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 t … [Read more...] about Change of placement of a child in need of services
Family
Court Appointed Child Advocate immunity
The Senate Committee on Civil Law heard SB 130 authored by Sen. Bohacek on court appointed child advocate (CASA) immunity. The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for a guardian ad litem program, a CASA program, and an employee, contract employee, or volunteer for a guardian ad litem program or court appointed special advocate program when a child is placed on a … [Read more...] about Court Appointed Child Advocate immunity
Child support
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 179 on child support, authored by Sen. Bray. The bill provides the following: incarceration of a parent may not be considered voluntary unemployment in determining an amount to be ordered for support of a child a court may modify the child support order, or approve a proposed modification, without holding a hearing if: (1) a petition to … [Read more...] about Child support
Eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance
The Senate Committee on Family and Children Services heard SB 11 authored by Sen. Bohacek on eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance. The bill (1) removes the 12-month limitation on receipt by certain individuals of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits, and (2) specifies that, beginning January 1, 2019, Indiana elects to opt out of the federal law pr … [Read more...] about Eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance
Newborn safety devices at fire departments
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 123 on newborn safety devices at fire departments authored by Sen. Holdman. Under the Safe Haven Law, this bill adds that it is a defense to a claim of neglect of a dependent if the individual left the child in a newborn safety device that is located at a fire department, including a volunteer fire department, that meets specified … [Read more...] about Newborn safety devices at fire departments