The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 381 authored by Sen. Messmer on children in need of services (CHINS). The author explained that when one child in the home is sexually abused, all children in the home are removed; however, if one child is physically abused, not all children are removed. The bill amends Ind. Code § 31-34-1-2, to provide the child and other … [Read more...] about Children in need of services.
children
Department of Child Services
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 428 authored by Sen. Zay on Department of Child Services (DCS). The bill requires the local school to participate in a case conference in a CHINS case when DCS prepares a pre-disposition report and requires DCS to share drug test results. Two local school representatives discussed a case in which a severely ill child was … [Read more...] about Department of Child Services
Department of Child Services
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1406 authored by Rep. Mayfield on the Department of Child Services. The bill updates and revises Indiana law to ensure consistency with federal law on child support. Testimony was heard in support of the amended bill from the Child Support Bureau. The bill amended passed 10-0. Read the bill at h … [Read more...] about Department of Child Services
Change of placement of a child in need of services
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
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