The Senate Civil Law committee heard SB 250 addressing parenting coordinators authored by Sen. Buck. Sen. Buck introduced the bill explaining he is concerned about the well-being of children in high conflict custody cases. The bill allows for the appointment of parenting coordinators to assist in disputes regarding custody and parenting matters. The bill also provides qu … [Read more...] about Parenting coordinators
Family
Guardianship; Department of Child Services
The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard HB1183 authored by Rep. Frizzell on guardianship; department of child services. The bill allows a parent to delegate the guardianship powers for a period longer than 12 months if the parent is on active duty service, except that the term of delegation may not exceed the term of active duty service plus 30 days. The bill … [Read more...] about Guardianship; Department of Child Services
Children in need of services
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 26 authored by Sen. Steele on children in need of services. The bill creates a presumption that a child is a child in need of services if the child is living in the same household as an adult who (1) committed certain offenses, or (2) has been charged with certain offenses and is awaiting trial. Marion Superior Court Judge Marilyn Moores and t … [Read more...] about Children in need of services
Child abuse or neglect allegations in military families
The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard HB 1271, child abuse or neglect allegations in military families, authored by Rep. Zent. This bill requires the Department of Child Services (DCS) to notify the U.S. Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program (DOD) if a child of an active duty member of the military is the subject of an assessment regarding an … [Read more...] about Child abuse or neglect allegations in military families
Release of identifying adoption information
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 91, authored by Sen. Steele, on the release of identifying adoption information. This legislation would permit release of identifying adoption information from 1941 – 1994, unless a non-release form is on file with the Indiana State Department of Health. Numerous groups testified in favor of the legislation including National Center on Ad … [Read more...] about Release of identifying adoption information