The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard an amendment to SB 128 authored by Sen. Head on change of placement of a child in need of services (CHINS).
At last week’s meeting, DCS testified against the bill, explaining that typically the Child and Family Team Meeting involves all parties, including foster parents, and that is when there is an opportunity for their voice to be heard. DCS also expressed concern that the bill would shift the focus of the system from the best interests of the child to the wishes of the foster parents, and that the addition of required hearings would put more stress on already stressed court dockets and delay permanency for children. This week an amendment was adopted that provides for immediate removal at DCS’s discretion in case of an emergency threatening the child’s life or health, with the original process to be followed afterward. The amended bill passed 6-0.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2018/bills/senate/128