For amend and vote only, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard Sen. Bohacek’s SB 423 creating a court appointed youth advocate pilot program until July 1, 2021, for purposes of providing early intervention and mentoring services for children who are adjudicated delinquent. The Office of Judicial Administration will administer the pilot. The bill also provides: a youth advocate … [Read more...] about Court appointed youth advocate pilot program
Juvenile
Juvenile court voluntary preventative programs
The Senate Committee on Family and Children Services heard SB 596 authored by Sen. Spartz and Sen. Merritt on juvenile court voluntary preventative programs. The bill provides that the Indiana Supreme Court may establish a pilot program to assist juvenile court judges in creating voluntary preventative programs for at-risk children. The bill provides that the Indiana Supreme Court … [Read more...] about Juvenile court voluntary preventative programs
Department of Child Services matters
The House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs heard HB 1198 authored by Rep. Frizzell on Department of Child Services matters. The bill defines “child”, for purposes of filing a petition to terminate a parent-child relationship involving a delinquent child or child in need of services, as an individual who is less than 18 years of age. The bill also updates the list of … [Read more...] about Department of Child Services matters
Department of Child Services
The Senate Family & Children Services Committee heard SB 1 authored by Sen. Houchin on the Department of Child Services (DCS). The bill would make several changes: All decisions made by DCS or the courts shall be made in consideration of the best interests of the child or children concerned. DCS would be required to make diligent efforts to identify all adult relatives and … [Read more...] about Department of Child Services
Substance abuse prevention grant programs
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 111 authored by Sen. Koch on substance abuse prevention grant programs. The bill creates a $100,000 grant program for community and faith-based substance abuse prevention programs as well as a $50,000 grant program for community and faith-based substance abuse prevention transportation assistance. An associate pastor from … [Read more...] about Substance abuse prevention grant programs