summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025
04/24/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Adoption for abandoned infants. Provides that when the department of child services (department) or a licensed child placing agency takes custody of a child who is voluntarily left with an emergency services provider or in a newborn safety device, the department or licensed child placing agency shall: (1) not later than 72 hours after taking custody of the child, contact each licensed child placing agency in Indiana and request that the licensed child placing agency inform the department of any suitable prospective adoptive parent for the child known to the licensed child placing agency; and (2) collaborate with licensed child placing agencies to identify a prospective adoptive parent for the child. Requires the department to: (1) request that the Indiana department of health conduct one or more searches of the putative child registry on behalf of the child before a petition is filed to terminate parental rights with regard to the child, with at least one request being made not earlier than 30 days after the estimated date of birth of the child; and (2) notify an individual identified as a potential father by the registry search that the individual's consent to termination of the parent-child relationship will be irrevocably implied if the individual does not file a paternity action with regard to the child. Provides that when considering an out-of-home placement for the child during child in need of services proceedings, if a court, the department, or the licensed child placing agency is unable to locate a suitable and willing relative (or de facto custodian, if applicable) with whom to place the child, the court or the department shall consider placing the child with a prospective adoptive parent before considering any other placement for the child. Requires that a child's case plan include certain information.
AI Summary
This bill addresses procedures for adopting abandoned infants in Indiana, making several key changes to existing child services laws. The bill requires that when the Department of Child Services or a licensed child placing agency takes custody of an abandoned infant, they must contact other licensed child placing agencies within 72 hours to request information about potential adoptive parents. The department must also conduct searches of the putative father registry to identify potential fathers, with at least one search performed no earlier than 30 days after the child's estimated birth date. If a potential father is identified, he will be notified that his consent to terminating parental rights will be automatically implied if he does not file a paternity action. When considering placement for a child taken into emergency custody, the bill mandates that if no suitable relative can be found, the department should prioritize placing the child with a prospective adoptive parent before considering other placement options. Additionally, the bill requires that a child's case plan include detailed information about potential placements, with a specific focus on identifying relatives, potential adoptive parents, and ensuring the child's educational and safety needs are met. These changes aim to streamline the adoption process for abandoned infants and ensure more efficient and child-centered placement procedures.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 01/13/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1311/details |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/house/bills/HB1311/fiscal-notes/HB1311.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/house/bills/HB1311/HB1311.01.INTR.pdf |
Loading...