerning the physical condition of an applicant is false, commits a Class B misdemeanor.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-9-4.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12.5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12.5 / Section 31-16-12.5-4
Determination of refund eligibility and filing status
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) A court that receives a petition under section 2 of this chapter shall send an order requiring the department of state revenue to determine the obligor's eligibility for a state income tax refund, whether the obligor filed a joint state income tax return, and if the obligor filed a joint state income tax return, the name and address of the individual with whom the obligor filed the joint state income tax return, if the court preliminarily determines that probable cause exists to believe that the obligor named in the petition:

(1) was at least one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) in arrears on child support payments at the time the custodial parent filed the petition under section 2 of this chapter; and

(2) has intentionally violated the terms of the most recent support order.

(b) The department of state revenue, upon receiving an order under subsection (a), shall notify the court whether the obligor named in the order:

(1) is eligible for a state income tax refund; and

(2) has filed a joint state income tax return, and if the obligor has filed a joint state income tax return, the name and address of the individual with whom the obligor filed the joint state income tax return.

As added by P.L.27-2004, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.2-2005, SEC.75.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-16
Access to index information
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) A person or an organization may have access to information contained in the index as follows:

(1) A law enforcement agency may have access to a substantiated report for purposes of investigating or criminally prosecuting a person identified as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect.

(2) A child care provider, upon submitting a written consent for release of information signed by an individual who:

(A) is employed by or who has applied for employment with the child care provider;

(B) has volunteered to provide services to the child care provider in a capacity that would place the individual in direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are or will be under the direct supervision of the child care provider; or

(C) is at least eighteen (18) years of age and resides in the home of the child care provider;

may have access to any information relating to a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect that names the employee, applicant, volunteer, or household resident as the perpetrator of child abuse or neglect.

(3) A person may have access to any information that is contained in the index pertaining to the person, with protection for the identity of:

(A) a person who reports the child abuse or neglect; and

(B) any other appropriate person.

(4) A person or an agency to whom child abuse and neglect reports are available under IC 31-33-18 may have access to information contained in the index.

(5) Representatives of the division of family resources designated by the director of the division may have access to and use any information relating to a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect that would constitute a basis for denial or revocation of a license for a child care center under IC 12-17.2-4 or a child care home under IC 12-17.2-5.

(6) Representatives of the department designated by the director may have access to and use any information relating to a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect that would constitute a basis for denial or revocation of a license for a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency under IC 31-27.

(7) Any representative of the department, a court having juvenile jurisdiction, and any party in a case under IC 31-34 or IC 31-37 may have access to and use any information relating to a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect in connection with a determination of an appropriate out of home placement for a child under any applicable provision of IC 31-34 or IC 31-37 that requires a criminal history check (as described in IC 31-9-2.1-58) concerning any person.

(8) The department shall provide any information contained in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect that is included in the index to an authorized agency of another state that requests information concerning a prospective foster or adoptive parent, or any other adult living in the home of a prospective foster or adoptive parent, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 671(a)(20)(C).

(9) The department shall transmit or provide to a national index of substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect established in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 16990:

(A) a copy of any substantiated report and related information entered into the index; and

(B) information concerning expungement or amendment of any substantiated report as provided in section 14 or 15 of this chapter.

(10) To determine the eligibility of a child care provider to receive a voucher payment (as defined in IC 12-17.2-3.5-3), the division of family resources may use information contained in the index concerning whether a child has been found by a court to be a child in need of services based on a report of child abuse or neglect naming an individual described in IC 12-17.2-3.5-4.1(a) as a perpetrator.

(11) The office of administrative law proceedings may have access to any information relating to a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect that is the subject of an administrative proceeding before the office of administrative law proceedings.

(b) Except as provided in this section or in rules adopted under subsection (c), the department may not disclose information used in connection with the department's activities under this section.

(c) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 relating to the procedure for disclosure of information described in this section.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67. Amended by P.L.13-2021, SEC.15; P.L.145-2026, SEC.201.
Ind. Code § 31-14-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-14-4-2
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-3.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.103-1997, SEC.2; P.L.145-2006, SEC.221. Repealed by P.L.206-2015, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-14-1.5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-14-1.5-4
Forfeiture; excess proceeds
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. Upon forfeiture, the proceeds of the security, a bond, or other guarantee ordered to secure the obligation of child support, enforcement of a custody order, or enforcement of a parenting time order under this article that are not applied to the expenses described in section 3 of this chapter must be applied toward:

(1) the child's postsecondary education; or

(2) the support and maintenance of the child.

As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.14; P.L.2-2007, SEC.357.
Ind. Code § 31-26-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-26-1-5
Annual grant to each bureau; additional grants
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) The department may provide an annual grant to each youth service bureau.

(b) The department may also provide an additional grant to a youth service bureau that is receiving a grant under subsection (a) to permit the youth service bureau to maintain or expand the youth service bureau's programs. An additional grant under this subsection is subject to the requirements of section 7 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-15-4-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-15-4-7
Temporary restraining order
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The court may issue a temporary restraining order if the court finds on the basis of the moving party's affidavit that injury would result to the moving party if an immediate order were not issued.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-7(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-19-24-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 24 / Section 31-19-24-1
Petitions; contents
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Any interested person may file a petition with any court with probate jurisdiction in Indiana requesting the release of:

(1) medical information;

(2) nonidentifying information; or

(3) identifying information;

that is not available through the state registrar or not allowed to be released by the state registrar.

(b) The contents of a petition must include to the best knowledge of the petitioner the following:

(1) The full name and current address of the petitioner.

(2) The adopted person's:

(A) full name;

(B) sex;

(C) date of birth;

(D) place of birth, if known; and

(E) current address, if known.

(3) The county of the adoption proceeding, if known.

(4) The name and address of the agency that placed the adopted person, if known.

(5) The full name and current address of the petitioners for adoption, if any.

(6) The date of the adoption proceeding, if known.

(7) The full name and current address of the birth parents, if known.

(8) The nature of the:

(A) medical;

(B) identifying; or

(C) nonidentifying;

information being sought.

(9) An affirmation:

(A) by an attending physician, if medical information is sought, that indicates:

(i) the nature of the illness;

(ii) that the illness is believed to be hereditary or congenital; or

(iii) why the information to be sought or shared is necessary for diagnosis or treatment of any person;

(B) by the petitioner, if medical, identifying, or nonidentifying information is sought, that sets forth the reasons why the release of the information may be beneficial to the welfare of the adoptee, a birth parent, a relative of an adoptee, or a relative of a birth parent; and

(C) that the medical, identifying, or nonidentifying information sought:

(i) is not available through the state registrar; or

(ii) is not allowed to be released by the state registrar.

(10) A statement by the petitioner that the petitioner agrees to the payment of:

(A) a reasonable fee for the services of a confidential intermediary if a confidential intermediary is appointed under section 2 of this chapter; and

(B) reasonable fees and any actual expenses of an attorney, a child placing agency, or a professional health care provider (as defined in IC 34-6-2.1-165) that is requested to search its records and release information under sections 2 through 11 of this chapter.

(11) A description of the medical, identifying, or nonidentifying information being sought.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-21.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.196-1997, SEC.12; P.L.1-1998, SEC.163; P.L.191-2011, SEC.38; P.L.97-2013, SEC.2; P.L.186-2025, SEC.156.
Ind. Code § 31-32-16-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-32-16-9
Costs and fees
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. A parent, guardian, or custodian is required to pay court costs, court fees, and the costs of assessment and treatment. Neither the court nor the county is liable for any part of the costs of assessment or treatment under this chapter.

As added by P.L.196-2003, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-37-11-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-37-11-11
Competency; time for factfinding hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. If a child is found to be competent after a competency evaluation is ordered, the factfinding hearing must be commenced within the period specified by section 2 of this chapter. The date the petition is considered to be filed is the date when the child is found to be competent.

As added by P.L.157-2021, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-37-8-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-37-8-3
Notice of conduct and nature of preliminary inquiry
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. If a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child seeks information concerning a preliminary inquiry, the person shall be notified:

(1) whether a preliminary inquiry is being made; and

(2) if so, the nature of the inquiry.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-34-14-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-34-14-4
Children may testify outside court proceeding; informing parties of intention to testify
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. The court may not make an order under section 2 or 3 of this chapter unless:

(1) the testimony to be taken is the testimony of a child who at the time of the trial is:

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

(B) 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 impairment of 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; and

(C) found by the court to be a child who should be permitted to testify outside the courtroom because:

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

(ii) a physician has certified that the child cannot be present in the courtroom for medical reasons; or

(iii) evidence has been introduced concerning the effect of the child's testifying in the courtroom and the court finds that it is more likely than not that the child's testifying in the courtroom creates a substantial likelihood of emotional or mental harm to the child;

(2) the attorney for the department has informed the parties and their attorneys by written notice of the intention to have the child testify outside the courtroom; and

(3) the attorney for the department informed the parties and their attorneys under subdivision (2) at least seven (7) days before the proceedings to give the parties and their attorneys a fair opportunity to prepare a response before the proceedings to the motion of the attorney for the department to permit the child to testify outside the courtroom.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-16-4 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.299; P.L.146-2008, SEC.592.
Ind. Code § 31-33-8-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-33-8-4
Notice to prosecuting attorney of reports involving child's death
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. The law enforcement agency shall:

(1) give telephone notice; and

(2) immediately forward a copy;

of reports made under this article that involve the death of a child to the appropriate prosecuting attorney.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-37-22-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-37-22-6
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.1-2005, SEC.214. Repealed by P.L.187-2015, SEC.32.
Ind. Code § 31-39-8-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-39-8-4
Expungement of child abuse or neglect information
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) Child abuse or neglect information may be expunged under this chapter if the probative value of the information is so doubtful as to outweigh the information's validity.

(b) Child abuse or neglect information shall be expunged if the information is determined to be unsubstantiated after:

(1) an investigation of a report of a child who may be a victim of child abuse or neglect by the department of child services; or

(2) a court proceeding.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.190.
Ind. Code § 31-10-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-10-1-2
Statutory construction
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Subject to section 1 of this chapter, sections 3 through 8 of this chapter shall be applied to the statutory construction of the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-37-6-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-37-6-5
Notice of legal rights; appointment of counsel
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The juvenile court:

(1) shall inform the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian of the child's right to counsel and to refrain from testifying against himself or herself; and

(2) may appoint counsel under IC 31-32-4.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-11-10-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-11-10-3
Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A circuit or superior court has jurisdiction over actions to annul voidable marriages under this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-13
Victim of delinquent act or victim's family; disclosure in civil action
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. (a) The juvenile court may grant the victim of a delinquent act, or a member of the victim's family, access to the court's legal records if the information may be used in a civil action against:

(1) the child who committed the act; or

(2) the child's parent.

(b) A person having access to the records under this section may disclose the contents of the record if disclosure is necessary to prosecute any civil action.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-4
Rules; establishment of standards
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. 4. (a) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 concerning the licensing and inspection of:

(1) child caring institutions, foster family homes, group homes, and child placing agencies after consultation with the Indiana department of health; and

(2) child caring institutions and group homes that are licensed for infants and toddlers after consultation with the division of family resources.

(b) The rules adopted under subsection (a) shall be applied by the department in the licensing and inspection of applicants for a license and licensees under this article.

(c) The rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 must establish minimum standards for the care and treatment of children in a secure private facility.

(d) The rules described in subsection (c) must include standards governing the following:

(1) Admission criteria.

(2) General physical and environmental conditions.

(3) Services and programs to be provided to confined children.

(4) Procedures for ongoing monitoring and discharge planning.

(5) Procedures for the care and control of confined persons that are necessary to ensure the health, safety, and treatment of confined children.

(e) The department shall license a facility as a secure private facility if the facility:

(1) meets the minimum standards required under subsection (c);

(2) provides a continuum of care and services; and

(3) is licensed under IC 31-27-3.

(f) A waiver of the rules may not be granted for treatment and reporting requirements.

(g) Rules that the fire prevention and building safety commission adopts under IC 22-13-2-2:

(1) establish the minimum building and fire safety requirements applicable to structures covered by this article; and

(2) take precedence over conflicting rules as provided for in IC 22-13-2-3.

(h) The department may not adopt rules regulating the same subject matter as rules adopted by the fire prevention and building safety commission.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.35; P.L.162-2011, SEC.22; P.L.128-2012, SEC.95; P.L.56-2023, SEC.301; P.L.93-2024, SEC.204; P.L.1-2025, SEC.223; P.L.28-2026, SEC.38.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1.5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-35-1.5-3
Concurrent jurisdiction of probate and juvenile courts
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The probate court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the juvenile court in proceedings on a petition filed under this chapter for the termination of the parent-child relationship.

As added by P.L.45-2023, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-19-2-11
Clerk's examination of form of petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. If the judge of the court dies, is disabled, or is absent, the clerk of the court shall examine the petition for adoption and the petition for adoption shall be acted upon accordingly.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-30-2-0.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-30-2-0.1
Application of certain amendments to chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.1. The amendments made to section 1 of this chapter by P.L.217-2001 apply to all proceedings pending under IC 31-34 on July 1, 2001, and to all proceedings commenced under IC 31-34 after June 30, 2001.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.511.
Ind. Code § 31-30-3-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-30-3-10
Waiver order; findings
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. A waiver order must include specific findings of fact to support the order.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-12-2-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-12-2-10
Rules; special orders
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. The judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter and the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter shall establish uniform rules if applicable and may make special orders and rules as necessary.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-8 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-166 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-166
"Nonrelocating individual"
Status: in_force

Sec. 166. "Nonrelocating individual", for purposes of IC 31-14-13 and IC 31-17-2.2, means an individual who has, or has filed an action seeking:

(1) custody of the child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2;

(2) parenting time with the child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2; or

(3) visitation with the child under IC 31-17-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-30.5-1-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30.5 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30.5-1-4
Copies of juvenile interrogations
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A law enforcement agency shall retain a copy of a custodial interrogation of a juvenile recorded under this chapter:

(1) if the juvenile is adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult, until the juvenile has exhausted all appeals related to the adjudication;

(2) if the juvenile is convicted of a felony as an adult, until:

(A) the felony conviction is final; and

(B) the juvenile has exhausted all direct and habeas corpus appeals related to the conviction; or

(3) until a prosecution of the juvenile for a felony is barred by law.

As added by P.L.187-2015, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3.5-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-35-3.5-12
Court in which petition to terminate parental rights was pending shall send a notice of the entry of disposition to a court that has stayed proceedings pending disposition
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. A court in which a child in need of services petition is pending shall notify a court in which a proceeding has been stayed under section 11 of this chapter of a dispositional decree not later than ten (10) days after the date the court enters the dispositional decree.

As added by P.L.64-2016, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-37-10-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-37-10-8
Motion to dismiss by person representing state's interests
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. Upon motion by the person representing the interests of the state, the juvenile court shall dismiss any petition the person has filed.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-11.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-16
Dissolution decree; scope; finality; remarriage pending appeal
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) The court shall enter a dissolution decree:

(1) when the court has made the findings required by section 15 of this chapter; or

(2) upon the filing of pleadings under section 13 of this chapter.

The decree may include orders as provided for in this article.

(b) A dissolution decree is final when entered, subject to the right of appeal.

(c) An appeal from the provisions of a dissolution decree that does not challenge the findings as to the dissolution of the marriage does not delay the finality of the provision of the decree that dissolves the marriage, so that the parties may remarry pending appeal.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-15-3-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-15-3-5
Dissolution of marriage action; provisional order or decree as bar to legal separation proceeding
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A proceeding may not be commenced under section 4 of this chapter if:

(1) an action for dissolution of marriage filed under IC 31-15-2-4 (or IC 31-1-11.5-3(a) before its repeal) is pending; or

(2) a provisional order or decree based on a petition for dissolution of marriage filed under IC 31-15-2-4 (or IC 31-1-11.5-3(a) before its repeal) has been granted.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-5.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-5.5
Access to court records by law enforcement officers
Status: in_force

Sec. 5.5. The following records of the juvenile court relating to a finding that a child committed an offense that would be a serious violent felony (as defined by IC 35-31.5-2-294) are available without a court order to a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of the officer's duties:

(1) The child's name and age.

(2) The nature of the delinquent act.

(3) The chronological case summary.

(4) Index entries, summonses, warrants, petitions, orders, motions (excluding psychological or child abuse evaluations), decrees, and photographs.

The juvenile court shall cooperate with a law enforcement agency to ensure that these records are accessible from the mobile terminal of a law enforcement officer, and are otherwise available to a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of the officer's duties in a timely manner.

As added by P.L.77-2025, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-19-17-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-19-17-1
Application of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Except as provided in section 5 of this chapter, this chapter applies only to an adoption that is granted after June 30, 1993.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.100-2005, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2-84.8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-9-2-84.8-b
"Nonwaivable offense"
Status: repealed

Revisor's Note: P.L.145-2026 repealed IC 31-9-2 and relocated the chapter to IC 31-9-2.1, effective July 1, 2026. IC 31-9-2-84.8 was relocated to IC 31-9-2.1-168.

Note: This version of section amended by P.L.158-2026, SEC.23, effective 7-1-2026. See also preceding repeal of this chapter by P.L.145-2026, SEC.160.

Sec. 84.8. "Nonwaivable offense", for purposes of this title, means a conviction of any of the following felonies:

(1) Murder (IC 35-42-1-1).

(2) Causing suicide (IC 35-42-1-2).

(3) Assisting suicide (IC 35-42-1-2.5).

(4) Voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3).

(5) Involuntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-4).

(6) Reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5).

(7) Feticide (IC 35-42-1-6).

(8) Battery (IC 35-42-2-1) within the past five (5) years.

(9) Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3).

(10) Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5).

(11) Criminal recklessness (IC 35-42-2-2) within the past five (5) years.

(12) Strangulation (IC 35-42-2-9).

(13) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2).

(14) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) within the past five (5) years.

(15) Human and sexual trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5).

(16) A felony sex offense under IC 35-42-4.

(17) Arson (IC 35-43-1-1) within the past five (5) years.

(18) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3).

(19) Neglect of a dependent (IC 35-46-1-4(a) and IC 35-46-1-4(b)).

(20) Child selling (IC 35-46-1-4(d)).

(21) Reckless supervision (IC 35-46-1-4.1).

(22) Nonsupport of a dependent child (IC 35-46-1-5) within the past five (5) years.

(23) Operating a motorboat while intoxicated (IC 35-46-9-6) (before its repeal) within the past five (5) years.

(24) A felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 within the past five (5) years.

(25) A felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4 within the past five (5) years.

(26) An offense relating to material or a performance that is harmful to minors or obscene under IC 35-49-3.

(27) A felony under IC 9-30-5 within the past five (5) years.

(28) A felony related to the health or safety of a child (as defined in IC 31-9-2-13(h)) or an endangered adult (as defined in IC 12-10-3-2).

As added by P.L.183-2017, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.243-2019, SEC.4; P.L.142-2020, SEC.34; P.L.158-2026, SEC.23.
Ind. Code § 31-37-22-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-37-22-9
Copy of modified dispositional order for former Medicaid child recipient by court to division of family resources
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. If:

(1) a juvenile court modifies its disposition order under this chapter;

(2) the child named in the order received Medicaid before disposition as indicated by the predispositional report; and

(3) the juvenile court previously placed or intends to place the child in:

(A) a juvenile detention facility; or

(B) a secure facility, not including a facility licensed as a child caring institution under IC 31-27;

the court shall immediately provide a copy of the modified dispositional decree to the division of family resources.

As added by P.L.114-2009, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-19-21-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-19-21-6
Storage and indexing of consents
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. The following persons shall provide for the storage and indexing of consents made under this chapter to carry out IC 31-19-24 through IC 31-19-25.5:

(1) The state registrar.

(2) The department.

(3) County offices of family and children.

(4) Licensed child placing agencies.

(5) Professional health care providers (as defined in IC 34-6-2.1-165).

(6) Courts.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-27(f) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.1-1998, SEC.160; P.L.145-2006, SEC.256; P.L.191-2011, SEC.25; P.L.3-2016, SEC.11; P.L.186-2025, SEC.153.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-17 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-17
Agreements
Status: in_force

Sec. 17. (a) To promote the amicable settlements of disputes that have arisen or may arise between the parties to a marriage attendant upon the dissolution of their marriage, the parties may agree in writing to provisions for:

(1) the maintenance of either of the parties;

(2) the disposition of any property owned by either or both of the parties;

(3) the custody and support of the children of the parties; and

(4) the relocation of the children of the parties.

(b) In an action for dissolution of marriage:

(1) the terms of the agreement, if approved by the court, shall be incorporated and merged into the decree and the parties shall be ordered to perform the terms; or

(2) the court may make provisions for:

(A) the disposition of property;

(B) child support;

(C) maintenance; and

(D) custody;

as provided in this title.

(c) The disposition of property settled by an agreement described in subsection (a) and incorporated and merged into the decree is not subject to subsequent modification by the court, except as the agreement prescribes or the parties subsequently consent.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-10.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.186-2019, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-15-9.4-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 9.4 / Section 31-15-9.4-1
Factors in determination
Status: in_force

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

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

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

As added by P.L.199-1997, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-8
Investigation of applicants
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. The department shall investigate a person seeking licensure to determine whether the person is in compliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article. The investigation shall be conducted at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner in announced or unannounced visits. Activities may include onsite inspections, record reading, observation, and interviewing. The department may require that evidence of compliance with the rules be presented in a form and manner specified in the rules.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-19-2-6
Contents of petition; additional documents
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) A petition for adoption must specify the following:

(1) The:

(A) name if known;

(B) sex, race, and age if known, or if unknown, the approximate age; and

(C) place of birth;

of the child sought to be adopted.

(2) The new name to be given the child if a change of name is desired.

(3) Whether or not the child possesses real or personal property and, if so, the value and full description of the property.

(4) The:

(A) name, age, and place of residence of a petitioner for adoption; and

(B) if married, place and date of their marriage.

(5) The name and place of residence, if known to the petitioner for adoption, of:

(A) the parent or parents of the child;

(B) if the child is an orphan:

(i) the guardian; or

(ii) the nearest kin of the child if the child does not have a guardian;

(C) the court or agency of which the child is a ward if the child is a ward; or

(D) the agency sponsoring the adoption if there is a sponsor.

(6) The time, if any, during which the child lived in the home of the petitioner for adoption.

(7) Whether the petitioner for adoption has been convicted of:

(A) a felony; or

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

and, if so, the date and description of the conviction.

(8) Whether or not a current, ongoing child support order or medical support order is in effect for the child sought to be adopted.

(9) If a child sought to be adopted is the subject of an open or pending:

(A) child in need of services proceeding under IC 31-34; or

(B) delinquency proceeding under IC 31-37;

except an informal adjustment, the court in which the proceeding is open or pending, the cause number, and the case number, if known.

(10) Additional information consistent with the purpose and provisions of this article that is considered relevant to the proceedings.

(b) If a current, ongoing child support order or medical support order is in effect for the child as described in subsection (a)(8), all of the following must be filed with the petition described under subsection (a):

(1) A copy of the child support order or medical support order.

(2) A statement as to whether the child support order or medical support order is enforced by the prosecuting attorney through the Title IV-D child support program under IC 31-25-4.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-2(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.200-1999, SEC.6; P.L.131-2009, SEC.13; P.L.206-2015, SEC.54; P.L.78-2026, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-34-19-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-34-19-9
Advisement of modification procedures
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. The juvenile court shall advise the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian of the procedures under IC 31-34-23.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-34-21-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-34-21-1
Progress reports; procedure for modification of decree
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) At any time after the date of an original dispositional decree, the juvenile court may order the department to file a report on the progress made in implementing the decree.

(b) The juvenile court shall order the department to file a report every three (3) months after the dispositional decree is entered on the progress made in implementing the decree.

(c) If, after reviewing the report, the juvenile court seeks to consider modification of the dispositional decree, the juvenile court shall proceed under IC 31-34-23.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.313; P.L.146-2006, SEC.51.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-36 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-36
Violation of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 36. A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-17-5-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-17-5-9
Adoption; effect on visitation rights
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. Visitation rights provided for in section 1 or 10 of this chapter survive the adoption of the child by any of the following:

(1) A stepparent.

(2) A person who is biologically related to the child as:

(A) a grandparent;

(B) a sibling;

(C) an aunt;

(D) an uncle;

(E) a niece; or

(F) a nephew.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.7-2(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-37-6-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-37-6-9
Release on bail
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. A child may not be released on bail except as provided by IC 31-30-3.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-11-11-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-11-11-5
Solemnization of marriage in violation of this article
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A person who:

(1) is authorized to solemnize marriages by IC 31-11-6; and

(2) solemnizes a marriage in violation of this article;

commits a Class C infraction.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-9-5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-14-5-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-14-5-9
Barred from establishing paternity
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. A man who is barred under IC 31-19 from establishing paternity may not establish paternity by:

(1) filing a paternity action as next friend of a child; or

(2) requesting a prosecuting attorney to file a paternity action.

As added by P.L.21-2010, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-37-15-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-37-15-2
Verification
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A petition filed under section 1 of this chapter must be verified.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-17(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-31-8-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-31-8-2
Juvenile detention facility; criteria
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A juvenile detention facility is a secure facility that:

(1) is only used for the lawful custody and treatment of juveniles and meets state standards and licensing requirements as provided in department of correction administrative rule; or

(2) is located on the same grounds or in the same building as an adult jail or lockup and meets the following four (4) criteria:

(A) Total separation between juvenile and adult facility spatial areas so that there could be no haphazard or accidental contact among juvenile and adult residents in the respective facilities. If space is used for both juveniles and adults, time-phasing of the use is acceptable if the arrangement precludes haphazard or accidental contact among juvenile and adult residents at all times. Sleeping or other living areas may not be shared under any circumstances.

(B) Total separation in all juvenile and adult program activities within the facilities, including recreation, education, counseling, health care, dining, sleeping, and general living activities. Program activities may not be shared by juvenile and adult residents. However, program space, equipment, and other resources may be used by both juvenile and adult residents subject to clause (A).

(C) The administration and security functions of the juvenile detention program must be vested in separate staff who, if the staff serve both populations, are trained to serve a juvenile population. Security and other direct care staff may not be used to serve the adult jail at the same time or during the same tour of duty that security and other direct care staff serve in the juvenile detention facility. Specialized services staff, such as cooks, bookkeepers, and medical professionals who are not normally in contact with detainees or whose infrequent contact occurs under conditions of separation of juveniles and adults, can serve both juvenile and adult residents.

(D) The facility meets state standards and licensing requirements as provided in department of correction administrative rule. The architectural and operational configuration of the juvenile facility must assure total separation.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-1-21.3.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.193-2025, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-25 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-25
Decree limiting contact with child; copies to parties and law enforcement agencies
Status: in_force

Sec. 25. (a) The clerk of the court that enters a dispositional decree under this article that requires a person to refrain from direct or indirect contact with a child shall provide a copy of the decree to the following:

(1) Each party.

(2) The sheriff.

(3) The law enforcement agency of the municipality, if any, in which the child resides.

(b) Each sheriff and law enforcement agency that receives a decree under subsection (a) shall maintain a copy of the decree in the depository established by IC 5-2-9. The decree may be removed from the depository after the later of the following occurs:

(1) The lapse of one (1) year after the decree is entered.

(2) The date specified in the decree if any.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-16.1 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-26 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-26
Investigation of noncompliance; injunctions; corrective action plans; informal meetings
Status: in_force

Sec. 26. (a) The department shall investigate a report of a licensed child placing agency's noncompliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article. If there is reasonable cause to believe that a licensee's noncompliance with this article and rules adopted under this article creates an imminent danger of serious bodily injury to a child or an imminent danger to the health of a child, the department shall report the department's findings to the attorney general and to the local office and the prosecuting attorney in the county where the child placing agency is located.

(b) The attorney general or the department may do the following:

(1) Seek the issuance of a search warrant to assist in the investigation.

(2) File an action for injunctive relief to stop the operation of a child placing agency if there is reasonable cause to believe that a licensee's noncompliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article creates an imminent danger of serious bodily injury to a child or an imminent danger to the health of a child.

(c) The department may require a plan of corrective action, including a hold on new placements, for emergency protection of the children described in subsection (b).

(d) An opportunity for an informal meeting with the department shall be available after injunctive relief is ordered under subsection (b)(2).

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.137.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-4
Discharge of child; continuance of proceeding; no release of department from obligations to child
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. If:

(1) a child is referred to a probate court;

(2) the juvenile court initiates a commitment proceeding; or

(3) the court transfers a commitment proceeding under IC 12-26-1-4;

the juvenile court shall discharge the child or continue the court's proceedings under the juvenile law. However, if the child is under the custody or supervision of the department, the juvenile court may not release the department from the obligations of the department to the child pending the outcome of the proceeding under IC 12-26.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.343; P.L.146-2008, SEC.644.
Ind. Code § 31-34-12-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-34-12-3
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.17.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-14
Public notice of purpose and operation of registry
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. (a) Each:

(1) clerk of a circuit court;

(2) branch office of the bureau of motor vehicles;

(3) hospital; and

(4) local health department;

shall post in a conspicuous place a notice that informs the public about the purpose and operation of the registry.

(b) The notice under subsection (a) must include information regarding the following:

(1) Where to obtain a registration form.

(2) Where to register.

(3) The circumstances under which a putative father is required to register.

(4) When under section 12 of this chapter a putative father is required to register to entitle the putative father to notice of an adoption.

(5) The consequences of not submitting a timely registration.

(c) Failure to post a proper notice under this section does not relieve a putative father of the obligation to register with the state department in accordance with this chapter to entitle the putative father to notice of the adoption of a child who may have been conceived by the putative father.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-13(b), (c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-75 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-75
"Delinquent juvenile"
Status: in_force

Sec. 75. "Delinquent juvenile", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-31-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-31-7-2
Contract to provide guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate services
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A juvenile court may contract to provide guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate services for purposes of carrying out IC 31-34 and IC 31-37.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-18(j) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-5
Concurrent original jurisdiction with probate court
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. A juvenile court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the probate court in the following proceedings:

(1) Proceedings to commit children under IC 12-26.

(2) Proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship under IC 31-35.

However, the juvenile court's jurisdiction is limited as described in IC 12-26-1-4.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3.5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-35-3.5-5
Contents of petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The verified petition filed under section 3 of this chapter must:

(1) be entitled "In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of ______________, a child, and _______________, the parent"; and

(2) allege:

(A) that the alleged perpetrator committed an act of rape against the parent who filed the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship;

(B) that the child was conceived as a result of the act of rape described under clause (A); and

(C) that the termination of the parent-child relationship between the alleged perpetrator and the child is in the best interests of the child.

As added by P.L.64-2016, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-14-9-0.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-14-9-0.5
Notice of filing of petition to establish paternity
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.5. Upon the filing of a petition to establish paternity, the clerk of the court shall prepare a notice of the filing on a form prescribed and furnished by the Indiana department of health. The notice must include the following:

(1) The name of the child.

(2) The name of the mother of the child.

(3) The name and address of the man alleged or alleging to be the father of the child.

(4) The name of the petitioner.

(5) The date the petition was filed.

(6) The name of the court and cause number.

As added by P.L.58-2009, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.259.
Ind. Code § 31-17-4-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-17-4-1
Parenting time rights; in chambers interview of child; rebuttable presumption for supervised parenting time
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Subject to subsections (d) and (e) and subject to section 1.1 of this chapter, a parent not granted custody of the child is entitled to reasonable parenting time rights unless the court finds, after a hearing, that parenting time by the noncustodial parent might endanger the child's physical health or significantly impair the child's emotional development.

(b) The court may interview the child in chambers to assist the court in determining the child's perception of whether parenting time by the noncustodial parent might endanger the child's physical health or significantly impair the child's emotional development.

(c) The court may permit counsel to be present at the interview. If counsel is present:

(1) a record may be made of the interview; and

(2) the interview may be made part of the record for purposes of appeal.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), if a court grants parenting time rights to a person who has been convicted of:

(1) child molesting (IC 35-42-4-3); or

(2) child exploitation (IC 35-42-4-4);

there is a rebuttable presumption that the parenting time with the child must be supervised.

(e) If a court grants parenting time rights to a person who has been convicted of:

(1) child molesting (IC 35-42-4-3); or

(2) child exploitation (IC 35-42-4-4);

within the previous five (5) years, the court shall order that the parenting time with the child must be supervised.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-24(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.15-2004, SEC.2; P.L.68-2005, SEC.45; P.L.223-2019, SEC.3; P.L.146-2021, SEC.7; P.L.92-2026, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-24 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-24
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.146-2006, SEC.60.
Ind. Code § 31-15-6-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-15-6-9
Civil immunity
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. Except for gross misconduct:

(1) a guardian ad litem;

(2) a court appointed special advocate;

(3) an employee of a county guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate program; or

(4) a volunteer for a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate program;

who performs duties in good faith is immune from any civil liability that may occur as a result of that person's performance.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-34-2-2
Taking alleged perpetrator into custody; protective order
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) A law enforcement officer may take a person into custody if the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the person is the alleged perpetrator of an act against a child who the law enforcement officer believes to be a child in need of services as a result of the alleged perpetrator's act. The law enforcement officer may take the alleged perpetrator into custody under this section only for the purpose of removing the alleged perpetrator from the residence where the child believed to be in need of services resides.

(b) The law enforcement officer shall immediately contact the attorney for the county department or another authorized person for the purpose of initiating a protective order under IC 31-34-25 that will require the alleged perpetrator to refrain from having direct or indirect contact with the child.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.1-2003, SEC.77.
Ind. Code § 31-19-9-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-19-9-3
Validity of consent not identifying petitioner for adoption; consent to substituting petitioners
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A consent to adoption that does not name or otherwise identify a petitioner for adoption is valid if the consent to adoption contains a statement, by the person consenting to adoption, that the person consenting to adoption voluntarily executed the consent to adoption without disclosure of the name or other identification of the petitioner for adoption.

(b) A petitioner may be substituted under IC 31-19-2-2 if:

(1) the consent to adoption executed by a child's mother contains a statement, by the mother consenting to adoption, that the mother voluntarily agrees that a petitioner for the adoption may be substituted without additional consent from the mother; or

(2) the mother executes a written consent to the substitution of a petitioner for the adoption.

The mother's consent under this subsection is not conditional regardless of whether the mother consents or does not consent to the substitution of petitioners under this subsection.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-6(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.146-2007, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-170 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-170
"Obligor"
Status: in_force

Sec. 170. (a) "Obligor", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means an individual who has been ordered by a court to pay child support.

(b) "Obligor", 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.

(c) "Obligor", for purposes of IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-12-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-34-12-5
Admissibility of evidence of prior or subsequent acts or omissions
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. Evidence that a prior or subsequent act or omission by a parent, guardian, or custodian injured or neglected a child is admissible in proceedings alleging that a child is a child in need of services to show the following:

(1) Intent, guilty knowledge, the absence of mistake or accident, identification, the existence of a common scheme or plan, or other similar purposes.

(2) A likelihood that the act or omission of the parent, guardian, or custodian is responsible for the child's current injury or condition.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.160.
Ind. Code § 31-41-1-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 41 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-41-1-4
"Dual status assessment"
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. "Dual status assessment" means a review by a dual status assessment team to assess a dual status child's:

(1) status;

(2) best interests;

(3) need for services; and

(4) level of needs, strengths, and risks of the child.

As added by P.L.66-2015, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.187-2015, SEC.35.
Ind. Code § 31-37-20-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-37-20-1
Progress reports; procedure for modification of decree
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. At any time after the date of an original dispositional decree, the juvenile court may order the probation department to file a report on the progress made in implementing the decree. If, after reviewing the report, the juvenile court seeks to consider modification of the dispositional decree, the court shall proceed under IC 31-37-22.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.348; P.L.146-2008, SEC.654.
Ind. Code § 31-32-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-32-7-2
Change of venue
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A change of venue from the county may not be granted except under section 3 of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-37-5-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-37-5-6
Detention hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If a child taken into custody is not released, a detention hearing must be held in accordance with IC 31-37-6-2.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12.5 / Section 31-16-12.5-1
Exception
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter does not apply to a support order entered in a Title IV-D case.

As added by P.L.27-2004, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-16-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-16-2-4
Verified petition; averments
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A petition for child support:

(1) must be verified; and

(2) must set forth the following:

(A) The relationship of the parties.

(B) The present residence of each party.

(C) The names and addresses of:

(i) each living child less than nineteen (19) years of age; and

(ii) each incapacitated child;

of the marriage.

(D) The relief sought.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.206-2015, SEC.48.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-47 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-47
"Child services"
Status: in_force

Sec. 47. "Child services", for purposes of this title, means the following:

(1) Services, other than services that are costs of secure detention, specifically provided by or on behalf of the department for or on behalf of children who are:

(A) adjudicated to be:

(i) children in need of services under IC 31-34; or

(ii) delinquent children under IC 31-37;

(B) parties in a child in need of services case filed under IC 31-34 or in a delinquency case filed under IC 31-37 before adjudication or entry of a dispositional decree;

(C) subject to temporary care or supervision by the department under any applicable provision of IC 31-33, IC 31-34, or IC 31-37;

(D) recipients or beneficiaries of a program of informal adjustment approved under IC 31-34-8 or IC 31-37-9; or

(E) recipients or beneficiaries of:

(i) adoption assistance or kinship guardianship assistance under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 673), as amended;

(ii) adoption subsidies or assistance under IC 31-19-26.5;

(iii) assistance, including emergency assistance or assisted guardianships, provided under Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as amended; or

(iv) other financial assistance provided to or for the benefit of a child who was previously adjudicated as a child in need of services or delinquent child, including a legal guardianship established to implement a permanency plan under IC 31-34-21-7.5(c)(1)(E) if IC 29-3-8-9 applies and the assistance is approved under a rule or published policy of the department.

(2) Costs of using an institution or facility for providing educational services to children described in subdivision (1)(A), under either IC 20-33-2-29 (if applicable) or IC 20-26-11-13 (if applicable).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-8.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-8.5
Department of child services cost and rate reporting
Status: in_force

Sec. 8.5. (a) The following definitions apply throughout this section:

(1) "Child services provider" means a:

(A) child caring institution licensed under IC 31-27-3;

(B) group home licensed under IC 31-27-5;

(C) child placing agency licensed under IC 31-27-6; or

(D) private secure facility licensed under 465 IAC 2-11.

(2) "Cost report" means a report that the department requires a child services provider to submit regarding costs incurred during a twelve (12) month period by or on behalf of each residential treatment program operated or administered by the child services provider.

(3) "Rate year" means the year in which a rate is calculated.

(b) Not later than May 1 of each year, the department shall prepare and submit to the director of the legislative services agency, for distribution to the members of the general assembly convening in November of that year, a report containing the following information for the most recently completed rate year:

(1) The following information with regard to cost reports submitted to the department under 465 IAC 2-16:

(A) The:

(i) amount; and

(ii) proportion, expressed as a percentage;

of submitted costs that were disallowed by the department.

(B) The proportion, expressed as a percentage, of the total amount of costs disallowed by the department that was disallowed under each category listed in 465 IAC 2-16-21(d)(1) through 465 IAC 2-16-21(d)(7).

(C) The number of reviews requested under 465 IAC 2-16-26.

(D) Of the total number of rates for which review was requested under 465 IAC 2-16-26, the proportion, expressed as a percentage, of:

(i) rates increased upon review;

(ii) rates decreased upon review; and

(iii) rates neither increased nor decreased upon review.

(2) The following information with regard to cost reports submitted to the department under 465 IAC 2-17:

(A) The:

(i) amount; and

(ii) proportion, expressed as a percentage;

of submitted costs that were disallowed by the department.

(B) The proportion, expressed as a percentage, of the total amount of costs disallowed by the department that was disallowed under each category listed in 465 IAC 2-17-23(d)(1) through 465 IAC 2-17-23(d)(6).

(C) The number of reviews requested under 465 IAC 2-17-27.

(D) Of the total number of rates for which review was requested under 465 IAC 2-17-27, the proportion, expressed as a percentage, of:

(i) rates increased upon review;

(ii) rates decreased upon review; and

(iii) rates neither increased nor decreased upon review.

As added by P.L.61-2021, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-23 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-23
"At-risk child"; "at-risk children"
Status: in_force

Sec. 23. "At-risk child" or "at-risk children", for purposes of IC 31-32-3, means a child or children who:

(1) are at risk of becoming involved in a juvenile proceeding;

(2) are at risk of being suspended or expelled from school;

(3) are at risk of dropping out of school;

(4) were previously children in need of services and who are in need of ongoing supervision and assistance; or

(5) have been victims of domestic violence.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-218 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-218
"Risk screening tool"
Status: in_force

Sec. 218. "Risk screening tool" means a validated screening instrument approved by the judicial conference of Indiana that:

(1) measures a child's risk to reoffend; and

(2) is used to inform a child's eligibility to participate in juvenile diversion and informal adjustment.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-20-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-34-20-6
Emancipation of child; findings; terms
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) The juvenile court for the county in which a child resides may emancipate the child under section 1(a)(5) of this chapter upon a petition brought by the child.

(b) The court in which a petition is filed under subsection (a) shall appoint an attorney to serve as guardian ad litem for the child. The guardian ad litem shall investigate the statements contained in the petition and file a report of the investigation with the court.

(c) After receiving the report of the guardian ad litem under subsection (b) and holding a hearing, the court may grant the petition if the court finds:

(1) that emancipation is in the child's best interests; and

(2) that the child:

(A) wishes to be free from parental control and protection and no longer needs that control and protection;

(B) has sufficient money for the child's own support;

(C) understands the consequences of being free from parental control and protection; and

(D) has an acceptable plan for independent living.

(d) If the juvenile court completely emancipates the child, the child has all the rights and responsibilities of an adult. If the juvenile court partially emancipates the child, the court shall specify the terms of the emancipation, which may include the following:

(1) Suspension of the parent's or guardian's duty to support the child. In this case, the judgment of emancipation supersedes the support order of a court.

(2) Suspension of the following:

(A) The parent's or guardian's right to the control or custody of the child.

(B) The parent's right to the child's earnings.

(3) Empowering the child to consent to military enlistment.

(4) Empowering the child to consent to:

(A) medical;

(B) psychological;

(C) psychiatric;

(D) educational; or

(E) social;

services.

(5) Empowering the child to contract.

(6) Empowering the child to own property.

(e) An emancipated child remains subject to the following:

(1) IC 20-33-2 concerning compulsory school attendance.

(2) The continuing jurisdiction of the court.

(3) IC 31-11-1-4 concerning minimum age for marriage.

(4) Other specific constitutional and statutory age requirements applicable to the emancipated child because of the emancipated child's age, including requirements regarding voting, use of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products, and other health and safety regulations.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.7 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.1-2005, SEC.206; P.L.85-2017, SEC.104; P.L.94-2020, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-2
Cause of action established
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A cause of action for dissolution of marriage is established.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-3(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-44 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-44
"Child custody proceeding"
Status: in_force

Sec. 44. "Child custody proceeding", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-15-3-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-15-3-6
Residence; filing in county of guardian's residence
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) At the time of the filing of a petition for legal separation under section 4 of this chapter, at least one (1) of the parties must have been:

(1) a resident of Indiana; or

(2) stationed at a United States military installation within Indiana;

for six (6) months immediately preceding the filing of each petition.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), at the time of the filing of a petition for legal separation under section 4 of this chapter, at least one (1) of the parties must have been:

(1) a resident of the county; or

(2) stationed at a United States military installation within the county;

where the petition is filed for three (3) months immediately preceding the filing of the petition.

(c) If a court has authorized a guardian to file a petition for legal separation under section 4 of this chapter on behalf of an incapacitated person under IC 29-3-9-12.2, the guardian may file the petition 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 petition.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-6(a) part, (b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.83-2014, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-30-3-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-30-3-5
Waiver of jurisdiction for certain acts; exceptions
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. Except for those cases in which the juvenile court has no jurisdiction in accordance with IC 31-30-1-4, the court shall, upon motion of the prosecuting attorney and after full investigation and hearing, waive jurisdiction if it finds that:

(1) the child is charged with an act that, if committed by an adult, would be:

(A) a Level 1 felony, Level 2 felony, Level 3 felony, or Level 4 felony, except a felony defined by IC 35-48-4;

(B) involuntary manslaughter as a Level 5 felony under IC 35-42-1-4;

(C) reckless homicide as a Level 5 felony under IC 35-42-1-5;

(D) unlawful carrying of a handgun as a felony under IC 35-47-2-1.5; or

(E) dangerous possession of a firearm as a felony under IC 35-47-10;

(2) there is probable cause to believe that the child has committed the act; and

(3) the child was at least sixteen (16) years of age when the act charged was allegedly committed;

unless it would be in the best interests of the child and of the safety and welfare of the community for the child to remain within the juvenile justice system.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.316; P.L.148-2024, SEC.16; P.L.158-2026, SEC.26.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-1
Sole legal custody in biological mother; exceptions
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. A biological mother of a child born out of wedlock has sole legal custody of the child, except as provided in IC 16-37-2-2.1, and unless a statute or court order provides otherwise under the following:

(1) IC 12-26 (involuntary commitment of a child).

(2) IC 29-3 (guardianship and protective proceedings under the probate code).

(3) IC 31-14 (custody of a child born outside of a marriage).

(4) IC 31-34 (child in need of services).

(5) IC 31-37 (delinquent child).

(6) IC 35-46 (offenses against the family).

(7) IC 35-50 (criminal sentences).

(8) An order by a court that has jurisdiction over the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-19.5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.25-2010, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-34-20-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-34-20-3
Order for participation by parent, guardian, or custodian in program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for child; failure to participate
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) If the juvenile court determines that a parent, guardian, or custodian should participate in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child, the court may order the parent, guardian, or custodian to do the following:

(1) Obtain assistance in fulfilling the obligations as a parent, guardian, or custodian.

(2) Provide specified care, treatment, or supervision for the child.

(3) Work with a person providing care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child.

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

(5) Participate in a mental health or addiction treatment program.

(b) If a dispositional decree requires a parent to participate in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation described in subsection (a), the juvenile court shall advise the parent that failure to participate as required by an order under this chapter, or a modified order under IC 31-34-23, can lead to the termination of the parent-child relationship under IC 31-35.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.183-2017, SEC.50; P.L.172-2022, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-37-10-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-37-10-2
Approval of filing of petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The juvenile court shall do the following:

(1) Consider the preliminary inquiry and the evidence of probable cause.

(2) Approve the filing of a petition if there is probable cause to believe that:

(A) the child is a delinquent child; and

(B) it is in the best interests of the child or the public that the petition be filed.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-0.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-0.5
"Administrative hearing officer"
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.5. As used in this chapter, "administrative hearing officer" refers to an individual who presides over an administrative hearing. The term includes an administrative law judge assigned by the office of administrative law proceedings established by IC 4-15-10.5-7.

As added by P.L.13-2021, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-19-24-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 24 / Section 31-19-24-8
Court ordered release of information
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) If a person does not agree to release medical, identifying, or nonidentifying information through the confidential intermediary, the court may order the release of the requested medical, identifying, or nonidentifying information after considering any information regarding the person's refusal to release the requested information to the confidential intermediary.

(b) If the court orders the release of the information under this section, the court, upon receipt of the court ordered information, shall follow the procedures described under section 10 of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.196-1997, SEC.19.
Ind. Code § 31-21-5-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-21-5-6
Proceeding commenced in another state; court review of documents
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 4 of this chapter, an Indiana court may not exercise its jurisdiction under this article if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this article, unless the proceeding:

(1) has been terminated; or

(2) is stayed by the court of the other state because an Indiana court is a more convenient forum under section 8 of this chapter.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in section 4 of this chapter, an Indiana court, before hearing a child custody proceeding, shall examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties under sections 10 through 13 of this chapter. If the court determines that a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this article, the Indiana court shall:

(1) stay its proceeding; and

(2) communicate with the court of the other state.

If the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this article does not determine that the Indiana court is a more appropriate forum, the Indiana court shall dismiss the proceeding.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-32-16-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-32-16-11
Guardian ad litem
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. The judge of the juvenile court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the child at any time.

As added by P.L.196-2003, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-223 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-223
"Secure private facility"
Status: in_force

Sec. 223. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), "secure private facility", for purposes of the juvenile law, means the following:

(1) A facility that is licensed under IC 31-27 to operate as a secure private 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) "Secure private facility", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a secure private 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 § 31-37-20-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-37-20-8
Documents provided to individual leaving foster care
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) This section applies to an individual who:

(1) is leaving foster care because the individual is at least eighteen (18) years of age; and

(2) has been in foster care for at least six (6) months.

(b) Before an individual described in subsection (a) leaves foster care, the probation officer shall provide to the individual the following documents that are applicable to the individual:

(1) An official or certified copy of the individual's United States birth certificate.

(2) A Social Security card issued for the individual by the Social Security Administration.

(3) Insurance records for the individual.

(4) A copy of the individual's medical records.

(5) The individual's driver's license or identification card issued by the state.

(6) Information concerning the individual's enrollment in the Medicaid program.

(7) A foster care verification form.

As added by P.L.104-2015, SEC.47. Amended by P.L.187-2015, SEC.30; P.L.124-2017, SEC.4; P.L.243-2019, SEC.21.
Ind. Code § 31-14-11-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-9
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-15(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.148-2006, SEC.9. Repealed by P.L.207-2013, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-133 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-133
"Intake officer"
Status: in_force

Sec. 133. "Intake officer", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a probation officer or a caseworker who performs the intake, preliminary inquiry, or other functions specified by the juvenile court or by the juvenile law.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-3
Cases involving adults charged with crimes
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A juvenile court has concurrent original jurisdiction in cases involving adults charged with the crime of:

(1) neglect of a dependent (IC 35-46-1-4);

(2) contributing to delinquency (IC 35-46-1-8);

(3) violating the compulsory school attendance law IC 20-33-2);

(4) criminal confinement of a child (IC 35-42-3-3); or

(5) interference with custody (IC 35-42-3-4).

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.1-2005, SEC.202.
Ind. Code § 31-26-3.5-1.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-26-3.5-1.5
"Child welfare substance abuse treatment services"
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.5. As used in this chapter, "child welfare substance abuse treatment services" includes the following:

(1) Addiction counseling.

(2) Inpatient detoxification.

(3) Medication assisted treatment, including a federal Food and Drug Administration approved long acting, nonaddictive medication for the treatment of opioid or alcohol dependence.

As added by P.L.243-2017, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3.5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-35-3.5-4
Time limits for filing petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) A parent who:

(1) is the victim of an act of rape; and

(2) is at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time the act of rape occurred;

may not file a petition for termination of the parent-child relationship under this chapter more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the birth of the child.

(b) A parent who:

(1) is the victim of an act of rape; and

(2) is less than eighteen (18) years of age at the time the act of rape occurred;

may not file a petition for termination of the parent-child relationship under this chapter more than two (2) years after reaching eighteen (18) years of age.

As added by P.L.64-2016, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-31 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-31
Expiration of injunctions for unlicensed operation
Status: in_force

Sec. 31. A court order granted under section 30(b)(2) of this chapter expires when the child placing agency is issued a license.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-32-10-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-32-10-1
Criminal discovery procedures; delinquency proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. In cases in which a child is alleged to be a delinquent child, the law of discovery for criminal cases applies.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-14-21-9.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-14-21-9.2
Final hearing to determine paternity and ruling
Status: in_force

Sec. 9.2. Subject to IC 31-19-2-14 and section 13 of this chapter, not later than ninety (90) days after the initial hearing held under section 9 of this chapter, the court shall conduct a final hearing to determine paternity. Not more than fourteen (14) days after the final hearing, the court shall issue its ruling in the paternity action.

As added by P.L.200-1999, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-9-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-9-1-2
Inapplicability of definitions
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Except as otherwise provided, the definitions in this article do not apply to the following:

(1) IC 31-11-3.

(2) IC 31-21 (or IC 31-17-3 before its repeal).

(3) IC 31-18.5.

(4) IC 31-19-29.

(5) IC 31-37-23.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.5; P.L.206-2015, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-19-27-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-19-27-4
Money not reverting to state general fund
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. Money appropriated to the program does not revert to the state general fund at the end of the state fiscal year.

As added by P.L.200-1999, SEC.24.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-25 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-25
Kinship care navigator program report
Status: in_force

Sec. 25. The department shall submit a report, not later than December 31 of each year, to the general assembly concerning the kinship care navigator program. The report must include the following information:

(1) How the program has provided outreach to kinship care families, including by establishing, publishing, and updating a kinship care Internet web site and other relevant guides or outreach materials.

(2) How the program has coordinated with other state or local agencies that promote service coordination and provide information and referral services.

(3) How the program has established partnerships between public and private agencies, including schools, community based or faith based organizations, and relevant government agencies, to increase the agencies' knowledge of the needs of kinship care families, current foster families, or potential foster families and promote better services for families.

(4) Any other information regarding how the program is supporting any other activities designed to assist kinship caregivers in obtaining benefits and services to improve their caregiving.

A report submitted under this section must be in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6.

As added by P.L.106-2019, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.156-2020, SEC.113.
Ind. Code § 31-15-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-15-5-7
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-8.2(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.133-2002, SEC.69.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-18.5-7-2
Applicability
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. This chapter applies only to a support proceeding under the Convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of this chapter is inconsistent with IC 31-18.5-1 through IC 31-18.5-6, this chapter controls.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-26-5-2.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-26-5-2.5
Per diem model reimbursement to community based providers for family preservation services
Status: in_force

Sec. 2.5. (a) Beginning October 1, 2019, the department shall use a per diem model to reimburse community based providers for providing family preservation services.

(b) The department shall develop, and update as needed, procedures to determine an appropriate per diem rate under subsection (a).

As added by P.L.108-2019, SEC.238.
Ind. Code § 31-33-3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-33-3-3
Duties of team coordinator
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The team coordinator shall supply the community child protection team with the following:

(1) Copies of reports of child abuse or neglect under IC 31-33-7-1.

(2) Any other information or reports that the coordinator considers essential to the team's deliberations.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-15(a), (b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-33-14-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-33-14-3
Provision of services in cooperation with United States Department of Defense
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. If:

(1) the department determines that the best interests of the child require intervention by the department or action in the juvenile or criminal court; and

(2) a parent, guardian, or custodian of the child is an active duty member of the military;

the department may seek the assistance of the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program in determining and providing appropriate services for the child and family.

As added by P.L.81-2016, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-29 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-29
Foster youth bill of rights
Status: in_force

Sec. 29. (a) The department shall collaborate with:

(1) at least one (1) individual who is at least eighteen (18) years of age and who has lived experience as a child within the child welfare system;

(2) at least one (1) child placing agency; and

(3) any other person with expertise in older foster youth services;

to develop and update periodically a statement that describes the rights and responsibilities of a foster youth and is titled "the foster youth bill of rights".

(b) The statement required in subsection (a):

(1) must summarize a foster youth's rights and responsibilities; and

(2) must be:

(A) distributed annually to a foster youth, including in a translated form for a foster youth with limited English proficiency;

(B) distributed to a current or prospective foster parent (as defined in IC 31-9-2-47); and

(C) published on the department's website.

As added by P.L.67-2026, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-14-21-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-14-21-10
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2.2(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.200-1999, SEC.34.
Ind. Code § 31-28-6.7-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 6.7 / Section 31-28-6.7-5
Request for release of foster child's Social Security number; denial
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) The department shall deny a request made under this chapter if:

(1) the child does not have a Social Security number;

(2) the department does not have a record of the child's Social Security number; or

(3) the conditions in section 4 of this chapter are not met.

(b) If the department denies a request, the response to the request must include the reason for the denial.

As added by P.L.77-2023, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-16
Affidavit of registry search; copy of notice of filing of petition to establish paternity
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) Not later than five (5) days after receiving a request under section 15 of this chapter, the state department shall submit an affidavit to the attorney or agency verifying whether a putative father:

(1) is registered within the period specified by section 12 of this chapter in relation to a mother whose child is the subject of the adoption that the attorney or agency is arranging; or

(2) has filed a petition to establish paternity.

(b) Whenever the state department finds that one (1) or more putative fathers are registered, the state department shall:

(1) submit a copy of each registration form with the state department's affidavit; and

(2) include in the affidavit the date that the attorney or agency submits the request for a search that relates to the affidavit.

(c) Whenever the state department finds that one (1) or more putative fathers have filed a petition to establish paternity, the state department shall:

(1) submit a copy of each notice prepared by the clerk of the court under IC 31-14-9-0.5 with the state department's affidavit; and

(2) include in the affidavit the date the attorney or agency submitted the request for the search that relates to the affidavit.

(d) A court may not grant an adoption unless the state department's affidavit under this section is filed with the court as provided under IC 31-19-11-1(a)(4).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-14(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.16; P.L.1-2010, SEC.123; P.L.56-2023, SEC.275.
Ind. Code § 31-40-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-40-1-5
Obligation of parent or guardian for costs of placement; remittance of support payments; enforcement
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) This section applies whenever the court approves removal of a child from the home of a child's parent or guardian and the department places the child in a child caring institution, a foster family home, a group home, or the home of a relative of the child that is not a foster family home.

(b) If an existing support order is in effect, the juvenile court shall order the support payments to be assigned to the department for the duration of the placement out of the home of the child's parent or guardian. The juvenile court shall notify the court that:

(1) entered the existing support order; or

(2) had jurisdiction, immediately before the placement, to modify or enforce the existing support order;

of the assignment and assumption of jurisdiction by the juvenile court under this section.

(c) If an existing support order is not in effect, the court shall do the following:

(1) Include in the order for out-of-home placement of the child an assignment to the department or confirmation of an assignment that occurs or is required under applicable federal law, of any rights to support, including support for the cost of any medical care payable by the state under IC 12-15, from any parent or guardian who has a legal obligation to support the child.

(2) Order support paid to the department by each of the child's parents or the guardians of the child's estate to be based on child support guidelines adopted by the Indiana supreme court and for the duration of the placement of the child out of the home of the child's parent or guardian, unless:

(A) the court finds that entry of an order based on the child support guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate considering the best interests of the child and other necessary obligations of the child's family; or

(B) the department does not make foster care maintenance payments to the custodian of the child. For purposes of this clause, "foster care maintenance payments" means any payments for the cost of (in whole or in part) providing food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability insurance with respect to a child, and reasonable amounts for travel to the child's home for visitation. In the case of a child caring institution, the term also includes the reasonable costs of administration and operation of the institution as are necessary to provide the items described in this clause.

(3) If the court:

(A) does not enter a support order; or

(B) enters an order that is not based on the child support guidelines;

the court shall make findings as required by 45 CFR 302.56(g).

(d) Payments in accordance with a support order assigned under subsection (b) or entered under subsection (c) (or IC 31-6-4-18(f) before its repeal) shall be paid through the:

(1) clerk of the circuit court as trustee for remittance to the department; or

(2) state central collection unit established in IC 31-25-3-1.

(e) The Title IV-D agency shall establish, modify, or enforce a support order assigned or entered by a court under this section in accordance with IC 31-25-3, IC 31-25-4, and 42 U.S.C. 654. The department shall, if requested, assist the Title IV-D agency in performing its duties under this subsection.

(f) If the juvenile court terminates placement of a child out of the home of the child's parent or guardian, the court shall:

(1) notify the court that:

(A) entered a support order assigned to the department under subsection (b); or

(B) had jurisdiction, immediately before the placement, to modify or enforce the existing support order;

of the termination of jurisdiction of the juvenile court with respect to the support order;

(2) terminate a support order entered under subsection (c) that requires payment of support by a custodial parent or guardian of the child, with respect to support obligations that accrue after termination of the placement; or

(3) continue in effect, subject to modification or enforcement by a court having jurisdiction over the obligor, a support order entered under subsection (c) that requires payment of support by a noncustodial parent or guardian of the estate of the child.

(g) The court may at or after a hearing described in section 3 of this chapter order the child's parent or the guardian of the child's estate to reimburse the department for all or any portion of the expenses for services provided to or for the benefit of the child that are paid by the department during the placement of the child out of the home of the parent or guardian, in addition to amounts reimbursed through payments in accordance with a support order assigned or entered as provided in this section, subject to applicable federal law.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-18(f), (g) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.273-1999, SEC.121; P.L.145-2006, SEC.362; P.L.146-2008, SEC.669; P.L.206-2015, SEC.60.
Ind. Code § 31-32-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-32-1-5
Waiver of procedural deadlines
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. Except as provided in IC 31-34-11-1 and IC 31-35-2-6, a procedural deadline set forth in:

(1) IC 31-34 with regard to a child in need of services proceeding; or

(2) IC 31-35 with regard to a proceeding to terminate the parent-child relationship;

is not subject to waiver, whether affirmative or implied, by a party to the proceeding.

As added by P.L.179-2025, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-17-4-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-17-4-11
Submissions to the court; court requests for information
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) If a person files a petition to establish or modify parenting time with a child, any person who:

(1) is a party to the parenting time proceeding; and

(2) has knowledge that:

(A) a party to the parenting time proceeding has been determined to be a perpetrator of a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect;

(B) the child named in the petition has been the subject of a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect;

(C) the child named in the petition has been determined to be a child in need of services under IC 31-34; or

(D) the child named in the petition has been involved in an informal adjustment under IC 31-34-8;

shall submit to the court in writing under seal that a party to the parenting time proceeding is a person described in subdivision (2)(A) or the child named in the petition is a child described in subdivision (2)(B), (2)(C), or (2)(D).

(b) A court reviewing a petition to establish or modify parenting time of a child may request information from the department of child services regarding a petition or proceeding described in subsection (a)(2). The department shall provide a response under seal to the court's request for information not later than ten (10) days after the department receives the court's request for the information.

As added by P.L.239-2013, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-35-1-3
Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The probate court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the juvenile court in proceedings on a petition filed under this chapter for the voluntary termination of the parent-child relationship.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-30.5-2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30.5 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-30.5-2-1
Restraining juveniles; conditions
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a juvenile shall not be restrained in court unless the court has determined on the record, after considering the recommendation of the sheriff or transport officer, that the juvenile is dangerous or potentially dangerous.

(b) A court may order a juvenile restrained without considering the recommendation of the sheriff or transport officer if the juvenile has caused a physical disruption while in open court.

As added by P.L.187-2015, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-11-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-11-4-2
Prerequisites for issuance of marriage license
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A clerk of a circuit court may not issue a marriage license unless the individuals who apply for the license have the authority to marry each other under IC 31-11-1.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-3-1.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-53 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-53
"Child with a disability"
Status: in_force

Sec. 53. "Child with a disability", for purposes of IC 31-34-1-9, means an individual who:

(1) is less than eighteen (18) years of age; and

(2) has a disability (as defined in IC 22-9-1-3(r)).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2-7.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-19-2-7.3
Waiver of criminal history check requirements prohibited
Status: in_force

Sec. 7.3. A court may not waive any criminal history check requirements set forth in this chapter.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.36.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-16-12-2
Delinquent child support payments; interest charges
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The court may, upon a request by the person or agency entitled to receive child support payments, order interest charges of not more than one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) per month to be paid on any delinquent child support payment. The person or agency may apply for interest if support payments are not made in accordance with the support order. Accrued interest charges may be collected in the same manner as support payments under IC 31-16-9.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-12(g).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-12
Investigation of unlicensed premises
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. The department is responsible for investigating 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 § 31-14-11-2.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-2.3
Child support order subject to provisions
Status: in_force

Sec. 2.3. A child support order issued under this chapter is subject to the provisions in IC 31-16-6 through IC 31-16-13.

As added by P.L.207-2013, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-113 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-113
"Governor"
Status: in_force

Sec. 113. "Governor", for purposes of IC 31-18.5-8, in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-8-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-11-4-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-11-4-9
Expiration of application
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. An application for a marriage license expires sixty (60) days after the application is filed with the clerk of the circuit court unless a license to marry is issued under the application within that time.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-30.5-1-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30.5 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30.5-1-6
False statements made by law enforcement to a juvenile during an interrogation; inadmissibility; exceptions
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a statement that is made by a juvenile during a custodial interrogation is inadmissible against the juvenile in a criminal or juvenile proceeding, if:

(1) the statement concerns an act:

(A) that was allegedly committed by the juvenile when the juvenile was less than eighteen (18) years of age; and

(B) that:

(i) would be a felony or misdemeanor offense if committed by an adult; or

(ii) is an offense under IC 35-45-4-6 or IC 35-47-10-5; and

(2) the statement is made by the juvenile in response to a law enforcement officer or school resource officer who communicates to the juvenile:

(A) materially false information regarding evidence relating to the act; or

(B) a materially false statement regarding:

(i) the penalty for the act; or

(ii) leniency in the imposition of a penalty for the act.

(b) This section does not apply:

(1) if the law enforcement officer or school resource officer communicates materially false information or a materially false statement with a reasonable good faith belief that the information was true at the time it was communicated to the juvenile; or

(2) to any evidence discovered as a result of the juvenile's statement.

As added by P.L.112-2023, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-12
Notice of existence of photographs, x-rays, and physical medical examination reports
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. The department shall give notice of the existence and location of photographs, x-rays, and physical medical examination reports to:

(1) the appropriate prosecuting attorney; and

(2) the appropriate law enforcement agency, if the law enforcement agency has not already received the items described in this section under IC 31-33-10-3.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271.
Ind. Code § 31-33-22-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-33-22-4
Failure to notify of name change
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A person who intentionally violates IC 31-33-26-17 commits a Class B misdemeanor.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-25(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.86-2018, SEC.219.
Ind. Code § 31-30-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-30-2-4
Petition for reinstatement of court's jurisdiction; modification
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) The department of correction may petition the court to reinstate the court's jurisdiction over the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to modify the court's decree under IC 31-34-23 or IC 31-37-22 (or IC 31-6-7-16 before its repeal) or order the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to participate in programs operated by or through the department of correction.

(b) The department may petition a court to reinstate the court's jurisdiction over an older youth for purposes of IC 31-28-5.8, including an older youth who previously was a child in need of services who is eligible for collaborative care under IC 31-28-5.8.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-2-3(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.48-2012, SEC.37.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-23 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-23
Placement in facility located outside child's county of residence
Status: in_force

Sec. 23. A court may not place a child who is a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1 (or IC 31-6-4-1(b)(1) before its repeal) in:

(1) a community based correctional facility for children;

(2) a juvenile detention facility;

(3) a secure facility;

(4) a secure private facility; or

(5) a shelter care facility;

that is located outside the child's county of residence unless placement of the child in a comparable facility with adequate services located in the child's county of residence is unavailable or the child's county of residence does not have an appropriate comparable facility with adequate services.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.9(m).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2.5-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2.5 / Section 31-19-2.5-6
Provision of notice of petition for adoption or petition for termination of parent-child relationship of safe haven infant
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), notice may be given to an individual under IC 31-19-4-1, IC 31-19-4-2, IC 31-19-4.5-2, IC 31-19-5-4, IC 31-19-5-7, or IC 31-35-1.5 by:

(1) sending a copy of the notice to:

(A) the individual's residence;

(B) the individual's place of business or employment; or

(C) any other address at which the individual may be found;

by certified mail, public delivery service, or other public means that allow the sender to obtain a written acknowledgment of receipt, with return receipt requested;

(2) personally delivering a copy of the notice to the individual;

(3) leaving a copy of the notice at, and sending another copy of the notice by first class mail to:

(A) the individual's dwelling, house, or usual place of residence;

(B) the individual's place of business or employment; or

(C) any other address at which the individual may be found; or

(4) giving notice by any other means that allows the individual's receipt of the notice to reasonably be confirmed.

(b) Notice shall be given under IC 31-19-4-1, IC 31-19-4-2, IC 31-19-4.5-2, IC 31-19-5-4, IC 31-19-5-7, or IC 31-35-1.5 to an individual who is imprisoned or detained in an institution by delivering or mailing a copy of the notice to the official in charge of the institution. The official in charge of the institution shall:

(1) immediately deliver the notice to the individual;

(2) allow the individual to make provisions for adequate representation by counsel; and

(3) indicate in an affidavit of service that the individual has received the notice and been given an opportunity to retain counsel.

(c) If a petitioner for adoption of a child or a petitioner for the termination of the parent-child relationship of a safe haven infant (under IC 31-35-1.5) does not know the address of an individual entitled to notice under IC 31-19-4-3, IC 31-19-4.5-2, or IC 31-35-1.5-5, the notice must be provided to the individual as follows:

(1) If the petitioner knows the county in which the individual resides, the notice must be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the print edition or electronic edition of a newspaper of general circulation in the county.

(2) If the petitioner does not know the county in which the individual resides, the notice must be published as follows:

(A) If the child or safe haven infant is less than sixty (60) days of age at the time the petition for adoption or petition for the termination of the parent-child relationship of a safe haven infant is filed, the notice must be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the print edition or electronic edition of a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the child was conceived or in which the safe haven infant was voluntarily surrendered.

(B) If the child is at least sixty (60) days of age but less than six (6) months of age at the time the petition for adoption is filed, the notice must be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the print edition or electronic edition of:

(i) a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the child lived for the greatest proportion of the first six (6) months of the child's life; and

(ii) a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the child was conceived, if different from the county described in item (i).

(C) If the child is six (6) months of age or older at the time the petition for adoption is filed, the notice must be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the print edition or electronic edition of a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the child lived for the greatest proportion of the six (6) month period ending on the date on which the petition for adoption is filed.

(d) If an individual:

(1) is served with notice of an adoption or notice to terminate the parent-child relationship of a safe haven infant;

(2) is notified that:

(A) the individual is being served with notice; and

(B) if the individual refuses to accept the offer or tender of the notice, the offer or tender of the notice is adequate service of the notice, and the individual may not challenge the service of the notice; and

(3) refuses to accept the offer or tender of the notice;

the offer or tender of the notice is adequate service of the notice, and the individual may not challenge the service of the notice.

(e) A person accepting service of notice for another individual under this section:

(1) shall promptly deliver the notice to the individual;

(2) shall promptly notify the individual that the person is in possession of the notice; or

(3) if the person is not able to deliver the notice to the individual, shall, not later than three (3) days after accepting the notice, notify the attorney or adoption agency attempting to serve the notice that the person was unable to deliver the notice to the individual.

(f) An individual to whom service is made or attempted under this section may not impose a sanction, penalty, or punishment on, or discriminate in any manner whatsoever against, the individual serving or attempting to serve the notice. Willful violation of this section is punishable as contempt of the court with jurisdiction over the adoption proceeding.

As added by P.L.203-2021, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.45-2023, SEC.3; P.L.9-2024, SEC.496; P.L.30-2025, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-19-26.5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 26.5 / Section 31-19-26.5-5
Adoption subsidy amount
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) Subject to subsection (b), the amount of adoption subsidy payments under this chapter may not exceed the amount that would be payable by the department for the monthly cost of care of the adopted child in a foster family home at the time the adoption subsidy agreement is made or the subsidy is payable under the terms of the agreement, whichever is greater.

(b) In the case of an adoptive parent of a child with special needs that is in the therapeutic foster care or therapeutic plus category of supervision, the amount of adoption subsidy payments under this chapter may not be less than an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the per diem rate determined by the department for the:

(1) therapeutic foster care; or

(2) therapeutic plus;

category of supervision, whichever is applicable, that would be payable by the department for the monthly cost of care of the adopted child in a foster family home at the time the adoption subsidy agreement is made or the subsidy is payable under the terms of the agreement, whichever is greater.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.562. Amended by P.L.165-2021, SEC.185.
Ind. Code § 31-14-21-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-14-21-13
Stay proceedings in paternity action
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. Upon notice that a court in which an adoption is pending has assumed jurisdiction of a paternity action under IC 31-19-2-14, the court in which the paternity action was pending shall stay all proceedings in the paternity action until further order from the court in which the adoption is pending.

As added by P.L.58-2009, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-33-27-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-33-27-6
Use of expunged records in civil action
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If the department expunges child abuse or neglect information under this chapter:

(1) at the request of a perpetrator named in an assessment report;

(2) at or after the time for expungement specified in section 4(a) of this chapter; or

(3) under a court order under section 5 of this chapter;

IC 31-39-8-7 applies to any civil action brought against the department or any other agency, entity, or individual, if the content of the expunged information may be relevant to any issue in the civil action.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.56.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-124 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-124
"Incarceration"
Status: in_force

Sec. 124. "Incarceration", for purposes of IC 31-16 and IC 31-25-4, means confinement of an individual on a full-time basis in a place of detention that prohibits the individual from gainful employment, including home detention or a municipal, county, state, or federal prison or jail. The term does not include an individual on parole, probation, work release, community corrections, or any other detention alternative program that allows the individual to be gainfully employed.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-33-9-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-33-9-3
Purchase of services of public or private agency
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. To fulfill the purposes of this chapter, the department may purchase the services of the public or private agency designated to investigate reports of child abuse or neglect.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-16(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.130.
Ind. Code § 31-31-9-1.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-31-9-1.5
"Executive committee"
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.5. As used in this chapter, "executive committee" means the executive committee elected under IC 33-33-49-14 (before its repeal) or under IC 33-33-49-14.1.

As added by P.L.142-2007, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.76-2026, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-10
Interested persons
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. (a) Subject to section 15 of this chapter, the juvenile court may grant any person having a legitimate interest in the work of the court or in a particular case access to the court's legal records. In exercising its discretion, the court shall consider that the best interests of the safety and welfare of the community are generally served by the public's ability to obtain information about:

(1) the alleged commission of an act that would be murder or a felony if committed by an adult; or

(2) the alleged commission of an act that would be part of a pattern of less serious offenses.

(b) A person having access to the records under this section is not bound by the confidentiality provisions of IC 31-39-1 and may disclose the contents of the records.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-17-6-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-17-6-7
Continuing supervision
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The court may order a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate appointed by a court under this chapter (or IC 31-1-11.5-28 before its repeal) to exercise continuing supervision over the child to assure that the custodial or parenting time terms of an order entered by the court under IC 31-17-2 or IC 31-17-4 (or IC 31-1-11.5 before its repeal) are carried out as required by the court.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-15-7-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-15-7-3
Modification or revocation of order for maintenance
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Provisions of an order with respect to maintenance ordered under section 1 of this chapter (or IC 31-1-11.5-9(c) before its repeal) may be modified or revoked. Except as provided in IC 31-16-8-2, modification may be made only:

(1) upon a showing of changed circumstances so substantial and continuing as to make the terms unreasonable; or

(2) upon a showing that:

(A) a party has been ordered to pay an amount in child support that differs by more than twenty percent (20%) from the amount that would be ordered by applying the child support guidelines; and

(B) the order requested to be modified or revoked was issued at least twelve (12) months before the petition requesting modification was filed.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-22 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-22
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.128-2012, SEC.123.
Ind. Code § 31-34-4-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-34-4-2
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 until 7-1-2026. See also following version of this section, effective 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 31-9-2-84.8 or had a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2-84.8 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) 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 31-9-2-84.8 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 31-9-2-84.8 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.
Ind. Code § 31-34-8-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-34-8-4
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.177. Repealed by P.L.138-2007, SEC.93.
Ind. Code § 31-20-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-20-1-3
Best interests of child; basis for court decisions
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. After March 14, 1988, a court may not base a decision concerning the best interests of a child in any civil action solely on evidence that a surrogate and any other person:

(1) entered into a surrogate agreement; or

(2) acted in accordance with a surrogate agreement;

unless a party proves that the surrogate agreement was entered into through duress, fraud, or misrepresentation.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-8-2-3.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-11-4-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-11-4-8
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3. Repealed by P.L.94-2020, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-15-5-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-15-5-10
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-8.2(h) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.133-2002, SEC.69.
Ind. Code § 31-35-5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-35-5-2
Court order for use of closed circuit television
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. On the motion of the attorney for the department, the court may order that:

(1) the testimony of a child be taken in a room other than the courtroom and be transmitted to the courtroom by closed circuit television; and

(2) the questioning of the child by the parties be transmitted to the child by closed circuit television.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-16-2 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.332; P.L.146-2008, SEC.621.
Ind. Code § 31-25-5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-25-5-2
Ombudsman access to records and facilities
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The department and the juvenile court with jurisdiction over a child shall provide the ombudsman with:

(1) appropriate access to all records of the department concerning the child, excluding adoption records, but including all records of the department related to vendors and contractors; and

(2) immediate access, without prior notice, to any facility in which the child is placed or is receiving services funded by the department.

As added by P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.373.
Ind. Code § 31-14-1.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-14-1.5-1
Bonds; requirements
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. A bond required under this article to secure the obligation of child support, enforcement of a custody order, or enforcement of a parenting time order must:

(1) be in writing; and

(2) be secured by:

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

(B) a commercial insurance company.

As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2.2 / Section 31-17-2.2-1
Notice of intent to move residence; modifying orders; attorney's fees; mediation and alternative dispute resolution; exceptions
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a relocating individual must file a notice of the intent to move with the clerk of the court that:

(1) issued the custody order or parenting time order; or

(2) if subdivision (1) does not apply, has jurisdiction over the legal proceedings concerning the custody of or parenting time with a child.

(b) A relocating individual is not required to file a notice of intent to move with the clerk of the court if:

(1) the relocation has been addressed by a prior court order, including a court order relieving the relocating individual of the requirement to file a notice; or

(2) the relocation will:

(A) result in a decrease in the distance between the relocating individual's residence and the nonrelocating individual's residence; or

(B) result in an increase of not more than twenty (20) miles in the distance between the relocating individual's residence and the nonrelocating individual's residence;

and allow the child to remain enrolled in the child's current school.

(c) Upon motion of a party, the court shall set the matter for a hearing to allow or restrain the relocation of a child and to review and modify, if appropriate, a custody order, parenting time order, grandparent visitation order, or child support order. The court's authority to modify a custody order, parenting time order, grandparent visitation order, or child support order is not affected by the fact that a relocating individual is exempt from the requirement to file a notice of relocation by subsection (b). The court shall take into account the following in determining whether to modify a custody order, parenting time order, grandparent visitation order, or child support order:

(1) The distance involved in the proposed change of residence.

(2) The hardship and expense involved for the nonrelocating individual to exercise parenting time or grandparent visitation.

(3) The feasibility of preserving the relationship between the nonrelocating individual and the child through suitable parenting time and grandparent visitation arrangements, including consideration of the financial circumstances of the parties.

(4) Whether there is an established pattern of conduct by the relocating individual, including actions by the relocating individual to either promote or thwart a nonrelocating individual's contact with the child.

(5) The reasons provided by the:

(A) relocating individual for seeking relocation; and

(B) nonrelocating parent for opposing the relocation of the child.

(6) Other factors affecting the best interest of the child.

(d) A court may order the relocating individual and the nonrelocating individual to participate in mediation or another alternative dispute resolution process before a hearing under this section:

(1) on its own motion; or

(2) upon the motion of any party.

(e) If a relocation occurs, all existing orders for custody, parenting time, grandparent visitation, and child support remain in effect until modified by the court.

(f) The court may award reasonable attorney's fees for a motion filed under this section in accordance with IC 31-15-10 and IC 34-52-1-1(b).

As added by P.L.50-2006, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.186-2019, SEC.11; P.L.162-2020, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-184 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-184
"Premarital agreement"
Status: in_force

Sec. 184. "Premarital agreement", for purposes of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act under IC 31-11-3, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-11-3-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-37-10-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-37-10-5
Written request that child be taken into custody; finding
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) If the filing of a petition is approved by the court under section 2 of this chapter, the prosecuting attorney may request in writing that the child be taken into custody. The person must support this request with sworn testimony or affidavit.

(b) The court may grant the request if the court makes written findings of fact upon the record that a ground for detention exists under IC 31-37-6-6.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.634.
Ind. Code § 31-41-2-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 41 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-41-2-6
Dual status team reports; recommendations
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. After a dual status assessment team has met to assess a child, the team shall:

(1) designate a member to prepare the written report for the juvenile court; and

(2) provide recommendations, including:

(A) whether the court should proceed with an additional initial hearing regarding the petition alleging the child is in need of services and dismiss a pending delinquency petition or informal adjustment at the conclusion of a child in need of services adjudication;

(B) whether the court should proceed with an additional initial hearing regarding a petition alleging that the child is a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1 and dismiss a pending child in need of services petition or informal adjustment upon conclusion of the delinquency adjudication;

(C) whether the court should proceed with an additional initial hearing and adjudication or informal adjustment concerning a child in need of services petition and a delinquency petition under IC 31-37-1;

(D) what agency should be the lead agency in a child's supervision; and

(E) any other matters relevant to the child's best interests, including any services to be included in a dispositional decree.

If the probation department of the juvenile court is designated as the lead agency under IC 31-41-3, any recommendations made by the dual status assessment team under subdivision (2) must be consistent with the funding provisions of IC 31-37.

As added by P.L.66-2015, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.187-2015, SEC.35.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-4.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-4.5
Employee completion of federally mandated background check
Status: in_force

Sec. 4.5. (a) An employee of a group home shall undergo a background check to which the employee is required by federal law to submit for purposes of the employee's provision of child welfare services:

(1) not later than four (4) years after the individual's date of hire; and

(2) one (1) time every four (4) years thereafter.

(b) If an employee described in subsection (a) has completed the federally required background check to provide child welfare services, the employee is not required to complete a separate background check for providing additional child welfare services for the same employer.

As added by P.L.62-2026, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-40-4-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-40-4-1
Contempt
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. If the parent or guardian of the estate:

(1) defaults in reimbursing the county or department, as ordered by the juvenile court; or

(2) fails to pay a fee authorized by this article;

the juvenile court may find the parent or guardian in contempt and enter judgment for the amount due.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-18(g) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.672.
Ind. Code § 31-28-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-28-3-1
Application
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter applies to children who receive foster care that is funded by the department.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.148.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-6
Rights of presumptive fathers
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) This chapter does not relieve a man who is presumed to be a father under 31-14-7-2 from the obligation of registering in accordance with this chapter to be entitled to notice of an adoption of a child for whom the man may be the presumed father.

(b) The filing of a paternity action by a putative father does not relieve the putative father from the:

(1) obligation of registering; or

(2) consequences of failing to register;

in accordance with this chapter unless paternity has been established before the filing of the petition for adoption of the child.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-175 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-175
"Parenting time"
Status: in_force

Sec. 175. "Parenting time" means the time set aside by a court order for a parent and child to spend together.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-130 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-130
"Indian child"
Status: in_force

Sec. 130. "Indian child" has the same meaning as the term is defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-18-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-19-18-7
Transmittal of false adoption history information
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. A person who knowingly transmits false information to an adoption history commits a Class A misdemeanor.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-19(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-21-2-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21-2-11
"Issuing state"
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. "Issuing state" means the state in which a child custody determination is made.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-28-5.8-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 5.8 / Section 31-28-5.8-9
Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement this chapter.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.34.
Ind. Code § 31-39-4-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-39-4-6
Prosecuting attorney or staff
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. The records of a law enforcement agency are available, without specific permission from the head of the agency, to the prosecuting attorney or any authorized member of the staff of the prosecuting attorney.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-39-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-39-5-5
Notice of rights
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. At the time a law enforcement agency takes a child's fingerprints or photographs, the law enforcement agency shall give written notice to the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian of the child's rights under section 4 of this chapter. The agency shall comply with any request for destruction or surrender of the records not later than sixty (60) days of the request.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-8-1.5(e) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-33-8-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-33-8-7
Scope of assessment by department of child services; order for access to home, school, or other place, or for mental or physical examinations; petition to interview child; order; requirements
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) The department's assessment, to the extent that is reasonably possible, must include the following:

(1) The nature, extent, and cause of the known or suspected child abuse or neglect.

(2) The identity of the person allegedly responsible for the child abuse or neglect.

(3) The names and conditions of other children in the home.

(4) An evaluation of the parent, guardian, custodian, or person responsible for the care of the child.

(5) The home environment and the relationship of the child to the parent, guardian, or custodian or other persons responsible for the child's care.

(6) All other data considered pertinent.

(b) The assessment may include the following:

(1) A visit to the child's home.

(2) An interview with the subject child:

(A) upon receiving parental consent;

(B) upon receiving a court order; or

(C) if there are exigent circumstances as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-92.

(3) A physical, psychological, or psychiatric examination of any child in the home.

(c) If:

(1) admission to the home, the school, or any other place that the child may be; or

(2) permission of the parent, guardian, custodian, or other persons responsible for the child for the physical, psychological, or psychiatric examination;

under subsection (b) cannot be obtained, the juvenile court, upon good cause shown, shall follow the procedures under IC 31-32-12.

(d) If a custodial parent, a guardian, or a custodian of a child refuses to allow the department to interview the child after the caseworker has attempted to obtain the consent of the custodial parent, guardian, or custodian to interview the child, the department may petition a court to order the custodial parent, guardian, or custodian to make the child available to be interviewed by the caseworker.

(e) If the court finds that:

(1) a custodial parent, a guardian, or a custodian has been informed of the hearing on a petition described under subsection (d); and

(2) the department has made reasonable and unsuccessful efforts to obtain the consent of the custodial parent, guardian, or custodian to interview the child;

the court shall specify in the order the efforts the department made to obtain the consent of the custodial parent, guardian, or custodian and may grant the motion to interview the child, either with or without the custodial parent, guardian, or custodian being present.

(f) If the department requests to interview a child at the child's school, the school, except a nonaccredited nonpublic school that has less than one (1) employee, shall grant access to the department to interview the child alone, if the department employee presents:

(1) their department issued credential, or other proof of employment with the department, for inspection upon arrival at the school; and

(2) a written statement that the department "has parental consent or a court order, or exigent circumstances exist as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-92 to interview [insert child's name]". The written statement under this subdivision shall not disclose any of the facts of the allegations or evidence and may be transmitted to the school electronically.

(g) If the department provides a written statement under subsection (f)(2), the school shall:

(1) not maintain the written statement in the child's file; and

(2) protect the child and the child's family's confidentiality regarding the written statement and the interview.

(h) If a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child who is the subject of a substantiated investigation of abuse or neglect is an active duty member of the military, the department shall notify the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program of the assessment concerning the child of the active duty member of the military upon request.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.122; P.L.131-2009, SEC.46; P.L.162-2011, SEC.45; P.L.81-2016, SEC.2; P.L.183-2017, SEC.37; P.L.213-2021, SEC.2; P.L.78-2026, SEC.9; P.L.145-2026, SEC.197.
Ind. Code § 31-41-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 41 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-41-2-4
Statements communicated in a dual status assessment team meeting
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. All statements communicated in a dual status assessment team meeting are:

(1) not admissible as evidence against the child in any judicial proceeding; and

(2) not discoverable in any litigation.

As added by P.L.66-2015, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-132 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-132
"Initiating tribunal"
Status: in_force

Sec. 132. "Initiating 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 § 31-34-10-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-34-10-7
Child's admission or denial of allegations
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. If a petition alleges that the child is a child in need of services under IC 31-34-1-6 or IC 31-34-1-3.5, the juvenile court shall determine whether the child admits or denies the allegations. A failure to respond constitutes a denial.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.46-2016, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1.5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-12-1.5-5
Absence or inability of judge to perform duties; appointment of substitute
Status: in_force

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

(1) on vacation;

(2) absent; or

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

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

(b) A judge appointed under subsection (a) has all the powers and authority of the regularly presiding judge of the domestic relations court.

As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-95 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-95
"Family services"
Status: in_force

Sec. 95. "Family services", for purposes of the juvenile law, means services provided to:

(1) prevent a child from being removed from a parent, guardian, or custodian;

(2) reunite the child with a parent, guardian, or custodian; or

(3) implement a permanent plan of adoption, guardianship, or emancipation of a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-8
Meetings; quorum; voting of board; minutes
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. 8. (a) The board shall meet at least quarterly and at the call of the chair.

(b) A majority of the appointed members of the board constitutes a quorum. The board may take action only in the presence of a quorum.

(c) The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the board participating in a board meeting is necessary for the board to take any action at the meeting.

(d) The board shall post the minutes of a meeting on the board's Internet web site not later than ten (10) days after the minutes are approved by the board.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272. Amended by P.L.93-2021, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-7
Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The department may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to ensure that the confidentiality of and access to reports of child abuse or neglect are maintained as provided in this chapter.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67.
Ind. Code § 31-33-7-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-33-7-3
Child abuse hotline
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The department shall cause to be inserted in each local telephone directory in the county a listing of the child abuse hotline's telephone number under the name "child abuse hotline". The child abuse hotline number under this section must be included with the other emergency numbers listed in the directory.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.110.
Ind. Code § 31-14-11-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-13
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.33. Repealed by P.L.207-2013, SEC.31.
Ind. Code § 31-14-8-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-14-8-2
Default order against alleged father failing to appear at hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. If a man who is the alleged father in a paternity action under this article fails to appear for a hearing relating to the man's paternity, the court shall enter a default order against the man upon a showing that the man received notice of the hearing.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-8.5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-34-20-1.6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-34-20-1.6
Limitation on provision of reunification services to parent, guardian, or custodian of child alleged to be in need of services
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.6. (a) This section applies to a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child:

(1) who is the subject of a proceeding regarding a petition alleging that the child is a child in need of services, regardless of whether:

(A) the child is removed from the care or custody of the parent, guardian, or custodian; or

(B) the child, if removed, is returned to the care or custody of the parent, guardian, or custodian;

at any time before or after the entry of a dispositional decree in the proceeding; and

(2) who has been:

(A) ordered by the court in the proceeding; or

(B) directed by the department;

to complete reunification services.

(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), the court in a proceeding regarding a petition alleging that a child is a child in need of services may not provide for a child's parent, guardian, or custodian to receive reunification services for more than:

(1) if the child in need of services petition is filed after June 30, 2025, and before July 1, 2026, fifteen (15) months; or

(2) if the child in need of services petition is filed after June 30, 2026, twelve (12) months;

after the date on which the petition is filed.

(c) A court may extend the provision of reunification services to a child's parent, guardian, or custodian for:

(1) a period of not more than ninety (90) days if the court finds after an evidentiary hearing that:

(A) the parent, guardian, or custodian has substantially complied with the child's dispositional decree; and

(B) the extension is in the child's best interests; and

(2) an additional period of not more than ninety (90) days following an extension under subdivision (1) if the court:

(A) finds after an evidentiary hearing, by clear and convincing evidence, that:

(i) the parent, guardian, or custodian has substantially complied with the child's dispositional decree; and

(ii) the extension is in the child's best interests; and

(B) includes in the order for the extension:

(i) the facts upon which the court based the court's findings under clause (A); and

(ii) the time period within which it is likely that reunification of the child with the parent will occur.

(d) A court may extend the provision of reunification services to a child's parent, guardian, or custodian if the court finds after an evidentiary hearing that the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, by no fault of the parent, guardian, or custodian, was not afforded an adequate opportunity to substantially participate in the reunification services.

(e) The following are not a basis for an extension under subsection (c) or (d):

(1) Delay or failure by the parent, guardian, or custodian to establish paternity or seek custody of the child.

(2) Failure of the parent, guardian, or custodian to substantially participate in the reunification services due to the conduct of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

(f) In determining whether to extend the provision of reunification services to a child's parent under subsection (c) or (d), a court shall take into consideration the status of any minor siblings of the child.

As added by P.L.179-2025, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.84-2026, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2-17 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-17-2-17
Custodian may determine child's upbringing
Status: in_force

Sec. 17. (a) Except:

(1) as otherwise agreed by the parties in writing at the time of the custody order; and

(2) as provided in subsection (b);

the custodian may determine the child's upbringing, including the child's education, health care, and religious training.

(b) If the court finds after motion by a noncustodial parent that, in the absence of a specific limitation of the custodian's authority, the child's:

(1) physical health would be endangered; or

(2) emotional development would be significantly impaired;

the court may specifically limit the custodian's authority.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-21(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-15-7-0.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-15-7-0.3
General assembly declarations
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.3. The general assembly:

(1) recognizes that reform of certain elements concerning the manner in which property of spouses is transferred upon the death of a spouse, when there is no will, has become necessary;

(2) recognizes inconsistencies in the manner in which the property of spouses is divided at marriage dissolution have become apparent;

(3) sees the need for spouses to be able to enter into a legal agreement during their lifetime, concerning which of their property shall be considered individually owned and which of their property shall be considered jointly owned; and

(4) agrees to enact the Property and Inheritance Rights of Spouses Act (amendments made to IC 29-1-2-1, IC 29-1-2-13, IC 29-1-3-6, and IC 31-1-11.5-11, before its repeal, now codified at IC 31-15-7-2 and IC 31-15-7-5).

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.499.
Ind. Code § 31-39-4-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-39-4-13
Waiver of restrictions
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may waive the restrictions on access to the person's records if the person does so in writing, stating the terms of the waiver.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-33 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-33
Investigations of unlicensed operation; injunctions; civil penalties
Status: in_force

Sec. 33. (a) The department shall investigate a report of an unlicensed child caring institution and report the department's findings to the attorney general and to the local office and the prosecuting attorney in the county where the institution is located.

(b) The attorney general or the department may do the following:

(1) Seek the issuance of a search warrant to assist in the investigation.

(2) File an action for injunctive relief to stop the operation of a child caring institution if there is reasonable cause to believe that the child caring institution is operating without a license required under this article.

(3) Seek in a civil action a civil penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) a day for each day a child caring institution is operating without a license required under this article.

(c) An opportunity for an informal meeting with the department shall be available after the injunctive relief is ordered.

(d) The civil penalties collected under this section shall be deposited in the department of child services child care fund established by IC 31-25-2-16.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.1-2007, SEC.202; P.L.128-2012, SEC.107.
Ind. Code § 31-32-3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-32-3-3
Appointment of child's attorney as guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate need not be an attorney, but the attorney representing the child may be appointed the child's guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.