Ind. Code § 31-19-10-1.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-19-10-1.2
Contested adoption; burden of proof; notice of dismissal of motion to contest; motion to set aside dismissal
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.2. (a) If a petition for adoption alleges that a parent's consent to adoption is unnecessary under:

(1) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(1); or

(2) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(2);

and the parent files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, a petitioner for adoption has the burden of proving that the parent's consent to the adoption is unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8.

(b) If a petition for adoption alleges that a parent's consent to adoption is unnecessary under:

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

(2) IC 31-19-9-8(a)(4)(C);

and the parent files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, the parent has the burden of proving that the child was not conceived under circumstances that would cause the parent's consent to be unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8(a)(4). The absence of a criminal prosecution and conviction is insufficient to satisfy the burden of proof.

(c) If a petition for adoption alleges that a parent's consent to adoption is unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8(a)(9) and the parent files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, a petitioner for adoption has the burden of proving that the parent's consent to the adoption is unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8(a)(9).

(d) If a petition for adoption alleges that a legal guardian or lawful custodian's consent to adoption is unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8(a)(10) and the legal guardian or lawful custodian files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, the legal guardian or lawful custodian has the burden of proving that the withholding of the consent to adoption is in the best interests of the person sought to be adopted.

(e) If a petition for adoption alleges that a parent's consent to adoption is unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8(a)(11) and the parent files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, a petitioner for adoption has the burden of proving that the requirements of IC 31-19-9-8(a)(11) are satisfied and that the best interests of the child are served if the court dispenses with the parent's consent to adoption.

(f) If a petition for adoption alleges that a parent's consent to adoption is unnecessary under:

(1) IC 31-19-9-9; or

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

and the parent files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, a petitioner has the burden of proving that the requirements of IC 31-19-9-9 or IC 31-19-9-10, respectively, are satisfied and that the best interests of the child are served if the court dispenses with the parent's consent to adoption.

(g) If a court finds that the person who filed the motion to contest the adoption fails to:

(1) diligently prosecute the motion;

(2) comply with procedural rules and statutes governing contested adoptions;

(3) obey an order of the court; or

(4) appear, after proper notice, at a hearing relating to the motion to contest the adoption;

the court may dismiss the motion to contest with prejudice, and the person's consent to the adoption shall be irrevocably implied.

(h) A court that dismisses a person's motion to contest under subsection (g)(4) shall notify the person of the dismissal and may set aside the dismissal if, not later than fourteen (14) days after the person receives notice of the dismissal, the person files a motion with the court setting forth facts that:

(1) establish good cause for the person's failure to appear; and

(2) if proven, demonstrate that the person's failure to appear was reasonable.

As added by P.L.61-2003, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.203-2021, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-18.5-2-4
Simultaneous proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) An Indiana tribunal may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country only if:

(1) the petition or comparable pleading in Indiana is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country;

(2) the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and

(3) if relevant, Indiana is the home state of the child.

(b) An Indiana tribunal may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country if:

(1) the petition or comparable pleading in the other state or foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in Indiana for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by Indiana;

(2) the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in Indiana; and

(3) if relevant, the other state or foreign country is the home state of the child.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-19-4.5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 4.5 / Section 31-19-4.5-7
Applicability of Rules of Trial Procedure
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure do not apply to the provision of notice under this chapter.

As added by P.L.203-2021, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-35-1-8
Advice to parents
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. Before consent may be given in court, the court must advise the parents of:

(1) their constitutional and other legal rights; and

(2) the consequences of their actions under section 12 of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-40-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-40-2-4
County supplemental juvenile probation services fund; restrictions on use of fund
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. The county supplemental juvenile probation services fund may not be used to replace other funding or probation services.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-77 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-77
"Dependent child"
Status: in_force

Sec. 77. "Dependent child" or "neglected child", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-15-8-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-15-8-1
Governing law
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The support of children and other dependents is governed by IC 31-16.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-19-16.5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 16.5 / Section 31-19-16.5-2
Determination by court; considerations
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. In making its determination under section 1 of this chapter, the court shall consider any relevant evidence, including the following:

(1) A recommendation made by a licensed child placing agency sponsoring the adoption.

(2) A recommendation made by the adopted child's court appointed special advocate or guardian ad litem.

(3) A recommendation made by the local office or other agency that prepared a report of its investigation and its recommendation as to the advisability of the adoption under IC 31-19-8-5.

(4) Wishes expressed by the adopted child or adoptive parents.

As added by P.L.196-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.58.
Ind. Code § 31-39-8-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-39-8-3
Juvenile expungement procedure and process
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A person may initiate a petition for the expungement of records of a child alleged to be a delinquent child or a child in need of services by filing a verified petition in the juvenile court in the county of the original action. The petition must set forth the following:

(1) The allegations and date of adjudication, if applicable, of the juvenile delinquency or child in need of services adjudications.

(2) The court in which juvenile delinquency or child in need of services allegations or petitions were filed.

(3) The law enforcement agency that employs the charging officer, if known.

(4) The case number or court cause number.

(5) Date of birth of the petitioner.

(6) Petitioner's Social Security number.

(7) All juvenile delinquency or child in need of services adjudications and criminal convictions occurring after the adjudication of the action sought to be expunged.

(8) All pending actions under IC 31-34 or IC 31-37 or criminal charges.

(b) A petition described in subsection (a) shall be served on:

(1) the prosecuting attorney; or

(2) in the case of a child in need of services case, the department of child services.

(c) The prosecuting attorney or department of child services has thirty (30) days in which to reply or otherwise object to the petition. The court may reduce the time in which a response must be filed for a show of good cause or within its discretion after a hearing is held.

(d) If the prosecuting attorney or department of child services timely files an objection to the petition, the matter shall be set for a hearing. If no objection is filed, the court may set the petition for a hearing or rule on the petition without a hearing.

(e) In considering whether to grant the petition, the juvenile court may review:

(1) the best interests of the child;

(2) the age of the person during the person's contact with the juvenile court or law enforcement agency;

(3) the nature of any allegations;

(4) whether there was an informal adjustment or an adjudication;

(5) the disposition of the case;

(6) the manner in which the person participated in any court ordered or supervised services;

(7) the time during which the person has been without contact with the juvenile court or with any law enforcement agency;

(8) whether the person acquired a criminal record;

(9) the person's current status;

(10) whether the person has been:

(A) charged with; or

(B) convicted of;

murder or another felony offense as an adult;

(11) whether the person was waived to an adult criminal court for a reason described in IC 31-30-3;

(12) whether an adult sentence for the person was not suspended for a reason described in IC 35-50-2-2.1 (before its repeal); and

(13) whether:

(A) the person has been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that would be a serious violent felony (as defined in IC 35-47-4-5) if committed by an adult; and

(B) the:

(i) person is currently suffering from a mental health issue;

(ii) mental health issue described in item (i) is chronic or ongoing;

(iii) person has received, or is receiving, treatment for a current or chronic mental health issue; or

(iv) person is compliant with a treatment regimen recommended by a mental health professional, if applicable.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-8-2(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.86-2017, SEC.9; P.L.142-2020, SEC.49; P.L.72-2023, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-17-6-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-17-6-8
Civil immunity
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. 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 the person's performance.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-7
Parents
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The records of the juvenile court are available without a court order to the parents of a child whenever the custody or support of that child is in issue in an action initiated under IC 31-15 or IC 31-16 (or IC 31-1-11.5 before its repeal).

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-7
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-10-9.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.87; P.L.148-2006, SEC.20. Repealed by P.L.103-2007, SEC.51.
Ind. Code § 31-19-25-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-19-25-6
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4.5-5(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Repealed by P.L.191-2011, SEC.57.
Ind. Code § 31-28-6.7-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 6.7 / Section 31-28-6.7-7
Release of foster child's Social Security number under court order
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. Nothing in this chapter prohibits a court from ordering the department to release the child's Social Security number.

As added by P.L.77-2023, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-35-5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-35-5-4
Children who may testify outside courtroom; 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 prosecuting attorney or 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 prosecuting attorney or 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 prosecuting attorney or 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.18. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.334; P.L.162-2011, SEC.54.
Ind. Code § 31-17-5-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-17-5-10
Marriage of child's parents dissolved in another state; right to seek visitation
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. If the marriage of the child's parents has been dissolved in another state, the child's maternal or paternal grandparent may seek visitation rights if:

(1) the custody decree entered in the action for dissolution of marriage does not bind the grandparent under IC 31-21-3-1 (or IC 31-17-3-12 before its repeal); and

(2) an Indiana court would have jurisdiction under IC 31-21-5-1 (or IC 31-17-3-3 before its repeal), IC 31-21-5-2, or IC 31-21-5-3 (or IC 31-17-3-14 before its repeal) to grant visitation rights to the grandparent in a modification decree.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.35.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2.2 / Section 31-17-2.2-2
Initial custody determination
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) If a party provides notice of relocation at an initial hearing to determine custody, the court may consider the factors set forth in this chapter in the court's initial custody determination.

(b) The court may consider a proposed relocation of a child as a factor in determining whether to modify a custody order, parenting time order, grandparent visitation order, or child support order.

As added by P.L.50-2006, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-103 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-103
"Foreign support agreement"
Status: in_force

Sec. 103. "Foreign support agreement", 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 § 31-15-3-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-15-3-4
Caption; verified petition; averments; guardian filing petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) A proceeding for legal separation is commenced by the filing of a petition entitled, "In Re the legal separation of _________ and _________". The petition must:

(1) be verified; and

(2) set forth the following:

(A) The residence of each party and the length of residence in the state and county.

(B) The date of the marriage.

(C) The date on which the parties separated.

(D) The names, ages, and addresses of:

(i) any living child less than twenty-one (21) years of age; and

(ii) any incapacitated child;

of the marriage and whether the wife is pregnant.

(E) The grounds for legal separation.

(F) The relief sought.

(G) If a guardian of an incapacitated person is filing the petition for legal separation on behalf of the incapacitated person, the name and address of the guardian.

(b) If a guardian of an incapacitated person files a petition for legal separation on behalf of the incapacitated person, the guardian shall file with the petition a copy of the court order granting authority to petition for legal separation described in IC 29-3-9-12.2.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.83-2014, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-39-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-39-3-1
Application of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter applies to all law enforcement records involving allegations that a child is a delinquent child or a child in need of services.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-193 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-193
"Provider"
Status: in_force

Sec. 193. (a) "Provider", for purposes of IC 31-28-2 and IC 31-28-3, means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, or a governmental entity that is enrolled in the Medicaid program under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the office of Medicaid policy and planning.

(b) "Provider", for purposes of IC 31-28-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-28-1-2.

(c) "Provider", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a person who operates a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency under IC 31-27.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-19-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-19-19-3
Adoption history information
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Notwithstanding any other law, the information located in the adoption history may not be disclosed under:

(1) IC 5-14-3; or

(2) any freedom of information:

(A) legislation;

(B) rules; or

(C) practice.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4-20.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-39-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-39-1-2
Confidentiality and access to juvenile court records
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. All juvenile court records subject to this chapter are confidential and are available only in accordance with IC 31-39-2. The court shall take appropriate actions to protect juvenile court records governed by this chapter from unauthorized disclosure.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-34-10-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-34-10-5
Duty to inform parent or guardian of estate of effect of adjudication
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The juvenile court shall inform the parent or guardian of the estate that if the child is adjudicated a child in need of services:

(1) the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child may be required to participate in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child;

(2) the parent or guardian may be held financially responsible for services provided for the parent, guardian, or child; and

(3) the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child may controvert the following:

(A) Allegations made at the child's dispositional or other hearing concerning the parent's, guardian's, or custodian's participation.

(B) Allegations concerning the parent's or guardian's financial responsibility for services that would be provided.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-17 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-17
Departmental responsibilities upon request for registry search
Status: in_force

Sec. 17. Whenever the state department receives a request under section 15 of this chapter, the state department shall:

(1) search the state department's records of paternity determinations and notices of filings of petitions to establish paternity filed under IC 31-14-9-2; and

(2) notify the attorney or agency, in compliance with IC 31-19-6, as to whether a record of a paternity determination or a notice of a filing of a petition to establish paternity has been filed concerning a child who is or may be the subject of an adoption that the attorney or agency is arranging.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-15.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.17; P.L.56-2023, SEC.276.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-240 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-240
"Surrogate"
Status: in_force

Sec. 240. "Surrogate", for purposes of IC 31-20, means a party to a surrogate agreement who agrees to bear or bears a child that is genetically related to:

(1) the party who agrees to bear or bears the child and an intended biological parent;

(2) an intended biological parent and a gamete donor who is not:

(A) an intended biological parent; and

(B) the spouse of the party who agrees to bear or bears the child; or

(3) two (2) intended biological parents of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-40-2-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-40-2-1
Probation user's fees; administrative fee; administrative costs; transfer of three percent of probation user's fee; collection of administrative fee; payment by credit card; credit card security
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) Subject to IC 31-40-1-3, a juvenile court may order each delinquent child who receives supervision under IC 31-37-19 or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to pay to either the probation department or the clerk of the court:

(1) an initial probation user's fee of at least twenty-five dollars ($25) but not more than one hundred dollars ($100);

(2) a probation user's fee of at least ten dollars ($10) but not more than twenty-five dollars ($25) for each month the child receives supervision; and

(3) an administrative fee of one hundred dollars ($100) if the delinquent child is supervised by a juvenile probation officer.

(b) If a clerk of a court collects a probation user's fee, the clerk:

(1) may keep not more than three percent (3%) of the fee to defray the administrative costs of collecting the fee and shall deposit any fee kept under this subsection in the clerk's record perpetuation fund established under IC 33-37-5-2; and

(2) if requested to do so by the county auditor, city fiscal officer, or town fiscal officer under clause (A), (B), or (C), transfer not more than three percent (3%) of the fee to the:

(A) county auditor who shall deposit the money transferred under this subdivision into the county general fund;

(B) city general fund when requested by the city fiscal officer; or

(C) town general fund when requested by the town fiscal officer.

(c) The probation department or clerk shall collect the administrative fee under subsection (a)(3) before collecting any other fee under subsection (a). The probation department or the clerk shall deposit the probation user's fees and the administrative fees paid under subsection (a) into the county supplemental juvenile probation services fund.

(d) In addition to other methods of payment allowed by law, a probation department may accept payment of fees required under this section and section 1.5 of this chapter by credit card (as defined in IC 14-11-1-7). The liability for payment is not discharged until the probation department receives payment or credit from the institution responsible for making the payment or credit.

(e) The probation department may contract with a bank or credit card vendor for acceptance of bank or credit cards. However, if there is a vendor transaction charge or discount fee, whether billed to the probation department or charged directly to the probation department's account, the probation department may collect a credit card service fee from the person using the bank or credit card. The fee collected under this subsection is a permitted additional charge to the money the probation department is required to collect under subsection (a).

(f) The probation department shall deposit the credit card service fees collected under subsection (e) into the county supplemental juvenile probation services fund. These funds may be used without appropriation to pay the transaction charge or discount fee charged by the bank or credit card vendor.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.277-2003, SEC.5; P.L.98-2004, SEC.116.
Ind. Code § 31-33-22-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-33-22-1
Failure to make report
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A person who knowingly fails to make a report required by IC 31-33-5-1 commits a Class B misdemeanor.

(b) A person who knowingly fails to make a report required by IC 31-33-5-2 commits a Class B misdemeanor. This penalty is in addition to the penalty imposed by subsection (a).

(c) A criminal investigation does not affect the victim's right to seek a civil remedy against the person being investigated for a crime under this section.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-20.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.183-2017, SEC.38; P.L.168-2025, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4.5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4.5 / Section 31-26-4.5-3
"Fund"
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "fund" refers to the insuring foster youth trust fund established by section 4 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.59-2022, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-32 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-32
Violations of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 32. 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 § 31-9-2.1-180 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-180
"Physical custody"
Status: in_force

Sec. 180. "Physical custody", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-16.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-39-5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-39-5-3
Fingerprinting and comparison
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. If:

(1) latent fingerprints are found during the investigation of an offense; and

(2) a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the latent fingerprints belong to a certain child;

the officer may fingerprint that child and compare the child's fingerprints with the latent fingerprints.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-8-1.5(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-13
Availability of registration forms
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. The state department shall:

(1) prescribe a registration form for the information that a putative father submits under section 9 of this chapter; and

(2) make the registration forms available through:

(A) the state department;

(B) each clerk of a circuit court; and

(C) each local health department.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-13(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-41-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 41 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-41-2-2
Dual status assessment team
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The dual status assessment team shall include:

(1) if the child has a department of child services case manager, the case manager;

(2) if the child does not have a department of child services case manager, a representative of the department of child services appointed by the local department of child services director;

(3) if the child has a probation officer, that probation officer;

(4) if the child does not have a probation officer, a probation officer appointed by the court; and

(5) a meeting facilitator, who may be a member of the dual status assessment team described in subdivisions (1) through (4) or may be a person appointed by the juvenile court.

(b) The dual status assessment team may include:

(1) the child if the juvenile court deems the child is age appropriate;

(2) the child's public defender or attorney;

(3) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(4) the child's parent's attorney;

(5) a prosecuting attorney;

(6) the attorney for the department;

(7) a court appointed special advocate or a guardian at litem;

(8) a representative from the department of correction;

(9) a school representative;

(10) an educator;

(11) a therapist;

(12) the child's foster parent; and

(13) a service provider appointed by the team or the juvenile court.

As added by P.L.66-2015, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-9-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-18.5-9-1
Uniformity of application and construction
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-26-5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-26-5-3
Duties of family preservation services
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) Family preservation services may provide:

(1) comprehensive, coordinated, flexible, and accessible services;

(2) intervention as early as possible with emphasis on establishing a safe and nurturing environment;

(3) services to families who have members placed in care settings outside the nuclear family; and

(4) planning options for temporary placement outside the family if it would endanger the child to remain in the home.

(b) Unless authorized by a juvenile court, family preservation services may not include a temporary out-of-home placement if a person who is currently residing in the location designated as the out-of-home placement has committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect or has a juvenile adjudication or a conviction for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168.

(c) Before placing a child at imminent risk of placement in a temporary out-of-home placement, the department shall conduct a criminal history check (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-58) for each person described in subsection (b). However, the department is not required to conduct a criminal history check under this section if the temporary out-of-home placement is made to an entity or facility that is not a residence (as defined in IC 3-5-2.1-90) or that is licensed by the state.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272. Amended by P.L.183-2017, SEC.12; P.L.186-2025, SEC.158; P.L.145-2026, SEC.172.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-12-1-11
Counselor's duties
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. A domestic relations counselor shall, when directed by the judge of any domestic relations court, perform the following duties in domestic relations cases and such other duties as the judge of the domestic relations court assigns to the counselor:

(1) The domestic relations counselor shall promptly receive all requests for counseling services for the purpose of disposing of the requests under this chapter.

(2) Whenever a petition is filed and either party requests counseling, the domestic relations counselor shall, in the counselor's discretion:

(A) interview and counsel each plaintiff and, if feasible and desirable, each defendant; or

(B) confer with both jointly;

for the purpose of reconciling the differences between the parties and making recommendations to the judge of the domestic relations court.

(3) In each case assigned to the domestic relations court in which the custody, support, or welfare of a child is involved, in order to protect and conserve the interest of the child, the domestic relations counselor shall investigate and report upon:

(A) the status and condition of the parties to the cause;

(B) the status and condition of the child;

(C) the provisions made or to be made for the protection of the welfare of the child; and

(D) any other matter pertaining to the marriage that may affect the welfare of the child.

(4) Upon request of the domestic relations court judge, the counselor shall:

(A) make post-dissolution studies of problems arising in connection with child custody, support, and parenting time;

(B) provide assistance to the parties in the enforcement of support orders; and

(C) cause reports to be made and statistics to be compiled, which records and reports shall be kept as the judge of the domestic relations court may direct.

(5) The counselor shall provide such supervision in connection with the exercise of the jurisdiction of the domestic relations court as the judge may order.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-6 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.9.
Ind. Code § 31-26-3.5-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-26-3.5-1
"Child welfare program"
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "child welfare program" means a program or an activity that is:

(1) not a component of child services provided to or for the benefit of a particular child or family; and

(2) designed to serve groups or categories of children or families in a community for the purposes described in section 2 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.570.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-117 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-117
"Guardian ad litem"
Status: in_force

Sec. 117. (a) "Guardian ad litem", for purposes of IC 31-15-6, IC 31-19-16, IC 31-19-16.5, IC 31-28-5, IC 31-32-3-10.5, and the juvenile law, means an attorney, a volunteer, or an employee of a county program designated under IC 33-24-6-4 who is appointed by a court to:

(1) represent and protect the best interests of a child; and

(2) provide the child with services requested by the court, including:

(A) researching;

(B) examining;

(C) advocating;

(D) facilitating; and

(E) monitoring;

the child's situation.

A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 67 of this chapter.

(b) "Guardian ad litem", for purposes of IC 31-32-3-10.5, IC 31-33, IC 31-34, IC 31-35, and IC 31-37, means an attorney, a volunteer, or an employee of a county program designated under IC 33-24-6-4 who:

(1) is appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child;

(2) is appointed by a court to provide the child with services requested by the court, including:

(A) researching;

(B) examining;

(C) advocating;

(D) facilitating; and

(E) monitoring;

the child's situation; and

(3) has completed training appropriate for the person's role, including training in:

(A) the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and

(B) early childhood, child, and adolescent development;

as required by 42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(B)(xiii).

A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 67 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-10
"Adoption assistance state"
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. "Adoption assistance state", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Adoption Assistance under IC 31-19-29, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-29-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-1-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-34-1-8
Missing child
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A child is a child in need of services if before the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age:

(1) the child is a missing child (as defined in IC 10-13-5-4); and

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

(A) the child is not receiving; and

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

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.2-2003, SEC.73.
Ind. Code § 31-16-20-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-16-20-4
Docket; civil costs fee
Status: reserved

Sec. 4. The proceedings that are transferred shall be docketed as other civil matters are docketed, and a civil costs fee as provided in IC 33-37-4-4 shall be collected.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-7-1 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.98-2004, SEC.102.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-147 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-147
"Kinship care navigator program"
Status: in_force

Sec. 147. "Kinship care navigator program", for purposes of IC 31-25-2-25, means the program established by the department of child services to assist kinship caregivers in learning about, finding, and using programs and services to meet the needs of the caregivers and of the children the caregivers are raising, and to promote effective partnerships among public and private agencies to ensure kinship caregiver families are served.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-10
Final hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. Except as provided in sections 13 and 14 of this chapter, in an action for a dissolution of marriage under section 2 of this chapter, a final hearing shall be conducted not earlier than sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-8(a) part.]

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

Sec. 1. (a) If a support order entitled to recognition under this article has not been issued, a responding Indiana tribunal with personal jurisdiction over the parties may issue a support order if:

(1) the individual seeking the order resides outside Indiana; or

(2) the support enforcement agency seeking the order is located outside Indiana.

(b) The tribunal may issue a temporary child support order if the tribunal determines that such an order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay is:

(1) a presumed father of the child;

(2) petitioning to have the individual's parentage adjudicated;

(3) identified as the father of the child through genetic testing;

(4) an alleged father who has declined to submit to genetic testing;

(5) shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child;

(6) an acknowledged father as provided by IC 16-37-2-2.1;

(7) the mother of the child; or

(8) an individual who has been ordered to pay child support in a previous proceeding and the order has not been reversed or vacated.

(c) Upon finding, after notice and opportunity to be heard, that an obligor owes a duty of support, the tribunal shall issue a support order directed to the obligor and may issue other orders under IC 31-18.5-3-5.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-19-4-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-19-4-11
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Repealed by P.L.61-2003, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-6
Residence; filing in county of guardian's residence
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) At the time of the filing of a petition 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 the petition.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), at the time of the filing of a petition 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 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 for dissolution 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.14.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-20 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-20
Authority to receive federal funds and distribute money collected
Status: in_force

Sec. 20. The bureau may receive the federal money available for the administration of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act and shall distribute money collected in accordance with federal regulations.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271.
Ind. Code § 31-37-25-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-37-25-3
Petition requirements
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. A petition seeking to restrain a person from contact must be entitled "In the Matter of a No Contact Order for ___________". The petition must allege the following:

(1) That the respondent is likely to have direct or indirect contact with the child in the absence of an order under this chapter.

(2) That the child has been adjudicated a delinquent child.

(3) That the best interests of the child will be served if the person refrains from direct or indirect contact with the child.

As added by P.L.133-2002, SEC.38.
Ind. Code § 31-37-25-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-37-25-5
Protective order depository
Status: in_force

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

As added by P.L.133-2002, SEC.38.
Ind. Code § 31-37-22-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-37-22-3
Notice and hearing requirements; temporary order for emergency change in child's residence
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) If the motion requests an emergency change in the child's residence, the juvenile court may issue a temporary order. However, the probation officer shall then give notice to the persons affected and the juvenile court shall hold a hearing on the question if requested.

(b) If the motion requests any other modification, the probation officer shall give notice to the persons affected and the juvenile court shall hold a hearing on the question.

(c) The procedures specified in IC 31-37-17-1.4 and IC 31-37-18-9 apply to any modification of a dispositional decree under this chapter that requires or would require payment by the department, under IC 31-40-1, for any of the costs of programs, placements, or services for or on behalf of the child.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.660.
Ind. Code § 31-40-1-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-40-1-4
Obligation of parent or guardian for costs of returning child to Indiana under interstate compact on juveniles
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. The parent or guardian of the estate of any child returned to Indiana under the interstate compact on juveniles under IC 31-37-23 shall reimburse the department for all costs involved in returning the child that the court orders the parent or guardian to pay under section 3 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-4-18(e) before its repeal) whether or not the child has been adjudicated a delinquent child or a child in need of services.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.668.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2.3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2.3 / Section 31-34-2.3-2
Temporary child protective order; petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A court may issue a temporary child protective order in an action by the department for the removal of an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect under section 1 of this chapter without a hearing if the department's petition to remove the alleged perpetrator states facts sufficient to satisfy the court of all of the following:

(1) There is an immediate danger to the physical health or safety of the child or the child has been a victim of sexual abuse.

(2) There is not time for an adversary hearing given the immediate danger to the physical health or safety of the child.

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

(4) The issuance of a temporary child protective order is in the best interest of the child.

As added by P.L.52-2007, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-19-9-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-19-9-5
Filing of copies
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. Copies of a signed consent to adoption shall be filed with the investigating agency and the clerk of the court in which the petition for adoption is pending.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-33-26-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 26 / Section 31-33-26-9
Administrative hearings; evidentiary standards; consideration of hearsay; amendment or expungement of reports; confidentiality; decisions provided to the department of education
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. (a) Except as provided in sections 11 and 12 of this chapter, the department shall conduct, or request that the office of administrative law proceedings assign an administrative hearing officer to conduct, an administrative hearing upon a request made under section 8 of this chapter.

(b) At the administrative hearing, the department must prove by a preponderance of credible evidence that the perpetrator is responsible for the child's abuse or neglect.

(c) During an administrative hearing under this section, the administrative hearing officer shall consider hearsay evidence to be competent evidence and may not exclude hearsay based on the technical rules of evidence. If not objected to, the hearsay evidence may form the basis for an order. However, if the evidence is properly objected to and does not fall within a recognized exception to the hearsay rule, the resulting order may not be based solely upon the hearsay evidence.

(d) If the department fails to carry the burden of proof under subsection (b), the department shall amend or expunge the report as ordered by the administrative hearing officer within the period provided under section 15 of this chapter.

(e) The department and, if an administrative law judge has been assigned by the office of administrative law proceedings, the office of administrative law proceedings, shall maintain the confidentiality of an abuse or a neglect report during the administrative process.

(f) The administrative hearing shall be closed.

(g) The administrative files shall be closed and not disclosed to the public.

(h) The department shall provide a copy of a decision and the written final agency action resulting from an administrative hearing under this section to the department of education if:

(1) the alleged perpetrator is licensed by the department of education; or

(2) the incident happened on school property or at a school function.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.67. Amended by P.L.162-2011, SEC.48; P.L.48-2012, SEC.53; P.L.13-2021, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-17-4-1.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-17-4-1.1
"Disability"; parenting time
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.1. (a) As used in this section, "disability" has the meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C. 12102.

(b) A court in a proceeding to determine or modify parenting time:

(1) shall not discriminate against; and

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

a parent 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.8.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-36 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-36
"Child born in wedlock"
Status: in_force

Sec. 36. "Child born in wedlock", for purposes of IC 31-19-9, means a child born to:

(1) a woman; and

(2) a man who is presumed to be the child's father under IC 31-14-7-1(1) or IC 31-14-7-1(2) unless the presumption is rebutted.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-18-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-34-18-3
Financial reports
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The department or caseworker shall also prepare a financial report on the parent or the estate of the child to assist the juvenile court in determining the person's financial responsibility for services provided for the child or the person.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.599.
Ind. Code § 31-26-3.5-2.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-26-3.5-2.5
Information and training on child welfare substance abuse treatment services
Status: in_force

Sec. 2.5. Information and training concerning child welfare substance abuse treatment services must be provided as follows:

(1) The office of judicial administration shall provide the information and training to juvenile court, circuit court, and superior court judges.

(2) The department shall provide the information and training to the employees of the department.

(3) The public defender council of Indiana shall provide the information and training to public defenders.

As added by P.L.243-2017, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.156-2020, SEC.114.
Ind. Code § 31-17-2-25 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 17 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-17-2-25
Petition for emergency placement with person other than noncustodial parent; hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 25. (a) This section applies if a custodial parent or guardian of a child dies or becomes unable to care for the child.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (d), if a person other than a parent files a petition:

(1) seeking to determine custody of the child; or

(2) to modify custody of the child;

that person may request an initial hearing by alleging, as part of the petition, or in a separate petition, the facts and circumstances warranting emergency placement with a person other than the noncustodial parent, pending a final determination of custody.

(c) If a hearing is requested under subsection (b), the court shall set an initial hearing not later than four (4) business days after the petition is filed to determine whether emergency placement of the child with a person other than the child's noncustodial parent should be granted, pending a final determination of custody.

(d) A court is not required to set an initial hearing in accordance with this section if:

(1) it appears from the pleadings that no emergency requiring placement with a person other than the noncustodial parent exists;

(2) it appears from the pleadings that the petitioner does not have a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits; or

(3) manifest injustice would result.

As added by P.L.146-2006, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-10
Renewal of variances and waivers
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. 10. (a) If the department determines that a waiver or variance expiring under section 9 of this chapter will continue to serve the public interest, the department may do the following:

(1) Renew the waiver or variance without modifications.

(2) Renew and modify the waiver or variance as needed to promote statewide practices and to protect the rights of persons affected by this chapter.

(b) Before taking an action under subsection (a), the department may require a licensee under this article to do the following:

(1) Apply for the renewal of a waiver or variance on the form specified by the department.

(2) Provide the information required by the department.

(c) Except for a variance or waiver of a rule governing foster family homes, before taking an action under subsection (a), the department must obtain the approval of the fire prevention and building safety commission for the action if either of the following occurs:

(1) The fire prevention and building safety commission substantially changes a building rule or fire safety rule affected by the waiver or variance after the date the commission last approved the waiver or variance.

(2) The department substantially modifies any part of a waiver or variance that conflicts with a building rule or fire safety rule adopted by the fire prevention and building safety commission.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-26-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-26-1-2
"Youth service bureau"
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "youth service bureau" means an organization that is certified as a youth service bureau by the department under section 3 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-34-2-5
Missing child taken into custody under court order
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. If a child in need of services is a missing child and is taken into custody under a court order, the person taking the child into custody shall do the following:

(1) Take the child to a place designated in the order.

(2) Give notice to the following that the child has been taken into custody:

(A) The child's legal custodian.

(B) The clearinghouse for information on missing children, missing veterans at risk, and missing endangered adults established by IC 10-13-5.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.2-2003, SEC.75; P.L.43-2009, SEC.19; P.L.40-2024, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-34-25-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 31-34-25-2
Verification
Status: in_force

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

As added by P.L.133-2002, SEC.35.
Ind. Code § 31-14-11-0.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-14-11-0.2
Application of certain amendments to prior law
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.2. The amendments made to IC 31-6-6.1-13 by P.L.155-1990 (before its repeal, now codified in this chapter) apply only to a support order issued after June 30, 1990.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.496.
Ind. Code § 31-16-20-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-16-20-1
Application of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter applies whenever:

(1) there is pending in an Indiana court an order requiring a parent to make regular payments for the support of the parent's children:

(A) subsequent to the dissolution of the marriage of the parents of the children;

(B) as a result of a paternity action under IC 31-14 (or IC 31-6-6.1 before its repeal);

(C) as a result of a legal separation action under IC 31-15-3; or

(D) as a result of a child support action under IC 31-16-2; and

(2) it is shown to the court in which the order is pending that:

(A) the parent or other person rightfully having custody of the children is residing in a different county in Indiana from the county in which the:

(i) dissolution;

(ii) order under IC 31-14 (or IC 31-6-6.1 before its repeal);

(iii) order under IC 31-15-3; or

(iv) order under IC 31-16-2;

was obtained;

(B) the other parent of the children:

(i) no longer resides; or

(ii) is not regularly found;

in the county in which the dissolution, order under IC 31-14 (or IC 31-6-6.1 before its repeal), order under IC 31-15-3, or order under IC 31-16-2 was obtained; and

(C) it would be in the best interests of the children.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-7-1 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.12.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-35 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-35
Violations of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 35. 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 § 31-15-10-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-15-10-1
Costs and attorney's fees; order for direct payment to attorney
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) The court periodically may order a party to pay a reasonable amount for the cost to the other party of maintaining or defending any proceeding under this article and for attorney's fees and mediation services, including amounts for legal services provided and costs incurred before the commencement of the proceedings or after entry of judgment.

(b) The court may order the amount to be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's name.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-16(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.199-1997, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-22 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-22
Provide list to Indiana department of health; electronic means
Status: in_force

Sec. 22. (a) The department shall, at least one (1) time each month, provide to the Indiana department of health a list containing the names and dates of birth of children identified in the records of the department to whom all of the following apply:

(1) The parent-child relationship between the child and a birth parent was terminated under IC 31-35 or IC 31-6-5-1 (before its repeal).

(2) The child is less than twenty-one (21) years of age.

(3) The name of the child has not been included previously in a list provided to the Indiana department of health under this section.

(b) The department shall provide the list described under subsection (a) through electronic means agreed to by the department and the Indiana department of health.

As added by P.L.191-2011, SEC.56. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.297.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-4.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-4.3
Income withholding order; contesting implementation
Status: in_force

Sec. 4.3. (a) An obligor may contest a Title IV-D agency's determination to implement an income withholding order under section 2.5(a) or 2.5(b) of this chapter by making a written application to the Title IV-D agency not more than twenty (20) days after the date the notice is mailed to the obligor.

(b) The only basis on which an obligor may contest the implementation of an income withholding order under section 2.5(a) or 2.5(b) of this chapter is mistake of fact.

(c) A Title IV-D agency or the office of administrative law proceedings shall:

(1) not more than twenty-five (25) days after an obligor makes written application to contest an income withholding order under subsection (a), hold a hearing to review the Title IV-D agency's determination to implement the income withholding order; and

(2) make a determination on the implementation of the income withholding order at the hearing.

As added by P.L.103-2007, SEC.29. Amended by P.L.123-2014, SEC.7; P.L.13-2021, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-32-2-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-32-2-6
Adjudication not considered criminal conviction; civil disability not imposed
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) A child may not be considered a criminal as the result of an adjudication in a juvenile court, nor may an adjudication in juvenile court be considered a conviction of a crime.

(b) An adjudication in juvenile court does not impose any civil disability imposed by conviction of a crime.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-5(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-14-7-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-14-7-1
Presumptions; child's biological father
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. A man is presumed to be a child's biological father if:

(1) the:

(A) man and the child's biological mother are or have been married to each other; and

(B) child is born during the marriage or not later than three hundred (300) days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, or dissolution;

(2) the:

(A) man and the child's biological mother attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with the law, even though the marriage:

(i) is void under IC 31-11-8-2, IC 31-11-8-3, IC 31-11-8-4, or IC 31-11-8-6; or

(ii) is voidable under IC 31-11-9; and

(B) child is born during the attempted marriage or not later than three hundred (300) days after the attempted marriage is terminated by death, annulment, or dissolution; or

(3) the man undergoes a genetic test that indicates with at least a ninety-nine percent (99%) probability that the man is the child's biological father.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.138-2001, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-6-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-18.5-6-3
Effect of registration for enforcement
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A support order or income withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered when the order is filed in the registering Indiana tribunal.

(b) A registered support order issued in another state or a foreign country is enforceable in the same manner and is subject to the same procedures as an order issued by an Indiana tribunal.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this article, an Indiana tribunal shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, a registered support order if the issuing tribunal had jurisdiction.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-40-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-40-2-2
Appropriations; restrictions on use of county supplemental juvenile probation services
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) The fiscal body of the county shall appropriate money from the county supplemental juvenile probation services fund:

(1) to the juvenile courts of the county for the use by the courts in supplementing probation services to juveniles; and

(2) to supplement the salaries of juvenile probation officers in accordance with the salary schedule set by the county fiscal body under IC 36-2-16.5.

(b) Money in the county supplemental juvenile probation services fund may be used only for supplementing probation services and to supplement the salaries of probation officers in accordance with IC 31-31-5.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.277-2003, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-19-1-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-19-1-2
Exclusive jurisdiction of probate court
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) This section applies to each Indiana county that has a separate probate court.

(b) The probate court has exclusive jurisdiction in all adoption matters.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-3-1-1(a) part 31-3-1-11 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-40-2-1.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-40-2-1.5
Increased probation user's fee
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.5. Notwithstanding the probation user's fee amounts established under section 1 of this chapter, a court may order a person to pay a probation user's fee that exceeds the maximum amount allowed under section 1 of this chapter if:

(1) the person was placed on probation in another state and moved or was transferred to Indiana;

(2) the other state allows a higher probation user's fee than the maximum amount allowed under section 1 of this chapter; and

(3) the probation user's fee the court orders the person to pay does not exceed the maximum amount allowed in the other state.

As added by P.L.277-2003, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-6
Dispositional decree; factors
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. If consistent with the safety of the community and the best interest of the child, the juvenile court shall enter a dispositional decree that:

(1) is:

(A) in the least restrictive (most family like) and most appropriate setting available; and

(B) close to the parents' home, consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child;

(2) least interferes with family autonomy;

(3) is least disruptive of family life;

(4) imposes the least restraint on the freedom of the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian; and

(5) provides a reasonable opportunity for participation by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.55-1997, SEC.33.
Ind. Code § 31-14-16-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-14-16-2
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-12.5(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.171-2001, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.133-2002, SEC.69.
Ind. Code § 31-15-4-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-15-4-16
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.133-2002, SEC.69.
Ind. Code § 31-33-18.5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 18.5 / Section 31-33-18.5-2
Publication of preliminary information regarding child fatality or near fatality
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Notwithstanding IC 31-33-18, the department shall promptly provide information to the public regarding a case of child abuse or neglect that has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality.

(b) Subject to subsection (d), and to the extent permitted by federal law, the department shall provide preliminary information as follows:

(1) In the case of a child fatality, the department's disclosure must include the following:

(A) The deceased child's name, age, and gender.

(B) The county or general location of the residence for the child who died.

(C) The fact that a child suffered a fatality as the result of abuse or neglect.

(D) Following an arrest for the child fatality, the public arrest information and court records for the alleged perpetrator, unless the disclosure would violate the privacy of a victim.

(E) Whether there have been reports or any current or past cases of abuse or neglect involving the child or the alleged perpetrator, including any reports or cases of abuse or neglect involving the child or the alleged perpetrator that were screened out.

(F) Any action taken by the department in response to the fatality, including any:

(i) change to policy or practice; or

(ii) recommendation for a change in policy, practice, or law.

(G) A detailed synopsis of earlier reports or cases of child abuse or neglect involving the child or the alleged perpetrator and of the actions taken or determinations made by the department in response to the earlier reports or cases.

(H) The name of the judge who presided over any detention hearing concerning the child under IC 31-34-5 that occurred before the child fatality if the result of the detention hearing was an order to release the child to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(I) Whether the child was the subject of one (1) or more child in need of services proceedings at the time the child fatality occurred or before the child fatality occurred.

(2) In the case of a child's near fatality, the department's disclosure must include the following:

(A) The child's age and gender.

(B) The county or general location of the residence for the child who suffered a near fatality.

(C) The fact that a child suffered a near fatality as the result of abuse or neglect.

(D) Following an arrest for the near fatality, the public arrest information and court records for the alleged perpetrator, unless the disclosure would violate the privacy of a victim.

(E) Whether there have been reports or any current or past cases of abuse or neglect involving the child or the alleged perpetrator, including any reports or cases of abuse or neglect involving the child or the alleged perpetrator that were screened out.

(F) Any action taken by the department in response to the near fatality including any:

(i) change to policy or practice; or

(ii) recommendation for a change in policy, practice, or law.

(G) A detailed synopsis of earlier reports or cases of abuse or neglect involving the alleged perpetrator and of the actions taken or determinations made by the department in response to the earlier reports or cases. However, a synopsis under this clause must be redacted in a manner that protects the privacy of the child.

(H) The name of the judge who presided over any detention hearing concerning the child under IC 31-34-5 that occurred before the near fatality if the result of the detention hearing was an order to release the child to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(c) Subject to subsection (d), if additional information is requested by a person under this chapter:

(1) before releasing additional information, the department shall notify the prosecuting attorney;

(2) the prosecuting attorney shall promptly notify the department if the prosecuting attorney believes the release would cause a specific, material harm to a criminal investigation or prosecution; and

(3) after consulting with the prosecuting attorney, the department shall produce to the requestor as much additional information as possible about a case of child abuse or neglect under this chapter.

(d) The department must take precautions to protect the identity of:

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

(2) any potential child abuse or neglect victim of an alleged perpetrator.

As added by P.L.84-2026, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-6
Additional actions by court on behalf of delinquent child
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) This section applies if a child is a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1.

(b) Except as provided in section 10 of this chapter and subject to section 6.5 of this chapter, the juvenile court may:

(1) enter any dispositional decree specified in section 5 of this chapter; and

(2) take any of the following actions:

(A) Award wardship to:

(i) the department of correction for housing in a correctional facility for children; or

(ii) a community based correctional facility for children.

Wardship under this subdivision does not include the right to consent to the child's adoption.

(B) If the child is less than seventeen (17) years of age, order confinement in a juvenile detention facility for not more than the lesser of:

(i) ninety (90) days; or

(ii) the maximum term of imprisonment that could have been imposed on the child if the child had been convicted as an adult offender for the act that the child committed under IC 31-37-1 (or IC 31-6-4-1(b)(1) before its repeal).

(C) If the child is at least seventeen (17) years of age, order confinement in a juvenile detention facility for not more than the lesser of:

(i) one hundred twenty (120) days; or

(ii) the maximum term of imprisonment that could have been imposed on the child if the child had been convicted as an adult offender for the act that the child committed under IC 31-37-1 (or IC 31-6-4-1(b)(1) before its repeal).

(D) Remove the child from the child's home and place the child in another home or shelter care facility. Placement under this subdivision includes authorization to control and discipline the child.

(E) Award wardship to a:

(i) person, other than the department; or

(ii) shelter care facility.

Wardship under this subdivision does not include the right to consent to the child's adoption.

(F) Place the child in a secure private facility for children licensed under the laws of a state. Placement under this subdivision includes authorization to control and discipline the child.

(G) Order a person who is a respondent in a proceeding under IC 31-37-16 (before its repeal) or IC 34-26-5 to refrain from direct or indirect contact with the child.

(c) If a dispositional decree under this section:

(1) orders or approves removal of a child from the child's home, or awards wardship of the child to a:

(A) person, other than the department; or

(B) shelter care facility; and

(2) is the first court order in the delinquent child proceeding that authorizes or approves removal of the child from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

the juvenile court shall include in the decree the appropriate findings and conclusions described in IC 31-37-6-6(g) and IC 31-37-6-6(h).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.9(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.1-2003, SEC.79; P.L.70-2004, SEC.26; P.L.146-2008, SEC.651; P.L.101-2022, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1.5-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-35-1.5-10
Prohibition on court inquiry or investigation regarding parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. The court may not inquire about the reasons for the parent's absence or investigate why the parent chose to leave the safe haven infant.

As added by P.L.45-2023, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-16-19-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-16-19-2
Payments into court; accounting system
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. If the court enters a decree or an order under section 1(a) of this chapter, the clerk shall:

(1) immediately set up an appropriate account system in the case; and

(2) maintain a continuous record of the payments to each account.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.148-2006, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-35-2-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-35-2-2
Law governing proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Proceedings under this chapter are governed by the procedures prescribed by:

(1) IC 31-32-1, IC 31-32-4 through IC 31-32-10, and IC 31-32-12 through IC 31-32-15;

(2) IC 31-34; and

(3) IC 31-37;

but are distinct from proceedings under IC 31-34 and IC 31-37.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-1 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-14
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.21. Repealed by P.L.1-2007, SEC.248.
Ind. Code § 31-19-8-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-19-8-4
List of approved supervising agencies
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. To facilitate adoption proceedings, the department shall:

(1) publish;

(2) post on its web site; or

(3) furnish to each public library organized under IC 36-12;

a list of approved supervising agencies.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.250; P.L.131-2009, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-32-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-32-3-1
Appointment
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) The juvenile court may appoint a guardian ad litem or a court appointed special advocate, or both, for the child at any time.

(b) The juvenile court may appoint an early intervention advocate for a child who is participating in a preventative program for at-risk children that has been established by the court under section 11 of this chapter.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15. Amended by P.L.183-2011, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-14-18-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-14-18-1
Expenses of medical tests
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The court may tax as costs the reasonable expenses of any medical tests authorized under IC 31-14-6 (or IC 31-6-6.1-8 before its repeal).

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-18(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-16-16-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 16 / Section 31-16-16-2
Delinquent payment as judgment against obligor
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A payment that is:

(1) required under a support order; and

(2) delinquent;

shall be treated as a judgment against the obligor for the delinquent amount.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-11-8.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-34-23-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 31-34-23-2
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Repealed by P.L.146-2008, SEC.804.
Ind. Code § 31-26-3.5-5.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-26-3.5-5.5
Employee completion of federally mandated background check
Status: in_force

Sec. 5.5. (a) An employee of a preventative provider that operates a child welfare program 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.1.
Ind. Code § 31-37-23-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 23 / Section 31-37-23-6
"Executive authority" defined
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, "executive authority" means the compact administrator.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-28 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-28
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.128-2012, SEC.124.
Ind. Code § 31-39-2-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-39-2-4
Presentence investigations
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. The records of the juvenile court are available without a court order to the judge of a court having criminal jurisdiction or any authorized staff member if the record is to be used in a presentence investigation in that court.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-16-3.5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-16-3.5-2
Bonds; form
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. A bond described in section 1 of this chapter may be prepared in substantially the following form:

STATE OF INDIANA

)

) SS:

COUNTY OF _______________

)

)

)

IN THE MATTER OF:

)

)

Name of Parent (As the Principal)

)

Name of Parent (As the Obligee)

)

)

CHILD:

)

Name of Child

)

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that we _________, as Principal, and _____, as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto _____, as Obligee, in the penal sum of ____ Dollars ($____), for the payment of which well and truly to be made we hereby bind ourselves and our heirs, administrators, successors, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.

WHEREAS, an Order was duly made and entered by the above Court in the State of Indiana, County of ____, dated ____, defining custody, parenting time, and support rights regarding the named children.

NOW THEREFORE, the conditions of this obligation are such that:

1. No right of action on this bond shall be granted for the use or benefit of any individual, partnership, corporation, or other entity, other than the named Obligee.

2. It is agreed that neither this bond nor the obligation of this bond, nor any interest in this bond, may be assigned without the prior express written consent of the Surety.

3. Payment under this bond shall be conditioned upon the Obligee's, or the representative of the Obligee's, filing a motion with the court seeking a declaration of forfeiture of the bond and the Court's finding and entry of a final judgment ordering the Principal and Surety to make such payment. A certified copy of the filing shall be provided to the Surety at its address of record. The Surety shall make payment within thirty (30) days of receiving notification of the final judgment directly to a Trustee appointed by the Court who shall administer the funds in a fiduciary capacity.

4. The Surety shall not be liable hereunder for any amount larger than the face amount of this bond.

5. This bond and the obligation hereunder shall terminate and be of no further effect if the Court order requiring it is modified in any way without the Surety's consent, the Court order expires, or this cause is removed to another jurisdiction.

6. The Surety may file a motion with the Court for discharge of this bond and its obligation hereunder for any good cause. Good cause includes, but is not limited to, misrepresentation or fraud in the initial application for this bond, nonpayment of premium, loss of collateral, or resignation of the Indemnitor. The Surety shall give notice of any such motion to the Obligee.

NOW THEREFORE, if the Principal faithfully complies with the requirements and conditions of the Court Order within the limitations and parameters set forth therein, then this Obligation shall be void, otherwise it shall remain in full force and effect.

In witness whereof, each party to this bond has caused it to be executed at the place and on the date indicated below.

Signed, sealed and dated on this ____ day of ____, 20___.

Principal:

Surety:

________________________

_________________________

(Name and address of Principal)

(Name and address of Surety)

________________________

_________________________

(Signature of Principal)

(Countersigned by attorney-in-fact)

(Surety seal)

Witness:

As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.30.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-14
Delinquent acts involving controlled or counterfeit substances or prescription drugs; prior adjudication of act on or near school property; invalidation of driver's license or permit
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. (a) This section applies if:

(1) a child has been previously determined to be a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1 (or IC 31-6-4-1(b)(1) before its repeal) due to the commission of a delinquent act described in section 13(a)(1), 13(a)(2), or 13(a)(3) of this chapter (or IC 31-6-4-15.9(d)(1), IC 31-6-4-15.9(d)(2), or IC 31-6-4-15.9(d)(3) before its repeal); or

(2) the delinquent act described in section 13(a)(1), 13(a)(2), or 13(a)(3) of this chapter (or IC 31-6-4-15.9(d)(1), IC 31-6-4-15.9(d)(2), or IC 31-6-4-15.9(d)(3) before its repeal) was committed:

(A) on school property;

(B) within one thousand (1,000) feet of school property; or

(C) on a school bus.

(b) The juvenile court shall, in addition to any other order or decree the court makes under this chapter, order the bureau of motor vehicles to invalidate the child's driver's license for a period specified by the court of at least six (6) months but not more than two (2) years from the time the child would otherwise be eligible for a learner's permit.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.9(d) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.111-2021, SEC.99.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2.3-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2.3 / Section 31-34-2.3-7
Violation of order by parent or other custodian of child
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. A parent or other adult with whom a child continues to reside after the issuance of a child protective order issued under section 2 or 5 of this chapter for removal of an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect who knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with the requirements under section 6 of this chapter commits a Class A misdemeanor.

As added by P.L.52-2007, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-31 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-31
Grounds for revocation of license; waiver
Status: in_force

Sec. 31. (a) The following constitute sufficient grounds for revocation of a license:

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

(A) the licensee; or

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

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

(A) A felony.

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

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

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

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

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

(5) A determination by the department that:

(A) the licensee; or

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

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

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

(7) A determination by the department that the operator of the child caring institution has failed to comply with an order of the department of homeland security.

(b) A license may also be revoked if an employee, volunteer, or contractor of the licensee has had any of the following:

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

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

(3) A juvenile adjudication for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department with regard to the employee, volunteer, or contractor.

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

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

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

(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.50; P.L.162-2011, SEC.25; P.L.183-2017, SEC.16; P.L.243-2019, SEC.9; P.L.28-2026, SEC.42; P.L.145-2026, SEC.177.
Ind. Code § 31-15-5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-15-5-3
Repealed
Status: repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-8.2(c) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.133-2002, SEC.69.
Ind. Code § 31-30-1-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30-1-12
Jurisdiction of child custody, parenting time, or child support proceeding in marriage dissolution; survival of order
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) Subject to subsection (b), a court having jurisdiction under IC 31-17-2 of a child custody, parenting time, or child support proceeding in a marriage dissolution has concurrent original jurisdiction with the juvenile court for the purpose of modifying custody, parenting time, or child support of a child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court because:

(1) the child is the subject of a child in need of services proceeding;

(2) the child is the subject of a juvenile delinquency proceeding that does not involve an act described under IC 31-37-1-2; or

(3) the child is the subject of a paternity proceeding.

(b) Whenever the court having child custody jurisdiction under IC 31-17-2 in a marriage dissolution modifies child custody as provided by this section, the modification is effective only when the juvenile court having jurisdiction of the child in the child in need of services proceeding or the juvenile delinquency proceeding:

(1) enters an order adopting and approving the child custody modification; or

(2) terminates the child in need of services proceeding, the juvenile delinquency proceeding, or the paternity proceeding.

(c) If, under this section, a juvenile court:

(1) modifies child custody, child support, or parenting time; and

(2) terminates a child in need of services proceeding or a juvenile delinquency proceeding regarding the child;

the order modifying child custody, child support, or parenting time survives the termination of the child in need of services proceeding or the juvenile delinquency proceeding until the court having concurrent original jurisdiction under subsection (a) assumes or reassumes primary jurisdiction of the case to address all issues.

(d) A court that assumes or reassumes jurisdiction of a case under subsection (c) may modify child custody, child support, or parenting time in accordance with applicable modification statutes.

As added by P.L.164-1999, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.162-2011, SEC.41; P.L.183-2017, SEC.28.
Ind. Code § 31-25-4-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-25-4-13
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.19. Repealed by P.L.1-2007, SEC.248.
Ind. Code § 31-40-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-40-5-5
Collaborative service planning; application solicitation process; informational and educational sessions; review of applications
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) A grantee participating in any program described in this chapter shall engage in collaborative service planning with the grantee's local or regional justice reinvestment advisory council (as described in IC 33-38-9.5-4), another local collaborative body that includes stakeholders across the juvenile justice system, or one (1) or more juvenile justice system entities affected by grant funded activities. Collaborative service planning shall:

(1) inform grant solicitation, with support for rural communities as a required funding priority;

(2) inform how funding and programming could be used more effectively; and

(3) consider efficiency that may be achieved by implementing the program on a regional basis.

(b) The Indiana criminal justice institute shall coordinate with the workgroup and oversight committee to develop a statewide solicitation process for applications for the grants from the fund and shall conduct outreach activities to inform all potential applicants of the grant opportunities available under this chapter.

(c) The Indiana criminal justice institute, in coordination with the workgroup, oversight committee, commission, and office, shall conduct informational and educational sessions for potential and actual applicants, including opportunities for questions and clarification.

(d) Subject to the Indiana criminal justice institute solicitation process developed under subsection (b), the oversight committee, or a subgroup of the oversight committee, shall review applications for grants under this chapter and make recommendations to the board of trustees of the Indiana criminal justice institute regarding funding decisions. The review of applications should be done in consultation with a representative from the department of child services, the department of correction, the division of mental health and addiction, the Indiana criminal justice institute, and the office.

As added by P.L.101-2022, SEC.31. Amended by P.L.201-2023, SEC.243; P.L.122-2025, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 31-19-4.5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 4.5 / Section 31-19-4.5-5
Content of notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The description in the notice under section 3 of this chapter of the reasons consent to adoption is not required need only include enough information to put a reasonable person on notice that a petition for adoption that alleges the person's consent to adoption is unnecessary is pending. The description does not require an exhaustive description of the reasons the person's consent to adoption is not required.

As added by P.L.61-2003, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-34-20-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 20 / Section 31-34-20-2
Dispositional decree that includes no contact order; protective order depository; confidential form
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. If a court enters a dispositional decree that includes a no contact order under section 1(a)(7) of this chapter:

(1) the clerk of the court that enters a dispositional decree that includes a no contact order under section 1(a)(7) of this chapter shall comply with IC 5-2-9; and

(2) the petitioner shall file a confidential form prescribed or approved by the office of judicial administration with the clerk.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.4(b) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.133-2002, SEC.34; P.L.85-2017, SEC.103; P.L.156-2020, SEC.117.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-29 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-29
Registration of foreign support orders
Status: in_force

Sec. 29. (a) The registration of a foreign support order as provided in IC 31-18.5-6 is sufficient for the implementation of an income withholding order by the Title IV-D agency.

(b) The Title IV-D agency shall issue a notice in accordance with section 3.5 of this chapter of the implementation of a foreign support order to the obligor.

As added by P.L.103-2007, SEC.42. Amended by P.L.206-2015, SEC.51.
Ind. Code § 31-40-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-40-3-1
User fee
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Subject to IC 31-40-1-3, juvenile court may order the parent or guardian of the estate of any child for whom a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate is appointed to pay to the probation department a user fee of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for deposit by the probation department in:

(1) the guardian ad litem fund if a guardian ad litem has been appointed; or

(2) the court appointed special advocate fund if a court appointed special advocate has been appointed.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23.
Ind. Code § 31-27-4-24 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-27-4-24
Procedure for administrative hearings
Status: in_force

Sec. 24. A hearing requested under section 23 of this chapter shall be held in accordance with IC 4-21.5-3.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-34-1-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-34-1-3
Victim of specified offense; living in household with a child victim of a specified offense or an adult who committed or is charged with a specified offense
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A child is a child in need of services if, before the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age:

(1) the child is the victim of an offense under:

(A) IC 35-42-4-1;

(B) IC 35-42-4-2 (before its repeal);

(C) IC 35-42-4-3;

(D) IC 35-42-4-4;

(E) IC 35-42-4-5;

(F) IC 35-42-4-6;

(G) IC 35-42-4-7;

(H) IC 35-42-4-8;

(I) IC 35-42-4-9;

(J) IC 35-45-4-1;

(K) IC 35-45-4-2;

(L) IC 35-45-4-3;

(M) IC 35-45-4-4; or

(N) IC 35-46-1-3; and

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

(A) the child is not receiving; and

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

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

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

(A) committed an offense described in subsection (a)(1) against a child and the offense resulted in a conviction or a judgment under IC 31-34-11-2; or

(B) has been charged with an offense described in subsection (a)(1) against a child and is awaiting trial; and

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

(A) the child is not receiving; and

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

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

(1) the child lives in the same household as another child who is the victim of an offense described in subsection (a)(1);

(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; and

(3) a caseworker assigned to provide services to the child:

(A) places the child in a program of informal adjustment or other family or rehabilitative services based on the existence of the circumstances described in subdivisions (1) and (2), and the caseworker subsequently determines further intervention is necessary; or

(B) determines that a program of informal adjustment or other family or rehabilitative services is inappropriate.

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

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

(A) committed a human or sexual trafficking offense under IC 35-42-3.5-1 through IC 35-42-3.5-1.4 or the law of another jurisdiction, including federal law, that resulted in a conviction or a judgment under IC 31-34-11-2; or

(B) has been charged with a human or sexual trafficking offense under IC 35-42-3.5-1 through IC 35-42-3.5-1.4 or the law of another jurisdiction, including federal law, and is awaiting trial; 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.18-2004, SEC.1; P.L.158-2013, SEC.319; P.L.214-2013, SEC.26; P.L.168-2014, SEC.43; P.L.16-2016, SEC.1; P.L.46-2016, SEC.7; P.L.183-2017, SEC.39; P.L.144-2018, SEC.6; P.L.142-2020, SEC.41.
Ind. Code § 31-34-18-1.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-34-18-1.3
Reports by meeting participants
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.3. (a) The individuals participating in a meeting described in section 1.1 of this chapter shall assist the person preparing the report in recommending the care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement of the child.

(b) The individuals shall inform the person preparing the report of resources and programs that are available for the child.

As added by P.L.55-1997, SEC.17.
Ind. Code § 31-27-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-27-1-1
Application
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This article does not apply to the following:

(1) A child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency licensed or operated by any of the following:

(A) Programs for children in kindergarten through grade 12 that are operated under the authority of the department of education or that are operated with the assistance of the department of education.

(B) The division of mental health and addiction.

(C) The Indiana department of health.

(D) The department of correction.

(2) A person who has received a child for adoption.

(3) A county jail or detention center.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.299.
Ind. Code § 31-19-27-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-19-27-3
Powers of the department
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. To carry out the program, the department may:

(1) cooperate with adoption efforts with:

(A) other states; and

(B) the administrative unit in the United States Department of Health and Human Services that is established under 42 U.S.C. 5113;

(2) exchange information with the:

(A) federal adoption and foster care data gathering and analysis system; and

(B) national adoption information exchange system;

(3) conduct, directly or by grant to or contract with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations, an education and training program on adoption, and prepare, publish, and disseminate, directly or by grant to or contract with public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations, to all:

(A) interested parties;

(B) public and private agencies and organizations, including hospitals, health care and family planning clinics, and social services agencies; and

(C) governmental bodies;

information, education, and training materials regarding the children who are available for adoption, adoption, and adoption assistance programs;

(4) provide directly, or by grant to or contract with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations, including adoptive family groups and minority groups, technical assistance in planning, improving, developing, and carrying out programs and activities relating to adoption; and

(5) encourage involvement of:

(A) corporations; and

(B) small businesses;

in supporting adoption as a positive family strengthening option, including the establishment of adoption benefit programs for employees who adopt children.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.266.
Ind. Code § 31-15-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-15-3-1
Applicability of Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Proceedings under this article must comply with the Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-37-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-37-5-5
Investigation, release, or detention by intake officer of child taken into custody without court order
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) If the child was not taken into custody under an order of the court, an intake officer shall investigate the reasons for the child's detention and use a validated detention tool prior to a decision being made. The results of the detention tool shall be used by the intake officer to inform decisions around the use of secure detention and release conditions. The intake officer may release the child to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian upon the person's written promise to bring the child before the juvenile court at a time specified and may impose additional conditions upon the child, including:

(1) home detention;

(2) electronic monitoring;

(3) a curfew restriction;

(4) a directive to avoid contact with specified individuals until the child's return to the juvenile court at a specified time;

(5) a directive to comply with Indiana law; or

(6) any other reasonable conditions on the child's actions or behavior.

(b) After considering the detention tool results, if the intake officer imposes additional conditions upon the child under subsection (a), the court shall hold a detention hearing under IC 31-37-6 within forty-eight (48) hours of the imposition of the additional conditions, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

(c) The intake officer may place the child in detention if the intake officer reasonably believes that the child is a delinquent child and only:

(1) after a detention tool has been administered; and

(2) if there are grounds to support the use of secure detention if the child does not score as high risk on the detention tool.

(d) The intake officer shall use the results of the detention tool to inform the use of secure detention. If, after considering the results of the detention tool and other information determined by local policy, the intake officer believes that the child needs to be detained under subsection (c)(2), the intake officer shall document the reason for the use of detention, including:

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

(2) the child has committed an act that would be murder or a Level 1 felony, Level 2 felony, Level 3 felony, or Level 4 felony if committed by an adult;

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

(4) the parent, guardian, or custodian:

(A) cannot be located; or

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

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

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

(f) Results of the detention tool shall be made available to the court and any legal party to the case prior to the detention hearing.

(g) Evidence of a child's statements and evidence derived from those statements made for use in preparing an authorized evidence based detention tool, for purposes of making a recommendation to the court regarding continued detention of a child, are not admissible against the child in any other court proceeding.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.328; P.L.28-2016, SEC.2; P.L.101-2022, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-220 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-220
"School"
Status: in_force

Sec. 220. "School", for purposes of section 71 of this chapter and IC 31-39-2-13.8, means a:

(1) public school (including a charter school as defined in IC 20-24-1-4); or

(2) nonpublic school (as defined in IC 20-18-2-12);

that must comply with the education records privacy provisions of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) to be eligible to receive designated federal education funding.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-16
Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. The department may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement this chapter.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-34-7-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-34-7-4
Access by accused to report
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A person who is accused of committing child abuse or neglect is entitled under IC 31-33-18-2(14) to access to a report relevant to an alleged accusation.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-18(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.46-2016, SEC.9; P.L.84-2026, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-18.5-5-7
Administrative enforcement of orders
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) A party or support enforcement agent seeking to enforce a support order or an income withholding order, or both, issued in another state or a foreign support order may send the documents required for registering the order to a support enforcement agency of Indiana.

(b) Upon receipt of the documents, the support enforcement agency, without initially seeking to register the order, shall consider and, if appropriate, use any administrative procedure authorized by Indiana law to enforce a support order or an income withholding order, or both. If the obligor does not contest administrative enforcement, the order need not be registered. If the obligor contests the validity or administrative enforcement of the order, the support enforcement agency shall register the order pursuant to this article.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-208 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-208
"Relocating individual"
Status: in_force

Sec. 208. "Relocating individual", for purposes of IC 31-14-13 and IC 31-17-2.2, means an individual who has or is seeking:

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

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

and intends to move the individual's principal residence. The term does not include an individual granted visitation rights under IC 31-17-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-28-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-28-1-1
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.141.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-30 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-30
Title IV-D agency civil liability
Status: in_force

Sec. 30. A Title IV-D agency or an agent of a Title IV-D agency acting within the scope of the agent's employment is not subject to any civil liability for income withheld and paid to an obligee, the Title IV-D agency, or the state central collection unit in accordance with an income withholding order.

As added by P.L.103-2007, SEC.43.
Ind. Code § 31-33-3-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-33-3-7
Periodic reports
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) The community child protection team shall prepare a periodic report regarding the child abuse and neglect reports and complaints that the team reviews under this chapter.

(b) The periodic report may include the following information:

(1) The number of complaints under section 6 of this chapter that the team receives and reviews each month.

(2) A description of the child abuse and neglect reports that the team reviews each month, including the following information:

(A) The scope and manner of the interviewing process during the child abuse or neglect assessment.

(B) The timeliness of the assessment.

(C) The number of children removed from the home.

(D) The types of services offered.

(E) The number of child abuse and neglect cases filed with a court.

(F) The reasons that certain child abuse and neglect cases are not filed with a court.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.575; P.L.131-2009, SEC.39.
Ind. Code § 31-19-25.5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 25.5 / Section 31-19-25.5-2
Request release of information to adoptee or pre-adoptive sibling
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) An adoptee may submit a written request to the state registrar that includes the following:

(1) A statement that the adoptee has an interest in having contact with any pre-adoptive siblings of the adoptee.

(2) A statement that authorizes the state registrar to release the name and present location of the adoptee to any pre-adoptive sibling of the adoptee who submits a similar request.

(b) A pre-adoptive sibling of an adoptee may submit a written request to the state registrar that includes the following:

(1) A statement that the pre-adoptive sibling has an interest in having contact with the adoptee.

(2) A statement that authorizes the state registrar to release the name and present location of the pre-adoptive sibling to the adoptee if the adoptee has submitted a similar request.

As added by P.L.191-2011, SEC.55.
Ind. Code § 31-33-18.5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 18.5 / Section 31-33-18.5-4
Contents of summary report regarding child fatality or near fatality
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. If the summary report involves a child who was residing in the child's home at the time of the child's fatality or near fatality, the summary report must contain the following:

(1) Whether the department was providing services to the child, a member of the child's family, or the alleged perpetrator at the time of the child fatality or near fatality. If services were provided, the date on which the last contact occurred between the entity providing services and the person receiving the services before the child fatality or near fatality.

(2) Whether the child, a member of the child's family, or the alleged perpetrator was the subject of a department report at the time of the child fatality or near fatality.

(3) Whether there was an open child in need of services case for the child or a member of the child's family at the time of the child fatality or near fatality.

(4) All:

(A) involvement of:

(i) the child's parent, guardian, or custodian; and

(ii) the alleged perpetrator;

in a situation for which a department report, whether substantiated or unsubstantiated, was made within the preceding five (5) years of the child fatality or near fatality; and

(B) services provided to the child or the child's family within the preceding five (5) years of the child fatality or near fatality.

(5) Any investigation by the department for a report concerning the child, a member of the child's family, or the alleged perpetrator since the child fatality or near fatality.

(6) Any services provided to:

(A) the child since the child's near fatality; or

(B) the child's family since the child fatality or near fatality.

As added by P.L.84-2026, SEC.14.
Ind. Code § 31-37-17-1.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-37-17-1.3
Reports and forms
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.3. (a) The individuals participating in a meeting described in section 1.1 of this chapter shall assist the person preparing the report in recommending the care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement of the child.

(b) The individuals shall inform the person preparing the report of resources and programs that are available for the child.

(c) The probation officer shall:

(1) collect and maintain all information relevant to a determination of eligibility under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.); and

(2) complete financial eligibility forms designated by the director to assist in obtaining federal reimbursement and other reimbursement.

As added by P.L.55-1997, SEC.28. Amended by P.L.273-1999, SEC.108; P.L.146-2008, SEC.638.
Ind. Code § 31-11-3-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-11-3-6
Effective date
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. A premarital agreement becomes effective upon marriage.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-2.5-6.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-1
License required for operation
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) A person may not operate a child caring institution without a license issued under this article.

(b) The state or a political subdivision of the state may not operate a child caring institution or receive children for placement in a child caring institution without a license issued under this article.

(c) A person may not operate a child caring institution if:

(1) the number of children maintained on the premises at any one (1) time is greater than the number authorized by the license; or

(2) the children are maintained in a building or place not designated by the license.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-16-14-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-16-14-7
Sales of real property
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. If real property is sold under this chapter:

(1) the sale must be made by a receiver or commissioner appointed by the court for that purpose;

(2) the sale must be of the entire fee;

(3) the court may confirm the sale;

(4) the court may order deeds;

(5) the court may require the purchaser to:

(A) obtain a mortgage; or

(B) provide security; and

(6) the purchaser's title may not be questioned collaterally if:

(A) the defendant spouse had personal service of process; or

(B) the defendant spouse:

(i) left Indiana or could not be found; and

(ii) received service of process by publication.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2.5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2.5 / Section 31-34-2.5-4
Duties of department of child services upon assuming custody of safe haven infant
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. If notified under section 2 of this chapter, whenever a safe haven infant is taken into custody without a court order under this chapter, the attorney for the department of child services shall, without unnecessary delay, do the following:

(1) Request the juvenile court to:

(A) authorize the filing of a petition alleging that the safe haven infant is a child in need of services;

(B) hold an initial hearing under IC 31-34-10 not later than the next business day after the safe haven infant is taken into custody; and

(C) appoint a guardian ad litem or a court appointed special advocate for the safe haven infant.

(2) File a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship under IC 31-35-1.5.

As added by P.L.133-2000, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.129-2005, SEC.5; P.L.234-2005, SEC.171; P.L.45-2023, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-216 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-216
"Restorative justice services"
Status: in_force

Sec. 216. "Restorative justice services" has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-8.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-7-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-18.5-7-12
Use of personal information
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. Personal information gathered or transmitted under this article may be used only for the purposes for which it was gathered or transmitted.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-28 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-28
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.128-2012, SEC.103.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-12
Time of registration
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) To be entitled to notice of an adoption under IC 31-19-3 or IC 31-19-4, a putative father must register with the state department under section 5 of this chapter not later than:

(1) thirty (30) days after the child's birth; or

(2) the earlier of the date of the filing of a petition for the:

(A) child's adoption; or

(B) termination of the parent-child relationship between the child and the child's mother;

whichever occurs later.

(b) A putative father may register under subsection (a) before the child's birth.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-12.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.146-2007, SEC.9; P.L.56-2023, SEC.271.
Ind. Code § 31-21-2-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21-2-5
"Child custody proceeding"
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) "Child custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for:

(1) dissolution of marriage or legal separation;

(2) child abuse or neglect;

(3) guardianship;

(4) paternity;

(5) termination of parental rights; and

(6) protection from domestic violence;

in which the issue of child custody or visitation may appear.

(b) The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement of child custody under IC 31-21-6.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-37-11-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-37-11-10
Child causing delay; extension of time period
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), if:

(1) a continuance is granted on a child's motion; or

(2) the proceedings are delayed by a child's act;

a time period is extended by the amount of the resulting delay.

(b) If a child causes a delay during the last thirty (30) days of a time period, the state may petition the court for an additional thirty (30) day extension.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-20 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-20
"Appropriate public authorities"
Status: in_force

Sec. 20. "Appropriate public authorities", for purposes of IC 31-28-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-28-4-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-3
Grounds for decree
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Dissolution of marriage shall be decreed upon a finding by a court of one (1) of the following grounds and no other ground:

(1) Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

(2) The conviction of either of the parties, subsequent to the marriage, of a felony.

(3) Impotence, existing at the time of the marriage.

(4) Incurable insanity of either party for a period of at least two (2) years.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-15-4-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-15-4-15
Provisional order; revocation or modification
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. The terms of a provisional order may be revoked or modified before the final decree on a showing of the facts appropriate to revocation or modification.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-25 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-25
Income payor penalties
Status: in_force

Sec. 25. (a) An income payor that:

(1) discharges from employment an obligor;

(2) refuses to employ an obligor;

(3) takes disciplinary action against an obligor employed by the income payor; or

(4) otherwise discriminates against an obligor;

because of the existence of an income withholding order or the obligations imposed upon the income payor by the income withholding order, is subject to a penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) payable to the state and recoverable in a civil action. An obligor or the Title IV-D agency may bring an action to enforce a penalty under this subsection.

(b) The collection of money under this section does not affect:

(1) the obligor's right to damages under IC 37-2-6-9; or

(2) any other legal remedy available to the obligor;

because of discharge from employment, refusal of employment, or disciplinary action.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-2-10-20.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.103-2007, SEC.40; P.L.115-2026, SEC.72.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-18 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-18
"Applicant"
Status: in_force

Sec. 18. (a) "Applicant", for purposes of IC 31-25-3, IC 31-25-4, and IC 31-26-3.5, means a person who has applied for assistance for the applicant or another person.

(b) "Applicant", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a person who seeks a license to operate a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-14-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-34-14-3
Court order for use of videotapes
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. On the motion of the attorney for the department, the court may order that the testimony of a child be videotaped for use at proceedings to determine whether a child or a whole or half blood sibling of the child is a child in need of services.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-16-3 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.298; P.L.146-2008, SEC.591.
Ind. Code § 31-31-9-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 31 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-31-9-5
Superintendent; appointment; term of office
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The executive committee shall appoint a superintendent of juvenile detention centers located in the county. The superintendent serves at the pleasure of the executive committee.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.142-2007, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-168 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-168
"Nonwaivable offense"
Status: in_force

Sec. 168. "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) 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 section 32(h) of this chapter) or an endangered adult (as defined in IC 12-10-3-2).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-28-5.8-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 5.8 / Section 31-28-5.8-3
"Host home"
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "host home" means:

(1) the home of a person who is a relative of an older youth that is not licensed under IC 31-27-4 or a comparable law in another state where the home is located; or

(2) the home of one (1) or more adults who are not relatives of the older youth.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.34. Amended by P.L.123-2014, SEC.19.
Ind. Code § 31-21-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-21-1-1
Inapplicability
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This article does not apply to:

(1) an adoption proceeding; or

(2) a proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a child.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-12-1.5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-12-1.5-7
Domestic relations counseling appointments
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) The judges of the circuit and superior courts may appoint:

(1) a director of domestic relations counseling; or

(2) at least one (1) counselor under this chapter or under IC 31-12-1.

(b) A counselor described in subsection (a)(2) or the organization led by the director described in subsection (a)(1) is designated as a domestic relations counseling bureau.

As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-34-9-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-34-9-2
Authorization to file petition; evidence; finding; determination for dual status assessment
Status: in_force

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

(1) Consider the preliminary inquiry and the evidence of probable cause that is contained in the report of the preliminary inquiry or an affidavit of probable cause.

(2) Authorize the filing of a petition if the court finds probable cause to believe that the child is a child in need of services.

(3) Determine if a child should be referred for an assessment by a dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.66-2015, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-217 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-217
"Risk and needs assessment tool"
Status: in_force

Sec. 217. "Risk and needs assessment tool" means a validated instrument approved by the judicial conference of Indiana for use at appropriate stages in the juvenile justice system to identify specific risk factors and needs shown to be statistically related to a child's risk of reoffending, and that when properly addressed may reduce a child's risk of reoffending.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-34-21-0.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-34-21-0.1
Application of certain amendments to chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 0.1. The addition of section 7.7 of this chapter by P.L.217-2001 applies 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.515.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-35-3-8
Conviction as prima facie evidence
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A showing that an individual has been convicted of an offense described in section 4(1) of this chapter is prima facie evidence that there is a reasonable probability that:

(1) the conditions that resulted in the removal of the child from the parent under a court order will not be remedied; or

(2) continuation of the parent-child relationship poses a threat to the well-being of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-4.2(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-8
Repealed
Status: repealed

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.88; P.L.148-2006, SEC.21. Repealed by P.L.103-2007, SEC.51.
Ind. Code § 31-33-8-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-33-8-2
Investigations by law enforcement agencies
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Upon the receipt of each report under this chapter of known or suspected child abuse, the department shall contact the law enforcement agency in the appropriate jurisdiction.

(b) The law enforcement agency, with the department, shall conduct an immediate onsite investigation of the report if the law enforcement agency has reason to believe that an offense has been committed. The law enforcement agency shall investigate the alleged child abuse or neglect under this chapter in the same manner that the law enforcement agency conducts any other criminal investigation.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.118.
Ind. Code § 31-39-9-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-39-9-1
Exchange of information regarding delinquent children
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The following entities and agencies may exchange records of a child who is a child in need of services or has been determined to be a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1-2, if the information or records are not confidential under state or federal law:

(1) A court.

(2) A law enforcement agency.

(3) The department of correction.

(4) The department of child services.

(5) The office of the secretary of family and social services.

(6) A primary or secondary school, including a public or nonpublic school.

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

As added by P.L.67-2007, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.386.
Ind. Code § 31-25-3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-25-3-3
Issuance of subpoenas
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The bureau established by section 1 of this chapter or an agent of the bureau may issue a subpoena under Indiana Trial Rule 45 to obtain any financial or other information needed to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order.

As added by P.L.103-2007, SEC.44.
Ind. Code § 31-34-19-1.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-34-19-1.3
Notice of disposition of hearing; duties of court
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.3. (a) The department shall provide notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of the dispositional hearing under this chapter to each:

(1) party or person for whom a summons is required to be issued under IC 31-34-10-2; and

(2) foster parent or other caretaker with whom the child is placed for temporary care;

at the time the dispositional hearing is scheduled.

(b) The court shall:

(1) provide a person required to be notified under subsection (a) an opportunity to be heard; and

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

at the dispositional hearing.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.72.
Ind. Code § 31-39-6-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-39-6-1
Confidentiality of preliminary inquiry proceedings compiled by school officials
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. If:

(1) a preliminary inquiry under IC 31-34-7 or IC 31-37-8 takes place in a school; and

(2) the preliminary inquiry is conducted in the presence of school officials;

any record of the proceeding compiled by school officials is confidential and is not open to public inspection under IC 5-14-3-3.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-8-1.3.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-1.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-1.3
Notice of dispositional hearing; court duties
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.3. (a) The prosecuting attorney or probation department of the juvenile court shall provide notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of the dispositional hearing under this chapter to each:

(1) party or person for whom a summons is required to be issued under IC 31-37-12-2; and

(2) foster parent or other caretaker with whom the child is placed for temporary care;

at the time the dispositional hearing is scheduled.

(b) The court shall:

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

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

at the dispositional hearing.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.84.
Ind. Code § 31-40-6-0.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 40 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-40-6-0.5
"Office"
Status: in_force

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

As added by P.L.201-2023, SEC.247.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-11 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-11
Waiver of maximum group home stay
Status: in_force

Sec. 11. (a) The department may grant a waiver of the maximum stay for a child if the group home licensed as a shelter care facility applies for the waiver before the expiration of the maximum stay.

(b) The group home shall document in the request for a waiver that the waiver is in the best interest of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.48-2012, SEC.32; P.L.81-2025, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-30.5-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 30.5 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-30.5-1-1
Definitions
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. The following definitions apply throughout this chapter:

(1) "Custodial interrogation" has the meaning set forth in Indiana Evidence Rule 617.

(2) "Electronic recording" has the meaning set forth in Indiana Evidence Rule 617.

(3) "Place of detention" has the meaning set forth in Indiana Evidence Rule 617.

As added by P.L.187-2015, SEC.27.
Ind. Code § 31-34-19-1.1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-34-19-1.1
Mandatory attendance at predispositional hearing by report preparer
Status: in_force

Sec. 1.1. At a dispositional hearing under this chapter, the person that prepared the predispositional report:

(1) must be present, if possible; and

(2) if present, shall provide testimony when requested to explain how the individuals participating in the conference described in IC 31-34-18:

(A) examined the available options; and

(B) recommended the options that most closely coincide with the guidelines provided in IC 31-34-18-4.

As added by P.L.55-1997, SEC.21.
Ind. Code § 31-11-8-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 8 / Section 31-11-8-4
Mentally incompetent persons
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. A marriage is void if either party to the marriage was mentally incompetent when the marriage was solemnized.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-27-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-27-5-5
Establishment of county group home; operation
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) A county may establish a child group home. The group home may be operated by:

(1) the county; or

(2) a public or private agency under contract with the county;

and must be operated under the rules adopted by the director under this article.

(b) This section does not affect the following:

(1) IC 31-31-1-1 or IC 31-40, requiring the county fiscal body to appropriate sufficient money to pay for services ordered by the juvenile court.

(2) IC 31-31-8, authorizing the juvenile court to establish detention and shelter care facilities.

(3) IC 12-13-5 and IC 12-19-1, requiring the department and the county office to provide care and treatment for delinquent children and children in need of services.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-16-15-6.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-16-15-6.5
Serving an income withholding order
Status: in_force

Sec. 6.5. A court or Title IV-D agency may serve an income withholding order on an income payor by:

(1) first class mail;

(2) facsimile transmission; or

(3) other electronic means approved by the Title IV-D agency.

As added by P.L.103-2007, SEC.32.
Ind. Code § 31-15-4-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-15-4-9
Counseling
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. The court may require the parties to seek counseling for themselves or for a child of the parties under such terms and conditions that the court considers appropriate if:

(1) either party makes a motion for counseling in an effort to improve conditions of their marriage;

(2) a party, the child of the parties, the child's guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate, or the court makes a motion for counseling for the child; or

(3) the court makes a motion for counseling for parties who are the parents of a child less than eighteen (18) years of age.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-19-27-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-19-27-2
Delegation of program
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The department may:

(1) delegate a part of the program to a local office; and

(2) deliver a program service through a contract with another person.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.265; P.L.128-2012, SEC.84.
Ind. Code § 31-34-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-34-7-2
Provision of preliminary inquiry and recommendation to attorney for department
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The intake officer shall send to the attorney for the department a copy of the preliminary inquiry. The intake officer shall recommend whether to:

(1) file a petition;

(2) file a petition and recommend that the child be referred for an assessment by a dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5;

(3) informally adjust the case;

(4) informally adjust the case and recommend that the child be referred for an assessment by the dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5;

(5) refer the child to another agency; or

(6) dismiss the case.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-8(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.293; P.L.146-2008, SEC.583; P.L.66-2015, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-10-1-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 10 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-10-1-7
References to rules
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. (a) As used in the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly, a reference to rules adopted under any provision of this title or under any other provision of the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly refers to either:

(1) rules adopted under the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly; or

(2) rules adopted under the prior family law and juvenile law until those rules have been amended, repealed, or superseded.

(b) Rules adopted under the prior family law and juvenile law continue in effect after June 30, 1997, until the rules are amended, repealed, or suspended.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-28-4-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-28-4-4
"Appropriate authority in receiving state"
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. As used in paragraph (a) of Article V of the interstate compact on the placement of children (section 1 of this chapter), the phrase "appropriate authority in the receiving state" with reference to this state means the department.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274.
Ind. Code § 31-26-4-2.3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-26-4-2.3-b
References to Indiana children's trust fund board; transfer of certain personal property, assets, obligations, and liabilities to the commission on improving the status of children in Indiana
Status: in_force

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

Sec. 2.3. (a) After June 30, 2003, and before July 1, 2027, any reference in a statute or rule referring to the Indiana children's trust fund board is considered a reference to the board.

(b) This subsection does not apply after June 30, 2027. On July 1, 2003, the board becomes the owner of all the personal property and assets and assumes the obligations and liabilities of the Indiana children's trust fund board, as it existed before July 1, 2003.

(c) After June 30, 2027, any reference in a statute or rule referring to the Indiana children's trust fund board is considered a reference to the commission.

(d) On July 1, 2027, the commission becomes the owner of all the personal property and assets and assumes the obligations and liabilities of the Indiana children's trust fund board, as it existed before July 1, 2027.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.506. Amended by P.L.152-2026, SEC.454.
Ind. Code § 31-32-10-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-32-10-2
Criminal discovery procedures; adult criminal proceedings
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. In cases in which an adult is charged with a crime, the law of discovery for criminal cases applies.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-21-6-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-21-6-7
Proceedings pending in another state
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. If a proceeding for enforcement under this article is commenced in an Indiana court and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under IC 31-21-5, the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. The proceeding for enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-201 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-201
"Record"
Status: in_force

Sec. 201. (a) "Record", 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.

(b) "Record", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-17.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-35-1-9
Consent by incompetent or minor parent
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a parent who is incompetent may give consent to termination only with the approval of the court or of the parent's guardian.

(b) A person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age and who is a parent may give the person's consent without the approval of the court or of the parent's guardian if the person is competent except for the person's age.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-32-13-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-32-13-1
Motion for issuance of order
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Upon a juvenile court's motion or upon the motion of a child's parent, guardian, custodian, or guardian ad litem, a probation officer, a caseworker, the prosecuting attorney, the attorney for the department of child services, or any person providing services to the child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, the juvenile court may issue an order:

(1) to control the conduct of any person in relation to the child;

(2) to provide a child with an examination or treatment under IC 31-32-12; or

(3) to prevent a child from leaving the court's jurisdiction.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.278.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-194 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-194
"Public welfare"
Status: in_force

Sec. 194. "Public welfare", for purposes of IC 31-25-3 and IC 31-25-4, means any form of public welfare or Social Security provided in IC 31-25-3 or IC 31-25-4. The term does not include direct township assistance as administered by township trustees under IC 12-20.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-32-1-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-32-1-1
Applicability of rules governing criminal trials
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. If a child is alleged to be a delinquent child, the procedures governing criminal trials apply in all matters not covered by the juvenile law.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-1(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-27-6-21 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-27-6-21
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Repealed by P.L.146-2006, SEC.60.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-18.5-1-5
Application to foreign resident, support order, and tribunal
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) An Indiana tribunal shall apply this chapter and IC 31-18.5-2 through IC 31-18.5-6 and, as applicable, IC 31-18.5-7, to a support proceeding involving:

(1) a foreign support order;

(2) a foreign tribunal; or

(3) an obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.

(b) An Indiana tribunal that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of this chapter and IC 31-18.5-2 through IC 31-18.5-6.

(c) IC 31-18.5-7 applies only to a support proceeding under the Convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of IC 31-18.5-7 is inconsistent with this chapter or IC 31-18.5-2 through IC 31-18.5-6, IC 31-18.5-7 controls.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-12-3-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 12 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-12-3-2
Persons authorized to administer division
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The family relations division may be administered by:

(1) the community mental health center;

(2) a managed care provider (as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-219); or

(3) any other person approved by the court.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.162.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-135 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-135
"Interested person"
Status: in_force

Sec. 135. "Interested person", for purposes of IC 31-19-20 and IC 31-19-24, means any of the following:

(1) An adoptee.

(2) A birth parent.

(3) An adoptive parent.

(4) A relative of a birth parent.

(5) A relative of an adoptive parent.

(6) A relative of an adoptee.

(7) A pre-adoptive sibling (as defined in section 182 of this chapter).

(8) The department.

(9) An adoption agency.

(10) A court.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-32-13-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-32-13-8
Duration of emergency order
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. (a) An emergency order issued under section 7 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-7-14(f) before its repeal) is valid for not more than seventy-two (72) hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

(b) The juvenile court may extend an emergency order issued under section 7 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-7-14(f) before its repeal) only on good cause shown upon the record for the extension.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-18.5-3-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 18.5 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-18.5-3-4
Duties of initiating tribunal
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) Upon the filing of a petition authorized by this article, an initiating Indiana tribunal shall forward the petition and its accompanying documents:

(1) to the responding tribunal or appropriate support enforcement agency in the responding state; or

(2) if the identity of the responding tribunal is unknown, to the state information agency of the responding state with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate tribunal and that receipt be acknowledged.

(b) If requested by the responding tribunal, an Indiana tribunal shall issue a certificate or other document and make findings required by the law of the responding state. If the responding tribunal is in a foreign country, upon request the Indiana tribunal shall specify the amount of support sought, convert that amount into the equivalent amount in the foreign currency under applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported, and provide any other documents necessary to satisfy the requirements of the responding foreign tribunal.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.
Ind. Code § 31-33-7-6.5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-33-7-6.5
Repealed
Status: repealed

As added by P.L.2-1998, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.114; P.L.131-2009, SEC.40. Repealed by P.L.48-2012, SEC.38.
Ind. Code § 31-32-15-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-32-15-1
Appeal and review
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. Appeals may be taken as provided by law.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-7-17.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-19-3-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-19-3-4
Form of notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. Notice of the potential adoption under this chapter must be provided to the putative father of the child in substantially the following form:

"______________ (putative father's name), who has been named as the father of the unborn child of __________ (birth mother's name), or who claims to be the father of the unborn child, is notified that __________ (birth mother's name) has expressed an intention to secure an adoptive placement for the child.

If ___________ (putative father's name) seeks to contest the adoption of the unborn child, the putative father must file a paternity action to establish his paternity in relation to the unborn child not later than fifteen (15) days after the receipt of this notice.

If ___________ (putative father's name) does not file a paternity action not more than fifteen (15) days after receiving this notice, or having filed a paternity action in Indiana or any other jurisdiction, is unable to establish paternity of the child, the putative father's consent to the adoption or the voluntary termination of the putative father's parent-child relationship under IC 31-35-1, or both, shall be irrevocably implied and the putative father loses the right to contest the adoption, the validity of his implied consent to the adoption, the termination of the parent-child relationship, and the validity of his implied consent to the termination of the parent-child relationship. In addition, the putative father loses the right to establish paternity of the child, by affidavit or otherwise, in Indiana or any other jurisdiction, except as provided in IC 31-19-9-17(b).

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

Under Indiana law, a putative father is a person who is named as or claims that he may be the father of a child born out of wedlock but who has not yet been legally proven to be the child's father.

For purposes of this notice, _____________ (putative father's name) is a putative father under the laws in Indiana regarding adoption.

This notice complies with IC 31-19-3-4 but does not exhaustively set forth the putative father's legal obligations under the Indiana adoption statutes. A person being served with this notice should consult the Indiana adoption statutes.".

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.200-1999, SEC.12; P.L.113-2017, SEC.1; P.L.244-2023, SEC.2.
Ind. Code § 31-15-4-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-15-4-6
Determination
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. The court shall determine:

(1) after the hearing; and

(2) not later than twenty-one (21) days after the petition is filed;

whether to grant or deny the petition.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-28-4-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 28 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-28-4-5
Agreements between party states; authorization; approval
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The officers and agencies of this state and the subdivisions of this state having authority to place children may enter into agreements with appropriate officers or agencies of or in other party states under paragraph (b) of Article V of the interstate compact on the placement of children (section 1 of this chapter). An agreement that contains a financial commitment or imposes a financial obligation on this state or a subdivision or agency of this state is not binding unless the agreement has the approval in writing of the state comptroller in the case of the state and of the chief local fiscal officer in the case of a subdivision of the state.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.274. Amended by P.L.9-2024, SEC.497.
Ind. Code § 31-26-5-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-26-5-5
Family preservation services; required services; discretionary services
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) Family preservation services must include the following:

(1) A twenty-four (24) hour crisis intervention service.

(2) Risk assessment, case management, and monitoring.

(3) Intensive in-home skill building and counseling.

(4) After-care linkage.

(b) The following services may be available as needed to families receiving family preservation services:

(1) Emergency respite care.

(2) Pre-adoption and post-adoption services.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272.
Ind. Code § 31-37-22-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 22 / Section 31-37-22-8
Description by local alternative facility seeking court approval
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A local alternative facility seeking the approval of the juvenile court shall provide the court with a description of the following:

(1) The facility's location and facilities.

(2) The facility's staff, including personnel qualifications.

(3) The maximum number of children who may be housed in the facility, including a ratio of staff to children when the facility is at maximum capacity.

(4) Funding sources.

(5) Programs that will be provided for children who are housed in the facility.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-37-8.5-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 8.5 / Section 31-37-8.5-3
Duration of program
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Juvenile diversion may not exceed six (6) months.

As added by P.L.101-2022, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-14-14-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 14 / Section 31-14-14-2
Modification or denial of parenting time
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The court may modify an order granting or denying parenting time rights whenever modification would serve the best interests of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-12(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-33-27-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 27 / Section 31-33-27-5
Substantiated reports; perpetrator petitions for expungements
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) This section applies to information relating to substantiated reports in any records of the department.

(b) An individual identified as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in a substantiated report may file a petition with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction in the county in which the individual resides, requesting that the court order the department to expunge the substantiated report and related information.

(c) The petitioner shall:

(1) name the department as respondent in the petition; and

(2) serve the department with a copy of the petition and a summons.

(d) The court shall hold a hearing on the petition and any response filed by the department, unless a hearing is waived by agreement of the parties.

(e) In considering whether to grant a petition filed under this section, the court may review:

(1) the factors listed in IC 31-39-8-3 in relation to the petitioner, if the substantiated report was the subject of a juvenile court case; and

(2) any facts relating to the petitioner's current status, activities, employment, contacts with children, or other circumstances relevant to consideration of whether the petition should be granted.

(f) The court may grant the petition if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that:

(1) there is little likelihood that the petitioner will be a future perpetrator of child abuse or neglect; and

(2) the information has insufficient current probative value to justify its retention in records of the department for future reference.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.56.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-3
Placement in shelter care facility outside county of residence; placement in home or facility outside Indiana
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. (a) A juvenile court may not place a child who is a delinquent child under IC 31-37-2 in a shelter care facility that is located outside the child's county of residence unless:

(1) placement of the child in a shelter care facility with adequate services located in the child's county of residence is unavailable; or

(2) the child's county of residence does not have an appropriate shelter care facility with adequate services.

(b) A juvenile court may not place a child in a home or facility that is not a secure detention facility and that is located outside Indiana unless:

(1) the placement is recommended or approved by the director of the department or the director's designee; or

(2) the court makes written findings based on clear and convincing evidence that:

(A) the out-of-state placement is appropriate because there is not an equivalent facility with adequate services located in Indiana;

(B) institutional care in the other jurisdiction is in the best interest of the child and will not produce undue hardship; or

(C) the location of the home or facility is within a distance not more than fifty (50) miles from the county of residence of the child.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.4(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.649; P.L.46-2016, SEC.18; P.L.183-2017, SEC.56.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-121 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-121
"Home state"
Status: in_force

Sec. 121. (a) "Home state", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-8.

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

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-12-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-19-12-4
Adoption records for individuals born outside Indiana
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) When the Indiana department of health receives from a court a record of:

(1) adoption; or

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

for an individual born outside of Indiana, the Indiana department of health shall forward the record to the appropriate registration authority.

(b) If the registration authority fails to supply a certificate of birth in the adoptive status after the expiration of ninety (90) days after the receipt of the record of adoption, the Indiana department of health shall create a delayed registration record of birth in the adoptive status when requested.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.56-2023, SEC.286.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-104 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-104
"Foreign support order"
Status: in_force

Sec. 104. "Foreign support order", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-15-2-13 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 15 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-15-2-13
Summary dissolution decree
Status: in_force

Sec. 13. At least sixty (60) days after a petition is filed in an action for dissolution of marriage under section 2 of this chapter, the court may enter a summary dissolution decree without holding a final hearing under this chapter if there have been filed with the court verified pleadings, signed by both parties, containing:

(1) a written waiver of final hearing; and

(2) either:

(A) a statement that there are no contested issues in the action; or

(B) a written agreement made in accordance with section 17 of this chapter that settles any contested issues between the parties.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-8(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-16-12-6 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-16-12-6
Contempt
Status: in_force

Sec. 6. (a) If the court finds that a party is delinquent as a result of an intentional violation of an order for support, the court may find the party in contempt of court. If an action or request to enforce payment of a child support arrearage is commenced not later than ten (10) years after:

(1) the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age; or

(2) the emancipation of the child;

whichever occurs first, the court may, upon a request by the person or agency entitled to receive child support arrearages, find a party in contempt of court.

(b) The court may order a party who is found in contempt of court under this section to:

(1) perform community restitution or service without compensation in a manner specified by the court; or

(2) seek employment.

(c) The court may order a party who is alleged to be in contempt of court under this section to show cause as to why the party should not be held in contempt for violating an order for support. The order to show cause must set forth:

(1) the contempt allegations;

(2) the failure to pay child support allegations;

(3) when the court issued the order for support;

(4) the party's history of child support payments;

(5) the specific:

(A) date and time when; and

(B) place where;

the party is required to show cause in the court; and

(6) the party's arrearage.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.32-2000, SEC.18; P.L.123-2001, SEC.3; P.L.86-2002, SEC.11; P.L.131-2009, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-33-18-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 33 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-33-18-5
Confidentiality of recordings of calls to child abuse hotline
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) Except as provided in IC 31-33-18.5, an audio recording of a telephone call to the child abuse hotline is confidential and may be released only upon court order.

(b) An audio recording of a report of child abuse or neglect that is the subject of a complaint made to a prosecuting attorney under IC 31-33-22-3 shall be released without a court order to the prosecuting attorney upon written request of the prosecuting attorney.

As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.40. Amended by P.L.84-2026, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-21-2-10 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 21 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-21-2-10
"Issuing court"
Status: in_force

Sec. 10. "Issuing court" means the court that makes a child custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this article.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-167 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-167
"Nonrelocating parent"
Status: in_force

Sec. 167. "Nonrelocating parent", for purposes of IC 31-14-13 and IC 31-17-2.2, means a parent of a child who has or is seeking:

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

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

and does not intend to move the individual's principal residence.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-11-11-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-11-11-8
Failure to timely file marriage license and duplicate marriage certificate
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A person who:

(1) solemnizes a marriage; and

(2) fails to file the marriage license and a duplicate marriage certificate with the clerk of the circuit court not later than ninety (90) days after the date the marriage was solemnized;

commits a Class C infraction.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-9-8.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-156 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-156
"Local office"
Status: in_force

Sec. 156. "Local office", for purposes of this title, refers to a local office established by the department to serve a county or a region.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-35-3.5-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 31-35-3.5-2
Jurisdiction of probate court
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. The probate court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the juvenile court in proceedings on a petition to terminate a parent-child relationship under this chapter.

As added by P.L.64-2016, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-35-1.5-4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 1.5 / Section 31-35-1.5-4
Filing of petition
Status: in_force

Sec. 4. (a) The:

(1) department's attorney; or

(2) licensed child placing agency;

shall sign and file a verified petition for the termination of the parent-child relationship not more than fifteen (15) days after taking custody of a safe haven infant.

(b) The petition must:

(1) be entitled "In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of ____________, a Safe Haven Infant"; and

(2) allege that the:

(A) child was left in a newborn safety device or by a parent with an emergency medical services provider; and

(B) termination of the parent-child relationship is:

(i) in the child's best interest; and

(ii) in furtherance of an adoption.

(c) At the time the verified petition described in subsection (a) is filed:

(1) the department's attorney shall also file a permanency plan for the safe haven infant; or

(2) the licensed child placing agency shall also file a recommendation in support of the prospective adoptive parent with whom the safe haven infant is placed.

As added by P.L.45-2023, SEC.13.
Ind. Code § 31-37-11-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-37-11-1
Time for filing petition alleging delinquency of child in detention
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. If a child is in detention, a petition alleging delinquency must be filed not later than seven (7) days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the child is taken into custody.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-211 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-211
"Residence state"
Status: in_force

Sec. 211. "Residence state", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Adoption Assistance under IC 31-19-29, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-29-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-19-10-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-19-10-5
Hearing to contest adoption
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) Whenever a motion to contest an adoption is filed, the court shall, before entering a decree under IC 31-19-11, set the matter for a hearing to contest the adoption.

(b) A court shall expedite a hearing under this section.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-6.3(b).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.89-2023, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-37-6-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-37-6-8
Petition for additional detention hearing
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A child detained under section 6 or 7 of this chapter may petition the juvenile court for an additional detention hearing.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-230 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-230
"State"
Status: in_force

Sec. 230. (a) "State", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-19.

(b) "State", 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) "State", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Adoption Assistance under IC 31-19-29, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-29-2.

(d) "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 § 31-27-3-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-14
Probationary status; duration; expiration; extension
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. (a) The department may place a licensee on probationary status if the licensee is temporarily unable to comply with a rule and if:

(1) the noncompliance does not present an immediate threat to the health and well-being of the children;

(2) the licensee files a plan with the department, Indiana department of health, or the state fire marshal to correct the areas of noncompliance within the probationary period; and

(3) the department, Indiana department of health, or state fire marshal approves the plan.

(b) A probationary status period is for not more than six (6) months. However, the department may extend a probationary status period for one (1) additional period of six (6) months.

(c) At the expiration of a probationary status period, the department shall:

(1) reactivate the license to the end of the original term of the license;

(2) extend the probationary status period as permitted under subsection (b); or

(3) revoke the license.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.28; P.L.56-2023, SEC.302.
Ind. Code § 31-14-13-10.2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-14-13-10.2
Notice requirements for persons seeking rights with a child
Status: in_force

Sec. 10.2. Except as provided in IC 31-17-2.2-4, an individual who has or is seeking:

(1) custody of a child;

(2) parenting time with a child; or

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

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

As added by P.L.186-2019, SEC.7.
Ind. Code § 31-19-17-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-19-17-3
Exclusion of information identifying birth parent; release of records concerning child to adoptive parents and adoptee
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The person, licensed child placing agency, or local office shall:

(1) exclude information that would identify the birth parents unless the prospective adoptive parent or the adoptive parent under subdivision (2)(A) or an adoptee under subdivision (2)(B) who requests the information knows the identity of the birth parents; and

(2) release all available social, medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the child to:

(A) the prospective adoptive parent or the adoptive parent; and

(B) upon request, an adoptee who:

(i) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and

(ii) provides proof of identification.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.23; P.L.100-2005, SEC.3; P.L.1-2006, SEC.497; P.L.58-2009, SEC.26; P.L.131-2009, SEC.23; P.L.1-2010, SEC.124; P.L.162-2011, SEC.18; P.L.128-2012, SEC.60.
Ind. Code § 31-14-21-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 21 / Section 31-14-21-5
Content of notice
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. The notice required by sections 3 and 4 of this chapter must include:

(1) the name of the court;

(2) the cause number; and

(3) the date of filing;

of the paternity action.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-14-5-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-14-5-7
Registration with putative father registry
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. A man who files or is a party to a paternity action shall register with the putative father registry under IC 31-19-5.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
Ind. Code § 31-27-2-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-27-2-3
Foster family home application fee prohibition
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The department may not charge an application fee for a foster family home.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Ind. Code § 31-27-3-30 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 27 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-27-3-30
Expiration of injunctions for creation of imminent danger
Status: in_force

Sec. 30. A court order granted under section 29(b)(2) of this chapter expires upon the later of the following:

(1) Sixty (60) days after the order is issued.

(2) When a final department decision is issued under sections 20 and 21 of this chapter if notice of an enforcement action is issued under section 19 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.105.
Ind. Code § 31-19-2-16 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-19-2-16
Guardian ad litem pilot program for incapacitated parents
Status: in_force

Sec. 16. (a) The circuit or superior court exercising jurisdiction over an adoption proceeding in any of the following counties shall establish a guardian ad litem pilot program to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of an incapacitated parent:

(1) LaPorte County.

(2) Marshall County.

(3) Starke County.

(b) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem under this section if a parent of a child subject to a petition for adoption:

(1) is an individual with an intellectual disability; and

(2) has a court appointed guardian.

(c) The provisions of IC 31-32-3 concerning the:

(1) representation;

(2) duties;

(3) liabilities; and

(4) appointment;

of a guardian ad litem apply to a guardian ad litem appointed under this section.

(d) The cost and expenses incurred in connection with the appointment of a guardian ad litem are paid by the county upon order of the appointing court.

(e) This section expires July 1, 2026.

As added by P.L.97-2024, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 31-34-19-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-34-19-2
Admissibility of reports
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. (a) Any predispositional report may be admitted into evidence to the extent that the report contains evidence of probative value even if the report would otherwise be excluded.

(b) If a report contains information that should not be released to the child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian, a factual summary of the report may be admitted.

(c) The:

(1) child;

(2) child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

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

(4) foster parent or other caretaker who is entitled to notice of the dispositional hearing under section 1.3 of this chapter;

shall be given a fair opportunity to controvert any part of the report admitted into evidence.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.73.
Ind. Code § 31-25-2-20.4 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 25 / Chapter 2 / Section 31-25-2-20.4
Citizen review panels; membership; appointment; duties; response to report; prohibited acts
Status: in_force

Sec. 20.4. (a) The department shall establish at least three (3) citizen review panels in accordance with the requirements of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act under 42 U.S.C. 5106a.

(b) A citizen review panel consists of volunteer members who broadly represent the community in which the panel is established, including members who have expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

(c) The department shall appoint the citizen review panels in the following manner:

(1) One (1) panel must be a community child protection team established in a county under IC 31-33-3-1, selected by the director of the department with the consent of the team.

(2) One (1) panel must be either:

(A) the statewide child fatality review committee established under IC 16-49-4; or

(B) a local child fatality review team established under IC 16-49-2;

selected by the director of the department with the consent of the committee or team.

(3) One (1) panel must be a foster care advisory panel consisting of at least five (5) and not more than eleven (11) members, selected to the extent feasible from the membership of any foster care advisory group previously established or recognized by the department. If the panel consists of seven (7) or fewer members, the panel must include at least one (1) foster parent licensed by the department and one (1) foster parent licensed by the department through a child placing agency licensed under IC 31-27-6. If the panel consists of more than seven (7) members, the panel must include two (2) foster parents licensed by the department and two (2) foster parents licensed by the department through a child placing agency licensed under IC 31-27-6. Additional members of the panel must include one (1) or more individuals who are employed by a child placing agency licensed under IC 31-27-6 and who provide services to foster families and children placed by the department in out-of-home placements, and may include other representatives of child welfare service providers or persons who provide training to current or prospective foster parents. All members of this panel must be individuals who are not employees of the department.

(4) The membership of any additional citizen review panels established under this section shall be determined by the director of the department, consistent with the guidelines for panel membership stated in subsection (b) and the purposes and functions of the panels as described in this section.

(5) Each citizen review panel shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years beginning July 1, 2007. Upon expiration of the term of the panel described in subdivision (1), the director of the department shall select a community child protection team established in a different county for the succeeding term. Upon expiration of the term of the panel described in subdivision (2), the director of the department shall select a different fatality review team, or committee, if available, for the succeeding term. Panels appointed under subdivision (3) or (4) may be reappointed for successive terms, in the discretion of the director of the department. The director may appoint individuals as needed to fill vacancies that occur during the term of any panel appointed under subdivision (3) or (4).

(d) A citizen review panel shall evaluate the extent to which a child welfare agency is effectively discharging the agency's child protection responsibilities by examining:

(1) the policies and procedures of child welfare agencies;

(2) if appropriate, specific child protective services cases; and

(3) other criteria the citizen review panel considers important to ensure the protection of children.

(e) Each citizen review panel shall:

(1) meet at least one (1) time every three (3) months; and

(2) prepare and make available to the department and the public an annual report that contains a summary of the activities of the citizen review panel.

(f) The department shall, not more than six (6) months after the date the department receives a report from a citizen review panel under subsection (e), submit to the citizen review panel a written response indicating whether and how the department will incorporate the recommendations of the citizen review panel. The department shall at the same time provide appropriate child welfare agencies with copies of the department's written response.

(g) A child welfare agency shall make all reports and other materials in the child welfare agency's possession available to a citizen review panel established under this section, including any reports and materials that the child welfare agency has received from other agencies.

(h) A member of a citizen review panel may not disclose to a person or government official any identifying information that is provided to the citizen review panel about:

(1) a specific child protective services case or child welfare agency case;

(2) a child or member of the child's family who is the subject of a child protective services assessment; or

(3) any other individuals identified in confidential reports, documents, or other materials.

(i) If a member of a citizen review panel violates subsection (h), the department may remove the member from the citizen review panel.

(j) A child welfare agency shall cooperate and work with each citizen review panel established under this section.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.46. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.32; P.L.128-2012, SEC.88; P.L.119-2013, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-9-2.1-150 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 9 / Chapter 2.1 / Section 31-9-2.1-150
"Legal settlement"
Status: in_force

Sec. 150. "Legal settlement", for purposes of IC 31-34-20-5, IC 31-34-21-10, IC 31-37-19-26, and IC 31-37-20-6, has the meaning set forth in IC 20-18-2-11.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Ind. Code § 31-37-19-12 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-37-19-12
HIV testing of delinquent child; reporting; notice to and counseling of victims
Status: in_force

Sec. 12. (a) This section applies if a child is a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1 due to the commission of a delinquent act that, if committed by an adult, would be:

(1) an offense relating to a criminal sexual act (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-216) and the offense created an epidemiologically demonstrated risk of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); or

(2) an offense relating to controlled substances (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-217) if the offense involved:

(A) the delivery by a person to another person; or

(B) the use by a person on another person;

of a contaminated sharp (as defined in IC 16-41-16-2) or other paraphernalia that creates an epidemiologically demonstrated risk of transmission of HIV by involving percutaneous contact.

(b) The juvenile court shall, in addition to any other order or decree the court makes under this chapter, order the child to undergo a screening test for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

(c) If the screening test indicates the presence of antibodies to HIV, the court shall order the child to undergo a confirmatory test.

(d) If the confirmatory test confirms the presence of the HIV antibodies, the court shall report the results to the Indiana department of health.

(e) The Indiana department of health shall do the following:

(1) Notify potentially affected victims of the offense relating to a criminal sexual act (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-216) or offense relating to controlled substances (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-217) of the HIV screening results.

(2) Provide counseling regarding HIV and a referral for appropriate health care to the victims.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.9(j).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.125-2007, SEC.2; P.L.114-2012, SEC.52; P.L.56-2023, SEC.306.
Ind. Code § 31-11-10-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 11 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-11-10-1
Action by party incapable of contracting marriage; petition filed by guardian
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) This section applies to a marriage that is voidable under IC 31-11-9-2 on the ground that a party to the marriage was incapable because of age or mental incompetency of contracting the marriage.

(b) The incapable party described in subsection (a) may file an action to annul the marriage in a court that has jurisdiction over the action under section 3 of this chapter.

(c) If a guardian of an incapacitated person is filing a petition for annulment of a marriage on behalf of the incapacitated person, the petition for annulment must set forth the name and address of the guardian.

(d) If a guardian of an incapacitated person files a petition for annulment of a marriage on behalf of the incapacitated person, the guardian shall file with the petition a copy of the court order granting authority to petition for annulment of marriage described in IC 29-3-9-12.2.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.83-2014, SEC.11.
Ind. Code § 31-32-3-9 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-32-3-9
Fees
Status: in_force

Sec. 9. If any fees arise, payment shall be made under IC 31-40.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-34-2.3-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 34 / Chapter 2.3 / Section 31-34-2.3-3
Serving temporary child protective order
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. The department shall serve a temporary child protective order issued under section 2 of this chapter on:

(1) the alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect; and

(2) the parent or other adult with whom the child will continue to reside.

As added by P.L.52-2007, SEC.8.
Ind. Code § 31-26-6-14 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 26 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-26-6-14
Transmission of plan, annual report, and other documents
Status: in_force

Sec. 14. (a) A regional services council or the regional manager shall transmit copies of the plan, each annual report, each revised plan, and any other report or document described by rule adopted under section 16 of this chapter, to the following:

(1) The director.

(2) Each department office in the service region.

(3) Each juvenile court in the service region.

(4) The community child protection team established under IC 31-33-3-1 of each county that participates in the regional services council.

(5) Appropriate public or voluntary agencies, including organizations for the prevention of child abuse or neglect.

(b) A regional services council shall provide to the department a copy of each plan, annual report, or revised plan transmitted under subsection (a) to be posted to the department's Internet web site.

As added by P.L.146-2008, SEC.571. Amended by P.L.104-2015, SEC.19.
Ind. Code § 31-36-1-5 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 36 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-36-1-5
School record attachments of missing children; procedure upon request for records
Status: in_force

Sec. 5. (a) Upon receiving a report under section 4 of this chapter, a school shall attach a notice to the child's school records stating that the child has been reported missing. The school shall remove the notice when the school is notified under IC 31-36-2-6 that the child has been found.

(b) If a request for the school records of a missing child is received, the school shall:

(1) obtain:

(A) the name, address, and telephone number of the person making the request; and

(B) the reason that the person is requesting the school records; and

(2) immediately notify the Indiana clearinghouse for information on missing children, missing veterans at risk, and missing endangered adults.

(c) The school may not issue a copy of school records without authorization from the Indiana clearinghouse for information on missing children, missing veterans at risk, and missing endangered adults and may not inform the person making the request that a notice that the child has been reported missing has been attached to the child's records.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-13-6.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.19. Amended by P.L.43-2009, SEC.22; P.L.40-2024, SEC.30.
Ind. Code § 31-35-4-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 35 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-35-4-1
Application of chapter
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. This chapter applies to an action initiated to terminate a parent-child relationship under:

(1) IC 31-35-2; or

(2) IC 31-35-3.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-15-1 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.
Ind. Code § 31-39-4-7 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 39 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-39-4-7
Access to records by certain staff of department of child services and department of child services ombudsman
Status: in_force

Sec. 7. The records of a law enforcement agency are available, without specific permission from the head of the agency, to:

(1) the attorney for the department of child services or any authorized staff member; or

(2) any authorized staff member of the department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.361; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.385.
Ind. Code § 31-19-5-15 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-19-5-15
Requests for search of registry by persons arranging adoption
Status: in_force

Sec. 15. (a) An attorney or agency that arranges an adoption or may arrange an adoption may at any time request that the state department search the registry to determine whether a putative father:

(1) is registered in relation to a mother whose child is or may be the subject of an adoption; or

(2) has filed a petition to establish paternity.

(b) Whenever a petition for adoption is filed, the attorney or agency that arranges the adoption shall:

(1) request that the state department search the registry under this section at least one (1) day after the expiration of the period specified by section 12 of this chapter; and

(2) file an affidavit prepared by the state department under section 16 of this chapter in response to a request under subdivision (1) with the court presiding over the adoption under this article.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-14(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.15; P.L.1-2010, SEC.122; P.L.56-2023, SEC.274.
Ind. Code § 31-37-18-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 37 / Chapter 18 / Section 31-37-18-3
Civil commitment; child with a mental illness
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. If it appears to the juvenile court that a child has a mental illness, the court may:

(1) refer the matter to the court having probate jurisdiction for civil commitment proceedings under IC 12-26; or

(2) initiate a civil commitment 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.99-2007, SEC.197.
Ind. Code § 31-16-9-1 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 16 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-16-9-1
Remittance of support payments to clerk, state central collection unit, or approved payment facility
Status: in_force

Sec. 1. (a) This subsection applies before January 1, 2007. Upon entering an order for support in:

(1) a dissolution of marriage decree under IC 31-15-2;

(2) a legal separation decree under IC 31-15-3; or

(3) a child support decree under IC 31-16-2;

the court shall require that support payments be made through the clerk of the circuit court as trustee for remittance to the person entitled to receive payments, unless the court has reasonable grounds for providing or approving another method of payment.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2007, except as provided in subsection (c), upon entering an order for support in:

(1) a dissolution of marriage decree under IC 31-15-2;

(2) a legal separation decree under IC 31-15-3; or

(3) a child support decree under IC 31-14-11 or IC 31-16-2;

the court shall require that support payments be made through the clerk of a circuit court, the state central collection unit established by IC 31-25-3-1, or a payment facility approved by the state, as trustee for remittance to the person entitled to receive payments, unless the court has reasonable grounds for providing or approving another method of payment.

(c) The clerk of a circuit court may only accept child support payments that are paid in cash, and all noncash child support payments must be paid to the state central collection unit established within the child support bureau by IC 31-25-3-1 or a payment facility approved by the state.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.10; P.L.148-2006, SEC.13; P.L.3-2008, SEC.231; P.L.207-2013, SEC.48; P.L.150-2018, SEC.14; P.L.78-2026, SEC.3.
Ind. Code § 31-19-10-8 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 10 / Section 31-19-10-8
Denial of putative father's adoption contest as bar to establishing paternity
Status: in_force

Sec. 8. A putative father is barred from establishing paternity of a child, by affidavit or otherwise, in Indiana or any other jurisdiction if his motion to contest the adoption has been denied under this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-6.3(e).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.113-2017, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 31-32-12-3 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 31-32-12-3
Return of child after passing of emergency
Status: in_force

Sec. 3. Whenever an emergency has passed or whenever medical care is no longer necessary under section 1(2) of this chapter, the child shall be returned to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian unless:

(1) a petition has been filed; and

(2) the court has determined under IC 31-34-5 or IC 31-37-5 that the child should remain in detention.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.
Ind. Code § 31-19-7-2 — Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 31-19-7-2
Consent of the department
Status: in_force

Sec. 2. Whenever the written approval for placement of a child in a proposed adoptive home is obtained from a licensed child placing agency, the consent of the department is not required unless the child is a ward of the department.

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

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.49.