Bill > SB0015

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, aims to clarify and expand protections and provisions for "foster youth," which is defined in various sections of Indiana Code (IC) to include individuals aged 15-23 who are in need of services or were in foster care when they became adults, or those aged 12-23 receiving collaborative care and in an out-of-home placement. Key provisions include requiring the Department of Child Services (DCS) to develop and periodically update a "foster youth bill of rights" statement that outlines their rights and responsibilities, and to distribute this statement annually to foster youth and current or prospective foster parents, as well as publish it on the DCS website. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing laws, such as allowing foster families and individuals meeting the definition of foster youth to be admitted to state or federally owned or operated properties managed by the department without an admission fee, and ensures that automobile insurance plans must make coverage available to foster youth aged 16-23 who are receiving services from DCS, though the foster youth remains responsible for policy costs.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/15/details