The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard HB 1310 authored by Rep. Lauer on children in need of services. The bill provides that if a child has been removed from the child’s parent for at least 12 of the most recent 22 months at the time of a periodic case review, the child’s case plan must include at least one intended permanent or long term arrangement for … [Read more...] about Children in need of services
CHINS
Family and juvenile law matters
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1369 on family and juvenile matters authored by Rep. Julie McGuire. HB 1369 does the following: Rep. McGuire offered an amendment which defines the "act of rape" to include all forms of child molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor. The proposed amendment adds sexual misconduct with a minor as an offense that may be alleged in a … [Read more...] about Family and juvenile law matters
Reunification plan for a child in need of services
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 171 on reunification plan for a child in need of services authored by Sen. Greg Walker. The bill amends the circumstances under which reasonable efforts to reunify a child with the child's parent, guardian, or custodian or preserve a child's family are not required. If passed as written, DCS will no longer be required to try … [Read more...] about Reunification plan for a child in need of services
Representation of caregiver in CHINS cases
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 40 authored by Sen. Bohacek on representation of caregiver in CHINS cases. The bill provides that an unlicensed caregiver is entitled to representation by counsel in a child in need of services (CHINS) proceeding under certain circumstances. The bill was amended by consent to establish a pilot program for this purpose in LaPorte County, … [Read more...] about Representation of caregiver in CHINS cases
Paternity actions
H.E.A. 1172, P.L. 66 Effective: July 1, 2023 Amends IC 31-17-2-3 to allow a child, by the child's next friend, to commence a child custody proceeding under certain circumstances. Defines "next friend" for this purpose. Provides that a court having jurisdiction over a child who is the subject of a child in need of services proceeding or juvenile delinquency proceeding has … [Read more...] about Paternity actions