Bill > HB1164

This bill makes several changes to the reporting of child abuse or neglect in Indiana: - It expands the definition of "child" to include individuals aged 18-20 who reside or have previously resided at a residential facility licensed by the Department of Child Services. This expands mandatory reporting requirements to include abuse or neglect involving these older youth. - It requires staff members at medical institutions, facilities, or other healthcare facilities to immediately report known or suspected child abuse to both the Department of Child Services and local law enforcement, rather than just notifying their supervisor. - It requires the Department of Child Services to initiate an onsite assessment within 24 hours if a report alleges child abuse or neglect at a residential facility licensed by the department. - It authorizes local law enforcement to investigate whether a school or athletic facility "reasonably should have known" about alleged abuse by a staff member, youth coach, or volunteer, considering factors like previous allegations or disciplinary records. - It raises the penalty for failure to report child abuse or neglect from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen child abuse reporting requirements and investigation procedures, particularly for abuse occurring in residential facilities and school/athletic settings.