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
Family
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
Notification of abuse or neglect assessment
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 159 on notification of abuse or neglect assessment authored by Sen. Banks and Sen. Grooms. This bill requires notification to the U.S. Department of Defense if a child of a parent, guardian or custodian on active duty in the military is the subject of an allegation of abuse or neglect. Committee members expressed concern a … [Read more...] about Notification of abuse or neglect assessment
Department of Child Services matters
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 305 on Department of Child Services matters authored by Sen. Head. This bill makes a child who is a victim of human trafficking a new CHINS category, and other CHINS changes. It also removes a requirement that a delinquent be removed from the home in order to have DCS pay for services in an informal adjustment, deletes … [Read more...] about Department of Child Services matters
Terminating the parent-child relationship
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1064 authored by Rep. Slager on terminating the parent-child relationship. The bill allows a parent, who is a victim of rape resulting in the conception of a child, to file a petition to terminate the parental rights of the alleged rapist. The bill includes time frames for filing a petition depending on the age of the parent/victim. Testimony in … [Read more...] about Terminating the parent-child relationship