Bill Text: IN SB0465 | 2011 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Department of child services.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2011-05-18 - Effective 07/01/2011 [SB0465 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2011-SB0465-Amended.html
Citations Affected: IC 12-18; IC 29-3; IC 31-9; IC 31-14; IC 31-17;
IC 31-19; IC 31-25; IC 31-27; IC 31-30; IC 31-33; IC 31-34; IC 31-35;
IC 31-37; IC 35-40; IC 35-50.
Synopsis: Department of child services. Makes changes to the laws
concerning: (1) guardianship of a minor; (2) regulation of child caring
institutions, foster family homes, including therapeutic and special
needs foster family homes, group homes, and child placing agencies;
(3) adoption; (4) incentive payments to counties for enforcing and
collecting child support; (5) juvenile court jurisdiction; (6) child abuse
and neglect reporting and investigation; (7) the child protection index;
(8) placement of a child in need of services; (9) notification
requirements regarding proceedings on motions for child testimony by
closed circuit television; and (10) placement of a child that is a
delinquent child. Provides that a county domestic violence fatality
review team shall review cases in which a person who committed
suicide was a victim of an act of domestic violence. Permits a court to
require a noncustodial parent who has been convicted of certain crimes
of domestic violence to require the parent to attend a batterer's
intervention program certified by the Indiana coalition against domestic
violence as a condition of receiving unsupervised visitation time.
Requires that a batterer's intervention program to which a court may
order a person to attend must be certified by the Indiana coalition
against domestic violence.
Effective: July 1, 2011.
January 13, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary.
February 14, 2011, amended, reported favorably _ Do Pass.
February 15, 2011, read second time, amended, ordered engrossed.
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
family law and juvenile law.
(1) the person who commits the act of domestic violence resulting in death:
(2) the manner of death is suicide, and the deceased individual was a victim of an act of domestic violence.
(b) The legislative body (as defined in IC 36-1-2-9) of a county must determine by majority vote if the county will establish a local domestic violence fatality review team.
(c) If a county elects not to establish a county domestic violence fatality review team, the county may join with one (1) or more other
counties that have not established a county domestic violence fatality
review team and form a regional domestic violence fatality review
team.
(d) To establish a regional domestic violence fatality review team
as described in subsection (c), the legislative body of each county
comprising the region must cast a majority of votes in favor of
establishing a regional domestic violence fatality review team.
(1) The name, age, residence, and post office address of the alleged incapacitated person or minor for whom the guardian is sought to be appointed or the protective order issued.
(2) The nature of the incapacity.
(3) The approximate value and description of the property of the incapacitated person or minor, including any compensation, pension, insurance, or allowance to which the incapacitated person or minor may be entitled.
(4) If a limited guardianship is sought, the particular limitations requested.
(5) Whether a protective order has been issued or a guardian has been appointed or is acting for the incapacitated person or minor in any state.
(6) The residence and post office address of the proposed guardian or person to carry out the protective order and the relationship to the alleged incapacitated person of:
(A) the proposed guardian; or
(B) the person proposed to carry out the protective order.
(7) The names and addresses, as far as known or as can reasonably be ascertained, of the persons most closely related by blood or marriage to the person for whom the guardian is sought to be appointed or the protective order is issued.
(8) The name and address of the person or institution having the care and custody of the person for whom the guardian is sought to be appointed or the protective order is issued.
(9) The names and addresses of any other incapacitated persons or minors for whom the proposed guardian or person to carry out the protective order is acting if the proposed guardian or person is an individual.
(10) The reasons the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a protective order is sought and the interest of the petitioner in the appointment or issuance.
(11) The name and business address of the attorney who is to represent the guardian or person to carry out the protective order.
(12) Whether a child in need of services petition or a program of informal adjustment has been filed regarding the minor for whom a guardianship is being sought, and, if so, whether the case regarding the minor is open at the time the guardianship petition is filed.
(b) Notice of a petition under this section for the appointment of a guardian or the issuance of a protective order and the hearing on the petition shall be given under IC 29-3-6.
(c) After the filing of a petition, the court shall set a date for a hearing on the issues raised by the petition. Unless an alleged incapacitated person is already represented by counsel, the court may appoint an attorney to represent the incapacitated person.
(d) A person alleged to be an incapacitated person must be present at the hearing on the issues raised by the petition and any response to the petition unless the court determines by evidence that:
(1) it is impossible or impractical for the alleged incapacitated person to be present due to the alleged incapacitated person's disappearance, absence from the state, or similar circumstance;
(2) it is not in the alleged incapacitated person's best interest to be present because of a threat to the health or safety of the alleged incapacitated person as determined by the court;
(3) the incapacitated person has knowingly and voluntarily consented to the appointment of a guardian or the issuance of a protective order and at the time of such consent the incapacitated person was not incapacitated as a result of a mental condition that would prevent that person from knowingly and voluntarily consenting; or
(4) the incapacitated person has knowingly and voluntarily waived notice of the hearing and at the time of such waiver the incapacitated person was not incapacitated as a result of a mental condition that would prevent that person from making a knowing and voluntary waiver of notice.
(e) A person alleged to be an incapacitated person may present evidence and cross-examine witnesses at the hearing. The issues raised by the petition and any response to the petition shall be determined by a jury if a jury is requested no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the original date and time set for the hearing on the petition.
However, in no event may a request for a jury trial be made after thirty
(30) days have passed following the service of notice of a petition.
(f) Any person may apply for permission to participate in the
proceeding, and the court may grant the request with or without hearing
upon determining that the best interest of the alleged incapacitated
person or minor will be served by permitting the applicant's
participation. The court may attach appropriate conditions to the
permission to participate.
(g) A court shall notify the department of child services of a
hearing regarding the guardianship of a minor under this section
if a:
(1) child in need of services petition has been filed regarding
the minor; or
(2) program of informal adjustment involving the minor is
pending.
The department of child services may participate in a hearing
regarding the guardianship of a minor described in this subsection.
(1) A requirement that the minor must reside with the guardian until the guardianship is terminated or modified.
(2) Any terms and conditions that a parent must meet in order to seek modification or termination of the guardianship.
(b) Except as provided in IC 29-3-12, if an order creating a guardianship contains terms and conditions described in subsection (a)(2), the court may modify or terminate the guardianship only if the parent:
(1) complies with the terms and conditions; and
(2) proves the parent's current fitness to assume all parental obligations by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) If:
(1) a petition is filed for modification, resignation, or removal of the guardian or termination of the guardianship before the parent complies with the court ordered terms and conditions described in subsection (a)(2); and
(2) the minor:
(A) was the subject of a petition alleging the child to be a child in need of services; or
(B) is participating in a program of informal adjustment;
the court shall refer the petition to the department of child services
for the department of child services to determine the placement of
the child in accordance with the best interests of the child.
(d) A court shall notify the department of child services:
(1) if:
(A) the court appoints a guardian for a minor who:
(i) was the subject of a petition alleging the minor to be
a child in need of services; or
(ii) is participating in a program of informal adjustment;
and
(B) a petition to modify or terminate the guardianship of
the minor or a petition regarding the death, resignation, or
removal of the guardian is filed; and
(2) of any hearings related to the petitions described under
subdivision (1)(B).
(e) If a minor was the subject of a petition alleging the minor to
be a child in need of services or is participating in a program of
informal adjustment, the court shall do the following at a hearing
regarding a petition filed under this section:
(1) Consider the position of the department of child services.
(2) If requested by the department of child services, allow the
department of child services to present evidence regarding:
(A) whether the guardianship should be modified or
terminated;
(B) the fitness of the parent to provide for the care and
supervision of the minor at the time of the hearing;
(C) the appropriate care and placement of the child; and
(D) the best interests of the child.
(1) request:
and IC 31-37, currently residing in a location designated by
the department of child services or by a juvenile court as the
out-of-home placement for a child at the time the child will
reside in the location; or
(ii) for purposes of IC 31-27-4-5, a resident of the applicant's
household who is at least fourteen (14) years of age; and
(B) (A) the state police department to conduct a:
(i) fingerprint based criminal history background check of
both national and state records data bases concerning a
person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age in
accordance with IC 10-13-3-27 and IC 10-13-3-39; or
(ii) national name based criminal history record check (as
defined in IC 10-13-3-12.5) of a person who is at least
eighteen (18) years of age as described in clause (A) as
provided by IC 10-13-3-27.5; or
(B) if an individual has:
(i) a physical disability that prevents fingerprinting and
a person approved by the department who is trained to
take fingerprints or a qualified medical practitioner (as
defined in IC 10-13-3-16.5) verifies that the individual
has a disabling condition that prevents fingerprinting; or
(ii) low quality fingerprints, as a result of age,
occupation, or otherwise, that prevent fingerprint results
from being obtained and the individual's fingerprints
have been rejected the required number of times by
automated fingerprint classification equipment or
rejected by a person designated by the department to
examine and classify fingerprints;
the state police department to conduct a national name
based criminal history record check (as defined in
IC 10-13-3-12.5) or request the state police department to
release or allow inspection of a limited criminal history (as
defined in IC 10-13-3-11) and the state police in every state
the individual has resided in the past five (5) years to
release or allow inspection of the state's criminal history;
(2) collect each substantiated report of child abuse or neglect
reported in a jurisdiction where a probation officer, a caseworker,
or the department of child services has reason to believe that a
person described in subdivision (1)(A), who is fourteen (14)
years of age or older, or a person for whom a fingerprint based
criminal history background check is required under IC 31,
resided within the previous five (5) years; and
(3) request information concerning any substantiated report of child abuse or neglect relating to a person
(b) "Custodian", for purposes of IC 31-34-1, includes any person who is:
(1) a license applicant or licensee of:
(A) a foster home or residential child care facility that is required to be licensed or is licensed under IC 31-27;
(B) a child care center that is required to be licensed or is licensed under IC 12-17.2-4; or
(C) a child care home that is required to be licensed or is licensed under IC 12-17.2-5;
(2) a person who is responsible for care, supervision, or welfare of children while providing services as an owner, operator, director, manager, supervisor, employee, or volunteer at:
(A) a home, center, or facility described in subdivision (1);
(B) a child care ministry, as defined in IC 12-7-2-28.8, that is exempt from licensing requirements and is registered or required to be registered under IC 12-17.2-6;
(C) a home, center, or facility of a child care provider, as defined in IC 12-7-2-149.1(4);
(D) a home, center, or facility that is the location of a program that provides child care, as defined in section 16.3 of this chapter, to serve migrant children and that is exempt from licensing under IC 12-17.2-2-8(6), whether or not the program is certified as described in IC 12-17.2-2-9; or
(E) a school, as defined in section 113.5 of this chapter;
(3) a child caregiver, as defined in section 16.4 of this chapter;
(4) a member of the household of the child's noncustodial parent; or
(5) an individual who has or intends to have direct contact, on a regular and continuing basis, with a child for whom the individual provides care and supervision.
(1) A physician licensed under IC 25-22.5.
(2) A physician assistant licensed under IC 25-27.5.
(3) A physical therapist licensed under IC 25-27.
(4) An advanced practice nurse licensed under IC 25-23.
(5) A chiropractor licensed under IC 25-10.
(6) A psychologist licensed under IC 25-33.
(1) that provides care to:
(A) a child; or
(B) an individual at least eighteen (18) but less than twenty-one (21) years of age receiving foster care for older youth under IC 31-28-5.7-1;
who
(2) in which the child or individual receives treatment in a family home through an integrated array of services supervised and supported by qualified program staff from:
(A) the
(B) a managed care provider that contracts with the division of mental health and addiction; or
(C) a licensed child placing agency; and
(3) that meets the additional requirements of IC 31-27-4-2.
or family violence that was witnessed or heard by the noncustodial
parent's child.
(b) There is created a rebuttable presumption that the court shall
order that the noncustodial parent's parenting time with the child must
be supervised:
(1) for at least one (1) year and not more than two (2) years
immediately following the crime involving domestic or family
violence; or
(2) until the child becomes emancipated;
whichever occurs first.
(c) As a condition of granting the noncustodial parent
unsupervised parenting time, the court may require the
noncustodial parent to complete a batterer's intervention program
certified by the Indiana coalition against domestic violence.
(b) There is created a rebuttable presumption that the court shall order that the noncustodial parent's parenting time with the child must be supervised:
(1) for at least one (1) year and not more than two (2) years immediately following the crime involving domestic or family violence; or
(2) until the child becomes emancipated;
whichever occurs first.
(c) As a condition of granting the noncustodial parent unsupervised parenting time, the court may require the noncustodial parent to complete a batterer's intervention program certified by the Indiana coalition against domestic violence.
SECTION 19, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2011]: Sec. 6. (a) The report required by section 5 of this
chapter must, to the extent possible, include the following:
(1) The former environment and antecedents of the child.
(2) The fitness of the child for adoption.
(3) The suitability of the proposed home for the child.
(b) The report may not contain any of the following:
(1) Information concerning the financial condition of the
prospective adoptive parents.
(2) A recommendation that a request for a subsidy be denied in
whole or in part due to the financial condition of the prospective
adoptive parents.
(c) The criminal history information required under IC 31-19-2-7.5
must accompany the report.
(1) the court;
(2) a notary public or other person authorized to take acknowledgments; or
(3) an authorized agent of:
(A) the department;
(B) a county office of family and children; or
(C) a licensed child placing agency.
(b) The child's mother may not execute a consent to adoption before the birth of the child.
(c) The child's father may execute a consent to adoption before the birth of the child if the consent to adoption:
(1) is in writing;
(2) is signed by the child's father in the presence of a notary public; and
(3) contains an acknowledgment that:
(A) the consent to adoption is irrevocable; and
(B) the child's father will not receive notice of the adoption proceedings.
(d) A child's father who consents to the adoption of the child under subsection (c) may not challenge or contest the child's adoption.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (f) or (g), a person who executes a written consent to the adoption of a child may not execute a second or subsequent written consent to have another person adopt the child unless one (1) or more of the following apply:
(1) Each original petitioner provides a written statement that the petitioner is not adopting the child.
(2) The person consenting to the adoption has been permitted to withdraw the first consent to adoption under IC 31-19-10.
(3) The court dismisses the petition for adoption filed by the original petitioner or petitioners for adoption based upon a showing, by clear and convincing evidence, that it is not in the best interests of the child that the petition for adoption be granted.
(4) The court denies the petition to adopt the child filed by the original petitioner or petitioners for adoption.
(f) The department may execute more than one (1) written consent to the adoption of a child if the department determines that the execution of more than one (1) written consent is in the best interests of the child.
(g) The parents of a child who is a ward of the department may execute a second or subsequent consent if:
(1) the court with jurisdiction over the child in need of services determines that adoption by the person to whom consents were originally signed is not in the child's best interest; or
(2) if the child's placement with the person who has petitioned or intends to petition to adopt the child is disrupted.
(1) the adoption requested is in the best interest of the child;
(2) the petitioner or petitioners for adoption are of sufficient ability to rear the child and furnish suitable support and education;
(3) the report of the investigation and recommendation under IC 31-19-8-5 has been filed;
(4) the attorney or agency arranging an adoption has filed with the court an affidavit prepared by the state department of health under IC 31-19-5-16 indicating whether a man is entitled to notice of the adoption because the man has registered with the putative father registry in accordance with IC 31-19-5;
(5) proper notice arising under subdivision (4), if notice is necessary, of the adoption has been given;
(6) the attorney or agency has filed with the court an affidavit prepared by the state department of health under:
(A) IC 31-19-6 indicating whether a record of a paternity
determination; or
(B) IC 16-37-2-2(g) indicating whether a paternity affidavit
executed under IC 16-37-2-2.1;
has been filed in relation to the child;
(7) proper consent, if consent is necessary, to the adoption has
been given;
(8) the petitioner for adoption is not prohibited from adopting the
child as the result of an inappropriate criminal history described
in subsection (c) or (d); and
(9) the person, licensed child placing agency, or county office of
family and children that has placed the child for adoption has
provided the documents and other information required under
IC 31-19-17 to the prospective adoptive parents;
the court shall grant the petition for adoption and enter an adoption
decree.
(b) A court may not grant an adoption unless the state department
of health's affidavit under IC 31-19-5-16 is filed with the court as
provided under subsection (a)(4).
(c) A conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor related to the health
and safety of a child juvenile adjudication for an act that would be
a felony listed in subdivisions (1) through (20) if committed by an
adult, a conviction of a misdemeanor related to the health and
safety of a child, or a conviction of a felony not listed in
subdivisions (1) through (20) by a petitioner for adoption is a
permissible basis for the court to deny the petition for adoption. In
addition, the court may not grant an adoption if a petitioner for
adoption has been convicted of any of the felonies or convicted of an
attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the felonies, described as
follows:
(1) Murder (IC 35-42-1-1).
(2) Causing suicide (IC 35-42-1-2).
(3) Assisting suicide (IC 35-42-1-2.5).
(4) Voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3).
(5) Reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5).
(6) Battery as a felony (IC 35-42-2-1).
(7) Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3).
(8) Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5).
(9) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2).
(10) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3).
(11) A felony sex offense under IC 35-42-4.
(12) Carjacking (IC 35-42-5-2).
(13) Arson (IC 35-43-1-1).
(14) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3).
(15) Neglect of a dependent (IC 35-46-1-4(a)(1) and IC 35-46-1-4(a)(2)).
(16) Child selling (IC 35-46-1-4(d)).
(17) A felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 or IC 35-47.5.
(18) A felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4.
(19) An offense relating to material or a performance that is harmful to minors or obscene under IC 35-49-3.
(20) A felony under the laws of another jurisdiction, including a military court, that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in subdivisions (1) through (19).
However, the court is not prohibited from granting an adoption based upon a felony conviction under subdivision (6), (10), (12), (13), (17), or (18), or its equivalent under subdivision (20), if the
(d) A court may not grant an adoption if the petitioner is a sex or violent offender (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5) or a sexually violent predator (as defined in IC 35-38-1-7.5).
(1) the prospective adoptive parents:
(A) at the time the home study or evaluation concerning the suitability of the proposed home for the child is commenced;
(B) as soon as practical after the prospective adoptive parents are matched with the birth mother; or
(C) with the consent of the prospective adoptive parents, not more than thirty (30) days after the child is placed with the prospective adoptive parents; and
(2) upon request and without information that would identify the birth parents unless an adoptee already knows the identity of the birth parents, an adoptee who:
(A) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(B) provides proof of identification.
(1) exclude information that would identify the birth parents unless the prospective adoptive parent or the adoptive parent under subdivision (2)(A) or an adoptee under subdivision (2)(B) who requests the information knows the identity of the birth parents; and
(2) release all available social, medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the child to:
(A) the prospective adoptive parent or the adoptive parent; and
(B) upon request, an adoptee who:
(i) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(ii) provides proof of identification.
(1) the prospective adoptive parent or the adoptive parent; and
(2) upon request, an adoptee who:
(A) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(B) provides proof of identification;
with a summary of other existing social, medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the child of which the person, agency, or county office has knowledge but does not have possession. If requested by
(1) Twenty-two and two-tenths percent (22.2%) of the incentive payments shall be distributed to
(2) Thirty-three and four-tenths percent (33.4%) of the incentive payments shall be distributed to the operating budget of the prosecuting attorney.
(3) Twenty-two and two-tenths percent (22.2%) of the incentive payments shall be distributed to the operating budget of the circuit court clerk.
(b) Notwithstanding IC 36-2-5-2(b), distribution from the county treasury under subsection (a) shall be made without the necessity of first obtaining an appropriation from the county fiscal body.
(c) The amount that a county receives and the terms under which the incentive payment is paid must be in accordance with relevant federal statutes and the federal regulations promulgated under the statutes. However, amounts received as incentive payments may not, without the approval of the county fiscal body, be used to increase or supplement the salary of an elected official. The amounts received as incentive payments must be used to supplement, rather than take the place of, other funds used for Title IV-D program activities.
(d) The Title IV-D agency shall retain twenty-two and two-tenths percent (22.2%) of the incentive payments described in subsection (a).
(b) The incentive payments under section 23(a)(1) of this chapter shall be paid into the fund.
(c) Money in the fund may be used only for child support enforcement purposes.
(d) Money in the fund does not revert to any other fund.
(1) State department of health.
(2) Fire prevention and building safety commission.
(b) The rules adopted under subsection (a) shall be applied by the department and state fire marshal in the licensing and inspection of applicants for a license and licensees under this article.
(c) The rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 must establish minimum standards for the care and treatment of children in a secure private facility.
(d) The rules described in subsection (c) must include standards governing the following:
(1) Admission criteria.
(2) General physical and environmental conditions.
(3) Services and programs to be provided to confined children.
(4) Procedures for ongoing monitoring and discharge planning.
(5) Procedures for the care and control of confined persons that are necessary to ensure the health, safety, and treatment of confined children.
(e) The department shall license a facility as a
(1) meets the minimum standards required under subsection (c);
(2) provides a continuum of care and services; and
(3) is:
(A) licensed under IC 12-25, IC 16-21-2, or IC 31-27-3; or
(B) a unit of a facility licensed under IC 12-25 or IC 16-21-2;
regardless of the facility's duration of or previous licensure as a child caring institution.
(f) A waiver of the rules may not be granted for treatment and reporting requirements.
(b) An applicant must submit the required information as part of the application.
(c) The applicant must submit with the application a statement attesting the following:
(1) That the applicant has not been convicted of:
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children.
(2) That the applicant has not been charged with:
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of
children;
during the pendency of the application.
(d) The department, on behalf of an applicant, or, at the discretion
of the department, an applicant, shall conduct a criminal history check
of the following:
(1) Each individual who is an applicant.
(2) The director or manager of a facility where children will be
placed.
(3) An employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has or will
have direct contact on a regular and continuing basis with a child
who is or will be placed in a facility operated by the applicant.
(e) If the applicant conducts a criminal history check under
subsection (d), the applicant shall:
(1) maintain records of the information it receives concerning
each individual who is the subject of a criminal history check; and
(2) submit to the department a copy of the information it receives
concerning each person described in subsection (d)(1) through
(d)(3).
(f) If the department conducts a criminal history check on behalf of
an applicant under subsection (d), the department shall:
(1) determine whether the subject of a national fingerprint based
criminal history check has a record of: a conviction for:
(A) a conviction for a felony; or
(B) a conviction for a misdemeanor relating to the health and
safety of a child; or
(C) a juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by
an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a);
(2) notify the applicant of the determination under subdivision (1)
without identifying a specific offense or other identifying
information concerning a conviction or juvenile adjudication
contained in the national criminal history record information;
(3) submit to the applicant a copy of any state limited criminal
history report that the department receives on behalf of any person
described in subsection (d); and
(4) maintain a record of every report and all information the
department receives concerning a person described in subsection
(d).
(g) Except as provided in subsection (h), a criminal history check
described in subsection (d) is required only at the time an application
for a new license or the renewal of an existing license is submitted.
(h) A criminal history check of a person described in subsection
(d)(2) or (d)(3) must be completed on or before the date the person is
employed or assigned as a volunteer. However, a fingerprint based
criminal history background check under IC 31-9-2-22.5(1)(B) for a
person described in subsection (d)(3) must be completed not later than
the conclusion of the first ninety (90) days of employment in or
assignment of a volunteer to a position described in subsection (d)(3).
If a person described in this subsection has been the subject of a
criminal history check (as described in IC 31-9-2-22.5) that was
conducted not more than one (1) year before the date the license
application is submitted to the department, a new criminal history
check of that person is not required.
(i) An applicant or licensee may provisionally employ an individual
or assign a volunteer described in subsection (d)(3) for whom a
criminal history check is required under subsection (d)(3) during the
period after the process of requesting fingerprint based criminal history
background check information has been initiated by or on behalf of the
applicant or licensee but before the determination is obtained by or
communicated to the applicant or licensee. If the determination is not
received by not later than the ninety (90) days after the effective date
of hire or volunteer assignment, the employee or volunteer relationship
must be terminated or suspended until a determination is received. An
employee or volunteer whose determination has not yet been received
may not have direct contact with a child who is or will be placed at a
facility operated by the applicant or licensee unless the direct contact
occurs only in the presence of a volunteer or employee of the applicant
or licensee who has been the subject of a completed and approved
criminal history check. In determining whether to provisionally hire or
assign as a volunteer an individual described in subsection (d)(3), the
applicant or licensee shall consider the following:
(1) The training time required by an employee or a volunteer.
(2) The safety and security of the children under the supervision
of the applicant or licensee.
(3) The safety and security of the other staff and volunteers
working under the supervision of the applicant or licensee.
(4) The staffing concerns of the applicant or licensee.
(5) Any other factor relating to the safety and security of the
applicant's or licensee's operations.
(j) The department shall, at the applicant's request, inform the
applicant whether the department has or does not have a record of the
person who is the subject of a criminal history background check and
if the department has identified the person as an alleged perpetrator of
abuse or neglect. The department may not provide to the applicant any
details or personally identifying information contained in any child
protective services investigation report.
(k) A person who is the subject of a criminal history check
conducted in accordance with this section may request the state police
department to provide the person with a copy of any state or national
criminal history report concerning the person.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:
(A) the applicant; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant.
(2) A criminal conviction of the applicant, or the director or manager of a facility where children will be placed by the applicant, of:
(A) a felony;
(B) a misdemeanor related to the health and safety of a child;
(C) a misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal); or
(D) a misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.
(3) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the applicant's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the applicant; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant;
previously operated a home or facility without a license required under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.
(6) A juvenile adjudication of the applicant for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(b) An application for a license may also be denied if an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant has
(1) A conviction of a felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a), unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:
(1) a license application could be denied due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee or a volunteer of the applicant; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has been dismissed by the applicant;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee or former volunteer does not constitute a sufficient basis for the denial of a license application.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:
(A) the licensee; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee.
(2) A criminal conviction of the licensee, or the director or manager of a facility where children will be placed by the licensee, of any of the following:
(A) A felony.
(B) A misdemeanor related to the health or safety of a child.
(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal).
(D) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.
(3) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the licensee's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the licensee; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee;
previously operated a home or facility without a license required under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.
(6) A juvenile adjudication of a licensee for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(b) A license may also be revoked if an employee or volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee has
(1) A conviction of a felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a), unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:
(1) a license could be revoked due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee or a volunteer of the licensee; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has been dismissed by the licensee within a reasonable time after the licensee became aware of the conviction or determination;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee or former volunteer does not constitute a sufficient basis for the revocation of a license.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(b) The state or a political subdivision of the state may not operate a therapeutic foster family home without a license issued under this article.
(c) The department may issue a license only for a therapeutic foster family home that meets:
(1) all the licensing requirements of a foster family home; and
(2) the additional requirements described in this section.
(d) An applicant for a therapeutic foster family home license must do the following:
(1) Be licensed as a foster parent under this chapter and 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.
(2) Participate in preservice training that includes:
(A) preservice training to be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.; and
(B) additional preservice training in therapeutic foster care.
(e) A person who is issued a license to operate a therapeutic foster family home shall, within one (1) year after meeting the training requirements of subsection (d)(2) and, annually thereafter, participate in training that includes:
(1) training as required in order to be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.; and
(2) additional training in order to be licensed as a therapeutic foster parent under this chapter.
(f) An operator of a therapeutic foster family home may not provide supervision and care in a therapeutic foster family home to more than
(g) An operator of a therapeutic foster family home that has a therapeutic foster child placed with the therapeutic foster family home may not accept a placement of a child who is not a therapeutic foster child unless the child who is not a therapeutic foster child is a sibling of the therapeutic foster child who is placed with the therapeutic foster family home unless it is in the best interests of the child being placed.
(k) If a therapeutic foster family home does not meet the requirements under subsections (f) or (g) on July 1, 2011, any foster child placed in the home prior to July 1, 2011, may remain
placed. However, a new placement of a child may not be made in
violation of this section.
(b) The state or a political subdivision of the state may not operate a special needs foster family home without a license issued under this article.
(c) The department may only issue a license for a special needs foster family home that meets:
(1) all the licensing requirements of a foster family home; and
(2) the additional requirements described in this section.
(d) An applicant for a special needs foster family home license must be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq. that includes participating in preservice training.
(e) A person who is issued a license to operate a special needs foster family home shall, within one (1) year after meeting the training requirements of subsection (d) and, annually thereafter, participate in training that includes:
(1) training as required in order to be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.; and
(2) additional training that includes specialized training to meet the child's or individual's specific needs.
(f) An operator of a special needs foster family home may not provide supervision and care as a special needs foster family home if more than:
(1)
(A) is less than eighteen (18) years of age; or
(B) is at least eighteen (18) years of age and is receiving care and supervision under an order of a juvenile court; or
(2) four (4) individuals less than six (6) years of age;
including the children or individuals for whom the provider is a parent, stepparent, guardian, custodian, or other relative, receive care and supervision in the home at the same time. Not more than four (4) of the
(g) An individual who receives foster care for older youth under
IC 31-28-5.7-1 in a special needs foster family home shall not be
considered in determining whether the special needs foster family
home meets or exceeds the limit set forth in subsection (f)(1).
(h) The department shall consider the specific needs of each special
needs foster child or individual whenever the department determines
the appropriate number of children or individuals to place in the special
needs foster home under subsection (f). The department may require a
special needs foster family home to provide care and supervision to less
than the maximum number of children or individuals allowed under
subsection (f) upon consideration of the specific needs of a special
needs foster child or individual.
(i) A special needs foster family home may provide care for an
individual receiving foster care for older youth under IC 31-28-5.7-1
if the individual is no longer under the care and supervision of a
juvenile court.
(j) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2, including
emergency rules under IC 4-22-2-37.1, necessary to carry out this
section, including rules governing the number of hours of training
required under subsection (e).
(k) If a special needs foster family home does not meet the
requirements under subsection (f) on July 1, 2011, any foster child
placed in the home prior to July 1, 2011 may remain placed.
However, a new placement of a child may not be made in violation
of this section.
(b) An applicant must submit the required information as part of the application.
(c) An applicant must submit with the application a statement attesting the following:
(1)
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children.
(2)
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children;
during the pendency of the application.
(d) An applicant shall submit the necessary information, forms, or
consents for the department to conduct a criminal history check for
each individual who is an applicant.
(e) The department or, at the discretion of the department, an
applicant, shall conduct a criminal history check of:
(1) the applicant's employees and volunteers who have or will
have direct contact, on a regular and continuing basis, with
children who are or will be under the direct supervision of the
applicant; and
(2) all household members who are at least fourteen (14) years of
age.
(f) If the applicant conducts criminal history checks under
subsection (e), the applicant shall maintain records of the information
received concerning each individual subject of a criminal history
check.
(g) If the department conducts a criminal history check on behalf of
an applicant under subsection (e), the department shall:
(1) make a determination whether the subject of a national
fingerprint based criminal history check has a record of: a
conviction for:
(A) a conviction for a felony; or
(B) a conviction for a misdemeanor relating to the health and
safety of a child; or
(C) a juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by
an adult, would be a felony listed in section 13(a) of this
chapter;
(2) notify the applicant of the determination under subdivision (1)
without identifying a specific offense or other identifying
information concerning a conviction or juvenile adjudication
contained in the national criminal history record information;
(3) submit to the applicant a copy of any state limited criminal
history report that the department receives on behalf of any person
described in subsection (e); and
(4) maintain a record of every report and all information the
department receives concerning a person described in subsection
(e).
(h) Except as provided in subsection (i), a criminal history check
described in subsection (e) is required only at the time an application
for a new license or the renewal of an existing license is submitted.
(i) With the exception of a fingerprint based criminal history
background check under IC 31-9-2-22.5(1)(B) for a person described
in subsection (e)(1), a criminal history check concerning a person
described in subsection (e) must be completed on or before the date on
which the subject of the check is first employed or assigned as a
volunteer in a position described in subsection (e)(1) or first becomes
a resident of the applicant's household as described in subsection
(e)(2). A fingerprint based criminal history background check under
IC 31-9-2-22.5(1)(B) for a person described in subsection (e)(1) must
be completed not later than the conclusion of the first ninety (90) days
of employment in or assignment of a volunteer. However, if a person
described in this subsection has been the subject of a criminal history
check that was conducted not more than one (1) year before the date
the license application is submitted to the department, a new criminal
history check of that person is not required.
(j) An applicant or a licensee described in subsection (e)(1) may
provisionally employ an individual or assign a volunteer for whom a
criminal history check is required during the period after the process of
requesting fingerprint based criminal history background check
information has been initiated by or on behalf of the applicant or
licensee but before the determination is obtained by or communicated
to the applicant or licensee. If the determination is not received by not
later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of hire or volunteer
assignment, the employee or volunteer relationship must be terminated
or suspended until a determination is received. An employee or
volunteer whose determination has not yet been received may not have
direct contact with a child who is or will be placed at a facility operated
by the applicant or licensee unless the direct contact occurs only in the
presence of a volunteer or employee of the applicant or licensee who
has been the subject of a completed and approved criminal history
check. In determining whether to provisionally hire or assign as a
volunteer an individual described in subsection (e)(1), the applicant or
licensee shall consider the following:
(1) The training time required by an employee or a volunteer.
(2) The safety and security of the children under the supervision
of the applicant or licensee.
(3) The safety and security of the other staff and volunteers
working under the supervision of the applicant or licensee.
(4) The staffing concerns of the applicant or licensee.
(5) Any other factor relating to the safety and security of the
applicant's or licensee's operations.
(k) The department shall, at the applicant's request, inform the
applicant whether the department has or does not have a record of the
person who is the subject of a criminal history background check and
if the department has identified the person as an alleged perpetrator of
abuse or neglect. The department may not provide to the applicant any
details or personally identifying information contained in any child
protective investigation report.
(l) A person who is the subject of a criminal history check
conducted in accordance with this section may request the state police
department to provide the person with a copy of any state or national
criminal history report concerning the person.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:
(A) the applicant;
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant; or
(2) A criminal conviction of the applicant of any of the following:
(A) a felony;
(B) a misdemeanor related to the health and safety of a child;
(C) a misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2-5; or
(D) a misdemeanor for operating a foster family home without a license under of this chapter (or IC 12-17.4-4 before its repeal).
(3) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the applicant's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the applicant;
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant; or
(C) a person residing in the applicant's residence;
previously operated a
under IC 12-17.2-5 or
(B) a foster family home without a license under this chapter
(or IC 12-17.4-4 before its repeal).
(6) A juvenile adjudication of the applicant for an act that, if
committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in section
13(a) of this chapter.
(b) An application for a license may also be denied if an individual
who resides in the residence of the applicant or an employee or
volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact on a regular and
continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of
the applicant has been convicted of had any of the following:
(1) A conviction of a felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to
the health and safety of a child, unless the applicant is granted a
waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a
volunteer in a position described in this subsection or to permit
the individual to reside in the applicant's residence.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an
adult, would be a felony listed in section 13(a) of this chapter,
unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department to:
(A) employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position
described in this subsection; or
(B) permit the individual to reside in the applicant's
residence.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b),
the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying
conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed
employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(5) The nature and extent of unsupervised contact with children
residing in the home.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:
(1) a license application could be denied due to a criminal
conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an
employee, a volunteer, or a person residing in the residence of the
applicant; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has
been dismissed by the applicant or that the person residing in the
residence no longer resides there;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee, former volunteer, or former household resident does not constitute a sufficient basis for the denial of a license application.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(1)
(A) is less than eighteen (18) years of age; or
(B) is at least eighteen (18) years of age and is receiving care and supervision under an order of a juvenile court; or
(2) four (4) individuals less than six (6) years of age;
including the children or individuals for whom the provider is a parent, stepparent, guardian, custodian, or other relative, receive care and supervision at the facility at the same time.
(b) Not more than four (4) of the
(c) The department may grant an exception to this section whenever the department determines that:
(1) the placement of siblings in the same foster family home is desirable;
(2) a foster child has an established, meaningful relationship with the foster parents; or
(3) it is otherwise in the foster child's best interests.
(d) An individual who receives foster care for older youth under IC 31-28-5.7-1 in a foster family home shall not be considered in determining whether the foster family home meets or exceeds the limit set forth in subsection (a)(1).
(e) If a foster family home does not meet the requirements under subsection (a) on July 1, 2011, any foster child placed in the home prior to July 1, 2011 may remain placed. However, a new placement of a child may not be made in violation of this section.
(1) Murder (IC 35-42-1-1).
(2) Causing suicide (IC 35-42-1-2).
(3) Assisting suicide (IC 35-42-1-2.5).
(4) Voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3).
(5) Reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5).
(6) Battery (IC 35-42-2-1) within the past five (5) years.
(7) Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3).
(8) Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5).
(9) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2).
(10) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) within the past five (5) years.
(11) A felony sex offense under IC 35-42-4.
(12) Carjacking (IC 35-42-5-2) within the past five (5) years.
(13) Arson (IC 35-43-1-1) within the past five (5) years.
(14) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3).
(15) Neglect of a dependent (IC 35-46-1-4(a)(1) and IC 35-46-1-4(a)(2)).
(16) Child selling (IC 35-46-1-4(d)).
(17) A felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 or IC 35-47.5 within the past five (5) years.
(18) A felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4 within the past five (5) years.
(19) An offense relating to material or a performance that is harmful to minors or obscene under IC 35-49-3.
(20) A felony that is substantially equivalent to a felony listed in subdivisions (1) through (19) for which the conviction was entered in another state.
(b) The department may deny a license to an applicant who:
(1) has been convicted of a felony that is not listed in
(2) has had a juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony that is listed in subsection (a).
(60) days after the conclusion of a hearing.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:
(A) the licensee;
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee; or
(2) A criminal conviction of the licensee for any of the following:
(A) A felony.
(B) A misdemeanor related to the health or safety of a child.
(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2-5.
(D) A misdemeanor for operating a foster family home without a license under this chapter (or IC 12-17.4-4 before its repeal).
(3) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the licensee's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the licensee;
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee; or
(C) a person residing in the licensee's residence;
previously operated a
(6) A juvenile adjudication of the licensee for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in section 13(a) of this chapter.
(b) A license may also be revoked if an individual who resides in the residence of the licensee or an employee or volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee has
(1) A conviction of a felony described in
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection or to permit the individual to reside in the licensee's residence.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in section 13(a) of this chapter, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department to:
(A) employ or assign the individual as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection; or
(B) permit the individual to reside in the licensee's residence.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (b), if:
(1) a license could be revoked due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee or a volunteer of the licensee or an individual residing in the residence of the licensee; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has been dismissed by the licensee within a reasonable time after the licensee became aware of the conviction or that the individual no longer resides in the licensee's residence;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee, former volunteer, or former household resident does not constitute a sufficient basis for the revocation of a license.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
SECTION 34, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2011]: Sec. 33. (a) A licensee shall operate a foster family
home in compliance with the rules established under this article and is
subject to the disciplinary sanctions under subsection (b) if the
department finds that the licensee has violated this article or a rule
adopted under this article.
(b) After complying with the procedural provisions in sections 22
through 25 of this chapter, the department may revoke the license when
the department finds that a licensee has committed a violation under
subsection (a). However, the department shall permanently revoke the
license of a licensee who has been convicted of any of the felonies
described in section 13(a)(1) through 13(a)(19) 13(a) of this chapter.
The department may permanently revoke the license of a person who
has been convicted of a felony that is not described in section 13(a)(1)
through 13(a)(19) 13(a) of this chapter.
(b) An applicant must submit the required information as part of the application.
(c) An applicant must submit with the application a statement attesting the following:
(1) That the applicant has not been convicted of:
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children.
(2) That the applicant has not been charged with:
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children;
during the pendency of the application.
(d) The department on behalf of an applicant, or, at the discretion of the department, an applicant, shall conduct a criminal history check of the following:
(1) Each individual who is an applicant.
(2) The director or manager of a facility where children will be placed.
(3) An employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has or will have direct contact on a regular and continuing basis with a child who is or will be placed in a facility operated by the applicant.
(e) If the applicant conducts a criminal history check under
subsection (d), the applicant shall:
(1) maintain records of the information it receives concerning
each individual who is the subject of a criminal history check; and
(2) submit to the department a copy of the information the
applicant receives concerning each person described in subsection
(d)(1) through (d)(3).
(f) If the department conducts a criminal history check on behalf of
an applicant under subsection (d), the department shall:
(1) determine whether the subject of a national fingerprint based
criminal history check has a record of a: conviction for:
(A) conviction for a felony; or
(B) conviction for a misdemeanor relating to the health and
safety of a child; or
(C) juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by
an adult, would be a felony that is listed in
IC 31-27-4-13(a);
(2) notify the applicant of the determination under subdivision (1)
without identifying a specific offense or other identifying
information concerning a conviction or juvenile adjudication
contained in the national criminal history record information;
(3) submit to the applicant a copy of any state limited criminal
history report that the department receives on behalf of any person
described in subsection (d); and
(4) maintain a record of every report and all information it
receives concerning a person described in subsection (d).
(g) Except as provided in subsection (h), a criminal history check
described in subsection (d) is required only at the time an application
for a new license or the renewal of an existing license is submitted.
(h) A criminal history check of a person described in subsection
(d)(2) or (d)(3) must be completed on or before the date on which the
subject of the check is employed or assigned as a volunteer. However,
a fingerprint based criminal history background check under
IC 31-9-2-22.5(1)(B) for a person described in subsection (d) must be
completed not later than the conclusion of the first ninety (90) days of
employment in or assignment of a volunteer to a position described in
subsection (d). If a person described in this subsection has been the
subject of a criminal history check (as described in IC 31-9-2-22.5) that
was conducted not more than one (1) year before the date the license
application is submitted to the department, a new criminal history
check of that person is not required.
(i) An applicant or licensee may provisionally employ an individual
or assign a volunteer described in subsection (d)(3) for whom a
criminal history check is required during the period after the process of
requesting fingerprint based criminal history background check
information has been initiated by or on behalf of the applicant or
licensee but before the determination is obtained by or communicated
to the applicant or licensee. If the determination is not received within
ninety (90) days after the effective date of hire or volunteer assignment,
the employee or volunteer relationship must be terminated or
suspended until a determination is received. An employee or volunteer
whose determination has not yet been received may not have direct
contact with a child who is or will be placed at a facility operated by
the applicant or licensee unless the direct contact occurs only in the
presence of a volunteer or employee of the applicant or licensee who
has been the subject of a completed and approved criminal history
check. In determining whether to provisionally hire or assign as a
volunteer an individual described in subsection (d)(3), the applicant or
licensee shall consider the following:
(1) The training time required by an employee or a volunteer.
(2) The safety and security of the children under the supervision
of the applicant or licensee.
(3) The safety and security of the other staff and volunteers
working under the supervision of the applicant or licensee.
(4) The staffing concerns of the applicant or licensee.
(5) Any other factor relating to the safety and security of the
applicant's or licensee's operations.
(j) The department shall, at the applicant's request, inform the
applicant as to whether the department has or does not have a record of
the person who is the subject of a criminal history background check
and whether the department has identified the person as an alleged
perpetrator of abuse or neglect. The department may not provide to the
applicant any details or personally identifying information contained
in any child protective services investigation report.
(k) A person who is the subject of a criminal history check
conducted in accordance with this section may request the state police
department to provide the person with a copy of any state or national
criminal history report concerning the person.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:
(A) the applicant; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant.
(2) A criminal conviction of the applicant, or the director or manager of a facility where children will be placed by the applicant, for any of the following:
(A) A felony.
(B) A misdemeanor related to the health and safety of a child.
(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal).
(D) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.
(3) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the applicant's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the applicant; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant;
previously operated a home or facility without a license required under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.
(6) A juvenile adjudication of the applicant for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(b) An application for a license may also be denied if an employee or volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant has
(1) A conviction of a felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a), unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:
(1) a license application could be denied due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee or a volunteer of the applicant; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has been dismissed by the applicant;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee or former volunteer does not constitute a sufficient basis for the denial of a license application.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:
(A) the licensee; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee.
(2) A criminal conviction of the licensee, or the director or manager of a facility where children will be placed by the licensee, for any of the following:
(A) A felony.
(B) A misdemeanor related to the health or safety of a child.
(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution,
foster family home, group home, or child placing agency
without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its
repeal).
(D) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child
care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.
(3) A determination by the department that the licensee made
false statements in the licensee's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the licensee made
false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the licensee; or
(B) an employee or volunteer of the licensee who has direct
contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children
who are under the direct supervision of the licensee;
previously operated a home or facility without a license required
under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4
before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.
(6) A juvenile adjudication of the licensee for an act that, if
committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(b) A license may also be revoked if an employee or volunteer of the
licensee who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with
children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee has been
convicted of had any of the following:
(1) A conviction of a felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to
the health and safety of a child, unless the licensee is granted a
waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a
volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an
adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a), unless the
licensee is granted a waiver by the department to employ or
assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this
subsection.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b),
the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying
conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed
employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:
(1) a license could be revoked due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee or a volunteer of the licensee; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has been dismissed by the licensee within a reasonable time after the licensee became aware of the conviction;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee or former volunteer does not constitute a sufficient basis for the revocation of a license.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(b) An applicant must submit the required information as part of the application.
(c) The applicant must submit with the application a statement attesting the following:
(1) That the applicant has not been convicted of:
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children.
(2) That the applicant has not been charged with:
(A) a felony; or
(B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children;
during the pendency of the application.
(d) The department on behalf of an applicant, or, at the discretion of the department, an applicant, shall conduct a criminal history check of the following:
(1) Each individual who is an applicant.
(2) The director or manager of a facility where children will be placed.
(3) An employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has or will have direct contact on a regular and continuing basis with a child who is or will be placed in a facility operated by the applicant.
(e) If the applicant conducts a criminal history check under subsection (d), the applicant shall:
(1) maintain records of the information it receives concerning each individual who is the subject of a criminal history check; and
(2) submit to the department a copy of the information it receives
concerning each person described in subsection (d)(1) through
(d)(3).
(f) If the department conducts a criminal history check on behalf of
an applicant under subsection (d), the department shall:
(1) determine whether the subject of a national fingerprint based
criminal history check has a record of a: conviction for:
(A) conviction for a felony; or
(B) conviction for a misdemeanor relating to the health and
safety of a child; or
(C) juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by
an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a);
(2) notify the applicant of the determination under subdivision (1)
without identifying a specific offense or other identifying
information concerning a conviction or juvenile adjudication
contained in the national criminal history record information;
(3) submit to the applicant a copy of any state limited criminal
history report that the department receives on behalf of any person
described in subsection (d); and
(4) maintain a record of every report and all information the
department receives concerning a person described in subsection
(d).
(g) Except as provided in subsection (h), a criminal history check
described in subsection (d) is required only at the time an application
for a new license or the renewal of an existing license is submitted.
(h) A criminal history background check of a person described in
subsection (d)(2) or (d)(3) must be completed on or before the date on
which the subject of the check is employed or assigned as a volunteer.
However, a fingerprint based criminal history background check under
IC 31-9-2-22.5(1)(B) for a person described in subsection (d)(3) must
be completed not later than the conclusion of the first ninety (90) days
of employment in or assignment of a volunteer to a position described
in subsection (d)(3). If a person described in this subsection has been
the subject of a criminal history background check (as described in
IC 31-9-2-22.5) that was conducted not more than one (1) year before
the date the license application is submitted to the department, a new
criminal history check of that person is not required.
(i) An applicant or a licensee may provisionally employ an
individual or assign a volunteer described in subsection (d)(3) for
whom a criminal history background check is required during the
period after the process of requesting fingerprint based criminal history
background check information has been initiated by or on behalf of the
applicant or licensee but before the determination is obtained by or
communicated to the applicant or licensee. If the determination is not
received within ninety (90) days after the effective date of hire or
volunteer assignment, the employee or volunteer relationship must be
terminated or suspended until a determination is received. An
employee or a volunteer whose determination has not yet been received
may not have direct contact with a child who is or will be placed at a
facility operated by the applicant or licensee unless the direct contact
occurs only in the presence of a volunteer or an employee of the
applicant or licensee who has been the subject of a completed and
approved criminal history background check. In determining whether
to provisionally hire or assign as a volunteer an individual described in
subsection (d)(3), the applicant or licensee shall consider the following:
(1) The training time required by an employee or a volunteer.
(2) The safety and security of the children under the supervision
of the applicant or licensee.
(3) The safety and security of the other staff and volunteers
working under the supervision of the applicant or licensee.
(4) The staffing concerns of the applicant or licensee.
(5) Any other factor relating to the safety and security of the
applicant's or licensee's operations.
(j) The department shall, at the applicant's request, inform the
applicant whether the department has or does not have a record of the
person who is the subject of a criminal history background check and
if the department has identified the person as an alleged perpetrator of
abuse or neglect. The department may not provide to the applicant any
details or personally identifying information contained in any child
protective investigation report.
(k) A person who is the subject of a criminal history check
conducted in accordance with this section may request the state police
department to provide the person with a copy of any state or national
criminal history report concerning the person.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by:
(A) the applicant; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant.
regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the
direct supervision of the applicant.
(2) A criminal conviction of the applicant, or the director or
manager of a facility where children will be placed by the
licensee, for any of the following:
(A) A felony.
(B) A misdemeanor related to the health and safety of a child.
(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution,
foster family home, group home, or child placing agency
without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its
repeal).
(D) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child
care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.
(3) A determination by the department that the applicant made
false statements in the applicant's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the applicant made
false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the applicant; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has
direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with
children who are under the direct supervision of the
applicant;
previously operated a home or facility without a license required
under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4
before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.
(6) A juvenile adjudication of the applicant for an act that, if
committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(b) An application for a license may also be denied if an employee
or volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact on a regular and
continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of
the applicant has been convicted of had any of the following:
(1) A conviction of a felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to
the health and safety of a child, unless the applicant is granted a
waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a
volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an
adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a), unless the
applicant is granted a waiver by the department to employ or
assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this
subsection.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b),
the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying
conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed
employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:
(1) a license application could be denied due to a criminal
conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an
employee or a volunteer of the applicant; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has
been dismissed by the applicant;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect
by, the former employee or former volunteer does not constitute a
sufficient basis for the denial of a license application.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect (as defined in IC 31-9-2-14) by:
(A) the licensee; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee.
(2) A criminal conviction of the licensee, or the director or manager of a facility where children will be placed by the licensee, for any of the following:
(A) A felony.
(B) A misdemeanor related to the health or safety of a child.
(C) A misdemeanor for operating a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency without a license under this article (or IC 12-17.4 before its repeal).
(D) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child
care home without a license under IC 12-17.2.
(3) A determination by the department that the licensee made
false statements in the licensee's application for licensure.
(4) A determination by the department that the licensee made
false statements in the records required by the department.
(5) A determination by the department that:
(A) the licensee; or
(B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has
direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with
children who are under the direct supervision of the
licensee;
previously operated a home or facility without a license required
under any applicable provision of this article (or IC 12-17.4
before its repeal) or IC 12-17.2.
(6) A juvenile adjudication of a licensee for an act that, if
committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(b) A license may also be revoked if an employee or volunteer of the
licensee who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with
children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee has been
convicted of had any of the following:
(1) A conviction of a felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to
the health and safety of a child, unless the licensee is granted a
waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a
volunteer in a position described in this subsection.
(3) A juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an
adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a), unless the
licensee is granted a waiver by the department to employ or
assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this
subsection.
(c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b),
the department shall consider the following factors:
(1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying
conviction.
(2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense.
(3) Evidence of rehabilitation.
(4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed
employment positions or volunteer assignment.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if:
(1) a license could be revoked due to a criminal conviction of, or
a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee or a
volunteer of the licensee; and
(2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has
been dismissed by the licensee within a reasonable time after the
licensee became aware of the conviction or determination;
the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect
by, the former employee or former volunteer does not constitute a
sufficient basis for the revocation of a license.
(e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(b) If allegations in the petition for guardianship or allegations produced at guardianship proceedings indicate that the person for whom the guardianship is requested meets the definition of a child in need of services under IC 31-34-1, the probate court on its own motion or at the request of a party shall:
(1) send the petition for guardianship or the record of guardianship
(2) direct
(c) The probate court retains jurisdiction over the matter until the juvenile court authorizes the filing of a petition under IC 31-34-9.
(d) If a juvenile court:
(1) issues an order establishing or modifying a guardianship of a minor; and
(2) requests additional proceedings regarding the guardianship of the minor;
the probate court that retains jurisdiction over the case or another appropriate court shall conduct additional proceedings.
jurisdiction of the juvenile court because:
(1) the child is the subject of a child in need of services
proceeding;
(2) the child is the subject of a juvenile delinquency proceeding
that does not involve an act described under IC 31-37-1-2; or
(3) the child is the subject of a paternity proceeding.
(b) Whenever the court having child custody jurisdiction under
IC 31-17-2 in a marriage dissolution modifies child custody as
provided by this section, the modification is effective only when the
juvenile court:
(1) enters an order approving the child custody modification; or
(2) terminates the child in need of services proceeding, the
juvenile delinquency proceeding, or the paternity proceeding.
(c) If a juvenile court:
(1) modifies child custody, child support, or parenting time;
and
(2) terminates a child in need of services proceeding or a
juvenile delinquency proceeding regarding the child;
the court having concurrent original jurisdiction under subsection
(a) shall assume or reassume primary jurisdiction of the case to
address all issues.
(d) A court that assumes or reassumes jurisdiction of a case
under subsection (c) may modify child custody, child support, or
parenting time in accordance with applicable modification statutes.
(e) An order modifying child custody, child support, or
parenting time issued under this section survives the termination
of the child in need of services proceeding or the juvenile
delinquency proceeding until the court having concurrent or
original jurisdiction assumes primary jurisdiction and modifies the
order.
(1) the child is the subject of a child in need of services proceeding; or
(2) the child is the subject of a juvenile delinquency proceeding that does not involve an act described under IC 31-37-1-2.
(b) Whenever the court having child custody jurisdiction under
IC 31-14 in a paternity proceeding modifies child custody as provided
by this section, the modification is effective only when the juvenile
court with jurisdiction over the child in need of services proceeding or
juvenile delinquency proceeding:
(1) enters an order approving the child custody modification; or
(2) terminates the child in need of services proceeding or the
juvenile delinquency proceeding.
(c) If a juvenile court:
(1) establishes or modifies paternity of a child; and
(2) terminates a child in need of services proceeding or a
juvenile delinquency proceeding regarding the child;
the court having concurrent original jurisdiction under subsection
(a) shall assume or reassume primary jurisdiction of the case to
address all other issues.
(d) An order establishing or modifying paternity of a child by a
juvenile court survives the termination of the child in need of
services proceeding or the juvenile delinquency proceeding.
(1) a hospital;
(2) a community mental health center;
(3) a managed care provider (as defined in IC 12-7-2-127(b));
(4) a referring physician;
(5) a dentist;
(6) a licensed psychologist;
(7) a school;
(8) a child caring institution licensed under IC 31-27;
(9) a group home licensed under IC 31-27 or IC 12-28-4;
(10) a secure private facility; or
(11) a child placing agency (as defined in IC 31-9-2-17.5).
(b) Not later than thirty (30) days after the date the department
receives initiates an assessment or investigation of a report of
suspected child abuse or neglect from a person described in subsection
(a), the department shall send a report to:
(1) the administrator of the hospital;
(2) the community mental health center;
(3) the managed care provider;
(4) the referring physician;
(5) the dentist; or
(6) the principal of the school;
(7) a licensed psychologist;
(8) a child caring institution licensed under IC 31-27;
(9) a group home licensed under IC 31-27 or IC 12-28-4;
(10) a secure private facility; or
(11) a child placing agency (as defined in IC 31-9-2-17.5).
The report must contain the items listed in subsection (e) (d) that are
known at the time the report is sent.
(c) Not later than ninety (90) days after the date the department
receives a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, the department
shall send a report that contains any additional items listed in
subsection (e) that were not covered in the prior report if available.
(d) (c) The administrator, director, referring physician, dentist,
licensed psychologist, or principal may appoint a designee to receive
the report.
(e) (d) A report made by the department under this section must
contain the following information:
(1) The name of the alleged victim of child abuse or neglect.
(2) The name of the alleged perpetrator and the alleged
perpetrator's relationship to the alleged victim.
(3) Whether the case assessment is closed.
(4) Whether information concerning the case has been expunged.
(5) The name of any agency to which the alleged victim has been
referred.
(6) (4) Whether the department has made an assessment of the
case and has not taken any further action.
(7) Whether a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect was
informally adjusted.
(8) Whether the alleged victim was referred to the juvenile court
as a child in need of services.
(9) Whether the alleged victim was returned to the victim's home.
(10) Whether the alleged victim was placed in residential care
outside the victim's home.
(11) Whether a wardship was established for the alleged victim.
(1) is confidential; and
(2) may be made available only to:
(A) the agencies named in this section; and
(B) the persons and agencies listed in IC 31-33-18-2.
(1) The nature, extent, and cause of the known or suspected child abuse or neglect.
(2) The identity of the person allegedly responsible for the child abuse or neglect.
(3) The names and conditions of other children in the home.
(4) An evaluation of the parent, guardian, custodian or person responsible for the care of the child.
(5) The home environment and the relationship of the child to the parent, guardian, or custodian or other persons responsible for the child's care.
(6) All other data considered pertinent.
(b) The assessment may include the following:
(1) A visit to the child's home.
(2) An interview with the subject child.
(3) A physical, psychological, or psychiatric examination of any child in the home.
(c) If:
(1) admission to the home, the school, or any other place that the child may be; or
(2) permission of the parent, guardian, custodian, or other persons responsible for the child for the physical, psychological, or psychiatric examination;
under subsection (b) cannot be obtained, the juvenile court, upon good cause shown, shall follow the procedures under IC 31-32-12.
(d) If a custodial parent, a guardian, or a custodian of a child refuses to allow the department to interview the child after the
caseworker has attempted to obtain the consent of the custodial
parent, guardian, or custodian to interview the child, the
department may petition a court to order the custodial parent,
guardian, or custodian to make the child available to be
interviewed by the caseworker.
(e) If the court finds that:
(1) a custodial parent, a guardian, or a custodian has been
informed of the hearing on a petition described under
subsection (d); and
(2) the department has made reasonable and unsuccessful
efforts to obtain the consent of the custodial parent, guardian,
or custodian to interview the child;
the court shall specify in the order the efforts the department made
to obtain the consent of the custodial parent, guardian, or
custodian and may grant the motion to interview the child, either
with or without the custodial parent, guardian, or custodian being
present.
regarding a child whose death or near fatality may have been the result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
(b) For purposes of subsection (a), a child's death or near fatality may have been the result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect if:
(1) an entity described in subsection (a) determines that the child's death or near fatality is the result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect; or
(2) a prosecuting attorney files:
(A) an indictment or information; or
(B) a complaint alleging the commission of a delinquent act;
that, if proven, would cause a reasonable person to believe that the child's death or near fatality may have been the result of
abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Upon the request of any person, or upon its own motion, the court
exercising juvenile jurisdiction in the county in which the child's death
or near fatality occurred shall determine whether the allegations
contained in the indictment, information, or complaint described in
subdivision (2), if proven, would cause a reasonable person to believe
that the child's death or near fatality may have been the result of abuse,
abandonment, or neglect.
(c) If the juvenile court finds that the child's death or near
fatality was the result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect, the court
shall make written findings and provide a copy of the findings and
the indictment, information, or complaint described under
subsection (b)(2) to the department.
(c) (d) As used in this section:
(1) "case" means:
(A) any intake report generated by the department;
(B) any investigation or assessment conducted by the
department; or
(C) ongoing involvement between the department and a
child or family that is the result of:
(i) a program of informal adjustment; or
(ii) a child in need of services action;
for which related records and documents have not been
expunged as required by law or by a court at the time the
department is notified of a fatality or near fatality;
(2) "contact" means in person communication about a case in
which:
(A) the child who is the victim of a fatality or near fatality
is alleged to be a victim; or
(B) the perpetrator of the fatality or near fatality is alleged
to be the perpetrator;
(1) (3) "identifying information" means information that identifies
an individual, including an individual's:
(A) name, address, date of birth, occupation, place of
employment, and telephone number;
(B) employer identification number, mother's maiden name,
Social Security number, or any identification number issued by
a governmental entity;
(C) unique biometric data, including the individual's
fingerprint, voice print, or retina or iris image;
(D) unique electronic identification number, address, or
routing code;
(E) telecommunication identifying information; or
(F) telecommunication access device, including a card, a plate, a code, an account number, a personal identification number, an electronic serial number, a mobile identification number, or another telecommunications service or device or means of account access; and
(1) identifying information described in subsection
(2) all identifying information of a child less than eighteen (18) years of age.
(1) to the entity having control of the record, the reasonable expenses of copying under IC 5-14-3-8; and
(2) to the court, the reasonable expenses of copying the record.
(1) A summary of the report of abuse or neglect and a factual description of the contents of the report.
(2) The date of birth and gender of the child.
(3) The cause of the fatality or near fatality, if the cause has been determined.
(4) Whether the department
or near fatality, and, if the department or the office of the
secretary of family and social services had contact, the following:
(A) The frequency of the contact or communication with the
child or a member of the child's family or household the
perpetrator before the fatality or near fatality and the date on
which the last contact or communication occurred before the
fatality or near fatality.
(B) A summary of the status of the child's case at the time of
the fatality or near fatality, including:
(i) whether the child's case was closed by the department or
the office of the secretary of family and social services
before the fatality or near fatality; and
(ii) if the child's case was closed as described under item (i),
the date of closure and the reasons that the case was
closed.
(i) (j) The court's determination under subsection (f) (g) that certain
identifying information or other information is not relevant to
establishing the facts and circumstances leading to the death or near
fatality of a child is not admissible in a criminal proceeding or civil
action.
(a) The department shall establish access restrictions in order to maintain the security and confidentiality of the index as required by this chapter.
(b) The department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3 shall have read only access to the index concerning:
the department of child services ombudsman. The office of the department of child services ombudsman shall not have access to any information related to cases or information that involves the ombudsman or any member of the ombudsman's immediate family.
upon a request made under section 8 of this chapter.
(b) At the administrative hearing, the department must prove by a
preponderance of credible evidence that the perpetrator is responsible
for the child's abuse or neglect.
(c) During an administrative hearing under this section, the
administrative hearing officer shall consider hearsay evidence to be
competent evidence and may not exclude hearsay based on the
technical rules of evidence. However, a determination may not be
based solely on evidence that is hearsay. If not objected to, the
hearsay evidence may form the basis for an order. However, if the
evidence is properly objected to and does not fall within a
recognized exception to the hearsay rule, the resulting order may
not be based solely upon the hearsay evidence.
(d) If the department fails to carry the burden of proof under
subsection (b), the department shall amend or expunge the report as
ordered by the administrative hearing officer within the period
provided under section 15 of this chapter.
(e) The department shall maintain the confidentiality of an abuse or
a neglect report during the administrative process.
(f) The administrative hearing shall be closed.
(g) The administrative files shall be closed and not disclosed to the
public.
(1) suitable and willing blood or an adoptive relative caretaker, including a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, or an adult sibling;
(2) de facto custodian; or
(3) stepparent;
before considering any other out-of-home placement.
(b) Before the department places a child in need of services with a blood relative or an adoptive relative caretaker, a de facto custodian, or a stepparent, the department shall complete an evaluation based on a home visit of the relative's home.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (e), before placing a child in need of services in an out-of-home placement, including placement with a blood or an adoptive relative caretaker, a de facto custodian, or a stepparent, the department shall conduct a criminal history check of
each person who is currently residing in the location designated as the
out-of-home placement.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (f), the department may not
make an out-of-home placement if a person described in subsection (c)
has:
(1) committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child
abuse or neglect; or
(2) been convicted of a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13 or had a
juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13 if committed by an adult.
(e) The department is not required to conduct a criminal history
check under subsection (c) if the department makes an out-of-home
placement to an entity or a facility that is not a residence (as defined in
IC 3-5-2-42.5) or that is licensed by the state.
(f) A court may order or the department may approve an
out-of-home placement if:
(1) a person described in subsection (c) has:
(A) committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of
child abuse or neglect; or
(B) been convicted or had a juvenile adjudication for of:
(i) reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5);
(ii) (i) battery (IC 35-42-2-1) as a Class C or D felony;
(iii) (ii) criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) as a Class C or
D felony;
(iii) carjacking (IC 35-42-5-2) as a felony;
(iv) arson (IC 35-43-1-1) as a Class C or D felony;
(v) a felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 or
IC 35-47.5; as a Class C or D felony;
(vi) a felony relating to controlled substances under
IC 35-48-4; as a Class C or D felony; or
(vii) a felony that is substantially equivalent to a felony
listed in items (i) through (vi) for which the conviction was
entered in another state; and
if the conviction did not occur within the past five (5)
years; or
(C) had a juvenile adjudication for an act that, if
committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13(a); and
(2) the court makes a written finding that the person's commission
of the offense, delinquent act, or act of abuse or neglect described
in subdivision (1) is not relevant to the person's present ability to
care for a child, and that the placement is in the best interest of
the child.
However, a court or the department may not make an out-of-home
placement if the person has been convicted of a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13 that is not specifically excluded under subdivision
(1)(B). or has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a felony
listed in IC 31-27-4-13 if committed by an adult that is not specifically
excluded under subdivision (1)(B).
(g) In making its written finding considering the placement under
subsection (f), the court or the department shall consider the
following:
(1) The length of time since the person committed the offense,
delinquent act, or abuse or neglect.
(2) The severity of the offense, delinquent act, or abuse or neglect.
(3) Evidence of the person's rehabilitation, including the person's
cooperation with a treatment plan, if applicable.
(b) The department or caseworker who prepared the predispositional report shall conduct a criminal history check (as defined in IC 31-9-2-22.5) to determine if a person described in subsection (a) has committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13 if committed by an adult, or has a conviction for a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13. However, the department or caseworker is not required to conduct a criminal history check under this section if criminal history information under IC 31-34-4-2 or IC 31-34-18-6.1 establishes whether a person described in subsection (a) has committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(c) The department or caseworker is not required to conduct a
criminal history check under this section if:
(1) the department or caseworker is considering only an
out-of-home placement to an entity or a facility that:
(A) is not a residence (as defined in IC 3-5-2-42.5); or
(B) is licensed by the state; or
(2) placement under this section is undetermined at the time the
predispositional report is prepared.
(d) A juvenile court may enter a dispositional decree that approves
placement of a child in another home or award wardship to the
department that will place the child in a home with a person described
in subsection (a) if:
(1) the person described in subsection (a) has:
(A) committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of
child abuse or neglect; or
(B) been convicted or had a juvenile adjudication for: of:
(i) reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5);
(ii) (i) battery (IC 35-42-2-1) as a Class C or D felony;
(iii) (ii) criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) as a Class C or
D felony;
(iii) carjacking (IC 35-42-5-2) as a felony;
(iv) arson (IC 35-43-1-1) as a Class C or D felony;
(v) a felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 or
IC 35-47.5; as a Class C or D felony;
(vi) a felony relating to controlled substances under
IC 35-48-4; as a Class C or D felony; or
(vii) a felony that is substantially equivalent to a felony
listed in items (i) through (vi) for which the conviction was
entered in another state; and
if the conviction did not occur within the past five (5)
years; or
(C) had a juvenile adjudication for an act that, if
committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13(a); and
(2) the court makes a written finding that the person's commission
of the offense, delinquent act, or act of abuse or neglect described
in subdivision (1) is not relevant to the person's present ability to
care for a child, and that the dispositional decree placing a child
in another home or awarding wardship to a county office the
department is in the best interest of the child.
However, a court may not enter a dispositional decree that approves
placement of a child in another home or awards wardship to the
department if the person has been convicted of a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13 IC 31-27-4-13(a) that is not specifically excluded under
subdivision (1)(B). or has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would
be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13 if committed by an adult that is not
specifically excluded under subdivision (1)(B).
(e) In making its written finding considering the placement under
subsection (d), the court shall consider the following:
(1) The length of time since the person committed the offense,
delinquent act, or act that resulted in the substantiated report of
abuse or neglect.
(2) The severity of the offense, delinquent act, or abuse or neglect.
(3) Evidence of the person's rehabilitation, including the person's
cooperation with a treatment plan, if applicable.
(b) If the continuation of reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify a child in need of services with the child's family is inconsistent with the child's permanency plan, the department shall make reasonable efforts to:
(1) with court approval place the child in an out-of-home placement in accordance with the permanency plan; and
(2) complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child in a timely manner.
(c) This subsection applies whenever the child's approved permanency plan under section 7 of this chapter is placement of the child for adoption or another planned, permanent living arrangement. Periodic progress reports, case reviews, and postdispositional hearings to determine whether or the extent to which the following have occurred are not required:
(1) Whether reasonable efforts have been made to eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home or to make it possible for the child to safely return to the child's home.
(2) Whether the child is placed in close proximity to the home of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
court may appoint a guardian of the person and administer a
guardianship for the child under IC 29-3.
(b) If a guardianship of the person proceeding for the child is
pending in a probate court, the probate court shall transfer the
proceeding to the juvenile court.
(c) In creating a guardianship of a minor, a probate or juvenile
court may include in an order the requirements and terms and
conditions described in IC 29-3-8-9(a).
(d) If the juvenile court closes a child in need of services case
after creating a guardianship, the juvenile court order creating the
guardianship survives the closure of the child in need of services
case.
(e) If the juvenile court closes the child in need of services case
after creating a guardianship, the probate court may assume or
reassume jurisdiction of the guardianship and take further action
as necessary.
(b) At least ten (10) days before a hearing on a petition or motion under this chapter:
(1) the person or entity who filed the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship under section 4 of this chapter; or
(2) the person or entity who filed a motion to dismiss the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship under section 4.5(d) of this chapter;
shall send notice of the review to the persons listed in subsections (c) and (d).
(c) Except as provided in subsection (h), the following persons shall receive notice of a hearing on a petition or motion filed under this chapter:
(1) The child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
(2) An attorney who has entered an appearance on behalf of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
(3) A prospective adoptive parent named in a petition for adoption of the child filed under IC 31-19-2 if:
(A) each consent to adoption of the child that is required under IC 31-19-9-1 has been executed in the form and manner required by IC 31-19-9 and filed with the county office or the department;
(B) the court having jurisdiction in the adoption case has
determined under an applicable provision of IC 31-19-9 that
consent to adoption is not required from a parent, guardian, or
custodian; or
(C) a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship
between the child and any parent who has not executed a
written consent to adoption under IC 31-19-9-2, has been filed
under IC 31-35 and is pending.
(4) Any other person who:
(A) the department has knowledge is currently providing care
for the child; and
(B) is not required to be licensed under IC 12-17.2 or IC 31-27
to provide care for the child.
(5) Any other suitable relative or person who the department
knows has had a significant or caretaking relationship to the child.
(6) Any other party to the child in need of services proceeding.
(d) At least ten (10) days before a hearing on a petition or motion
under this chapter, the department shall provide notice of the hearing
to the child's foster parent by:
(1) certified mail; or
(2) face to face contact by the department caseworker.
(e) The court shall provide to a person described in subsection (c)
or (d) an opportunity to be heard and make recommendations to the
court at the hearing. The right to be heard and to make
recommendations under this subsection includes the right of a person
described in subsection (c) or (d) to submit a written statement to the
court that, if served upon all parties to the child in need of services
proceeding and the persons described in subsections (c) and (d), may
be made a part of the court record.
(f) The court shall continue the hearing if, at the time of the hearing,
the department has not provided the court with signed verification from
the foster parent, as obtained through subsection (d), that the foster
parent has been notified of the hearing at least five (5) business days
before the hearing. However, the court is not required to continue the
hearing if the child's foster parent appears for the hearing.
(g) A person described in subsection (c)(2) through (c)(4) (c)(5) or
subsection (d) does not become a party to a proceeding under this
chapter as the result of the person's right to notice and the opportunity
to be heard under this section.
(h) If the parent of an abandoned child does not disclose the parent's
name as allowed by IC 31-34-2.5-1(c), the parent is not required to be
notified of a hearing described in subsection (c).
SECTION 334, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2011]: Sec. 4. The court may not make an order
under section 2 or 3 of this chapter unless:
(1) the testimony to be taken is the testimony of a child who at the
time of the trial is:
(A) less than fourteen (14) years of age; or
(B) at least fourteen (14) years of age but less than eighteen
(18) years of age and has a disability attributable to an
impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive
behavior that:
(i) is likely to continue indefinitely;
(ii) constitutes a substantial impairment of the child's ability
to function normally in society; and
(iii) reflects the child's need for a combination and sequence
of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or
other services that are of lifelong or extended duration and
are individually planned and coordinated; and
(C) found by the court to be a child who should be permitted
to testify outside the courtroom because:
(i) a psychiatrist, physician, or psychologist has certified that
the child's testifying in the courtroom creates a substantial
likelihood of emotional or mental harm to the child;
(ii) a physician has certified that the child cannot be present
in the courtroom for medical reasons; or
(iii) evidence has been introduced concerning the effect of
the child's testifying in the courtroom and the court finds
that it is more likely than not that the child's testifying in the
courtroom creates a substantial likelihood of emotional or
mental harm to the child;
(2) the prosecuting attorney or the attorney for the department has
informed the parties and their attorneys by written notice of the
intention to have the child testify outside the courtroom; and
(3) the prosecuting attorney or the attorney for the department
informed the parties and their attorneys under subdivision (2) at
least twenty (20) seven (7) days before the proceedings to give
the parties and their attorneys a fair opportunity to prepare a
response before the proceedings to the motion of the prosecuting
attorney or the motion of the attorney for the department to permit
the child to testify outside the courtroom.
subsection (d), the juvenile court may not enter a dispositional decree
approving placement of a child in another home under section 1(3) or
6(b)(2)(D) of this chapter or awarding wardship to a person or facility
that results in a placement with a person under section 1(4) or
6(b)(2)(E) of this chapter if a person who is currently residing in the
home in which the child would be placed under section 1(3), 1(4),
6(b)(2)(D), or 6(b)(2)(E) of this chapter has committed an act resulting
in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, has a juvenile
adjudication for an act that would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13
if committed by an adult, or has a conviction for a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13.
(b) The juvenile probation officer who prepared the predispositional
report shall conduct a criminal history check (as defined in
IC 31-9-2-22.5) to determine if a person described in subsection (a) has
committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or
neglect, has a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a felony
listed in IC 31-27-4-13 if committed by an adult, or has a conviction for
a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13. However, the probation officer is not
required to conduct a criminal history check under this section if
criminal history information obtained under IC 31-37-17-6.1
establishes whether a person described in subsection (a) has committed
an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, has
a juvenile adjudication for an act that would be a felony listed in
IC 31-27-4-13 if committed by an adult, or has a conviction for a felony
listed in IC 31-27-4-13.
(c) The juvenile probation officer is not required to conduct a
criminal history check under this section if:
(1) the probation officer is considering only an out-of-home
placement to an entity or a facility that:
(A) is not a residence (as defined in IC 3-5-2-42.5); or
(B) is licensed by the state; or
(2) placement under this section is undetermined at the time the
predispositional report is prepared.
(d) The juvenile court may enter a dispositional decree approving
placement of a child in another home under section 1(3) or 6(b)(2)(D)
of this chapter or awarding wardship to a person or facility that results
in a placement with a person under section 1(4) or 6(b)(2)(E) of this
chapter if:
(1) a person described in subsection (a) has:
(A) committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of
child abuse or neglect; or
(B) been convicted or had a juvenile adjudication for of:
(iii) carjacking (IC 35-42-5-2) as a felony;
(iv) arson (IC 35-43-1-1) as a
(v) a felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 or IC 35-47.5;
(vi) a felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4;
(vii) a felony that is substantially equivalent to a felony listed in items (i) through (vi) for which the conviction was entered in another state;
if the conviction did not occur within the past five (5) years; or
(C) had a juvenile adjudication for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13(a); and
(2)
However, a court may not enter a dispositional decree placing a child in another home under section 1(3) or 6(b)(2)(D) of this chapter or awarding wardship to a person or facility under this subsection if a person with whom the child is or will be placed has been convicted of a felony listed in IC 31-27-4-13 that is not specifically excluded under subdivision (1)(B).
(e) In
(1) The length of time since the person committed the offense, delinquent act, or act that resulted in the substantiated report of abuse or neglect.
(2) The severity of the offense, delinquent act, or abuse or neglect.
(3) Evidence of the person's rehabilitation, including the person's cooperation with a treatment plan, if applicable.
law enforcement agency having custody of a person accused of a crime
against the victim shall notify the victim of the scheduling of a bond
hearing, the escape or death of a person accused of committing a crime
against the victim, release of a person convicted of a crime against the
victim to a work release program, or any other type of postarrest release
of a person convicted of a crime or charged with a crime against the
victim.
(b) A victim may restore a request for notice of subsequent proceedings by filing, on a request form provided by an agency, the victim's current telephone number, electronic mail address, and mailing address.
(b) A request for notice under IC 35-40-10 must identify the name, electronic mail address, and
(b) The person convicted of domestic battery or another crime described in subsection (a) shall pay all expenses of the batterer's intervention program.
(c) The batterer's intervention program must be