Indiana 2023 Regular Session

Indiana House Bill HB1134

Introduced
1/10/23  

Caption

Department of child services interview with child.

Impact

If enacted, HB1134 would significantly adjust how child welfare procedures are implemented, particularly concerning the confidentiality and immediacy of interviews. By requiring court orders to bypass parental notification, the bill seeks to ensure that essential evidence is secured without delay that could compromise child safety. This measure may enhance the effectiveness of the Department of Child Services in responding to potential abuse situations, as it allows for a more immediate intervention in urgent circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 1134 aims to amend the Indiana Code concerning the Department of Child Services' ability to interview children in schools regarding suspected abuse or neglect. The bill stipulates that a court order must be obtained to conduct these interviews without notifying a child's parent or guardian. This is intended to expedite protection for children who may be in imminent danger, allowing interviews to be conducted quickly when necessary without parental consent, thereby prioritizing child safety. The bill proposes that courts can issue these orders with a showing of reasonable suspicion and justified urgency, prioritizing the child's well-being over parental notification.

Contention

One of the known points of contention surrounding HB1134 is the balance between child protection and parental rights. Critics argue that excluding parents from the knowledge of such interviews undermines their authority and could cause distrust between families and child services. Proponents advocate that in situations of suspected abuse, timely intervention is critical, and requiring parental involvement could hinder necessary assessments of the child’s situation. The overarching debate centers on whether the bill adequately safeguards parental rights while ensuring the safety and welfare of children potentially at risk.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IN HB1526

Children in need of services.

IN HB1310

Children in need of services.

IN HB1340

Department of child services matters.

IN HB1363

Department of child services matters.

IN SB0205

Department of child services ombudsman.

IN SB2175

Child Protection Services social worker interviews with parents or children; require video and audio recordings.

IN HB1210

Child in need of services.

IN HB1768

Child protective services; investigations, interview by child advocacy center, time limits.

IN HB05363

An Act Concerning Interviews Of Children By The Department Of Children And Families During Investigations Of Child Abuse And Neglect.

IN HB2516

Child abuse; investigations; forensic interview

Similar Bills

AZ HB2361

DCS; removal of children

IA HF592

A bill for an act relating to a forensic interview of a minor by law enforcement.

IL HB4220

DCFS-PARENTS' RIGHTS-NOTICE

TN SB0509

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37 and Title 39, relative to juvenile justice.

TN HB0720

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37 and Title 39, relative to juvenile justice.

MI SB0813

Criminal procedure: evidence; consideration of videorecorded statements in certain proceedings; allow. Amends sec. 2163a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2163a).

IL HB3933

CHILDREN-MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE

ME LD495

An Act Regarding Investigations of Out-of-home Child Abuse and Neglect