The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1099 on safe haven infants and foster youth sponsored by Sen. Donato. Author Rep. DeVon introduced the bill and explained that it provides that the maximum age for a safe haven infant is 60 days of age, repeals the definition of “abandoned child”, amends the definition of “foster youth”, and makes conforming changes … [Read more...] about Safe haven infants and foster youth
Department of Child Services
Juvenile law matters
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1605 on juvenile law matters, authored by Rep. McGuire. The law seeks to enhance child safety, ensure timely services, and clarify the roles and rights of involved parties in legal proceedings. On February 2nd, the committee heard testimony in support of the bill from Champions for Children, Firefly Children & Family Alliance, three … [Read more...] about Juvenile law matters
Offenses against children
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 326 on offenses against children authored by Sen. Freeman. The bill replaces the term "child pornography" with the term "child sex abuse material" throughout the Indiana Code. The bill also provides that it is a defense to prosecution of child exploitation and possession of child sex abuse material if a school employee, … [Read more...] about Offenses against children
Parental rights
At a previous meeting, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 143 on parental rights, authored by Sen. Liz Brown. The bill: Testimony in support of the bill was provided by the Alliance for Defending Freedom and six members of the public. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana testified against the bill. On January 15, 2025, the bill was heard for amend and … [Read more...] about Parental rights
DCS technical changes and adoption subsidies
H.E.A. 1064, P.L. 46 Effective: July 1, 2024 Relocates the definition of "foster youth". Defines "licensed kinship caregiver". Makes the following changes regarding state adoption subsidies: (1) Removes the age requirement for eligibility. (2) Provides that a child who is a ward of the Department of Child Services (DCS) is considered hard to place for purposes of eligibility. … [Read more...] about DCS technical changes and adoption subsidies