Introduced Version
HOUSE BILL No. 1051
_____
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Citations Affected: IC 31-10-2-1.
Synopsis: Communication between caregivers and parents. Adds
language providing that supporting and facilitating two-way
communication between parents and foster parents or kinship
caregivers is a state policy.
Effective: July 1, 2024.
DeVon
January 8, 2024, read first time and referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human
Affairs.
2024 IN 1051—LS 6449/DI 148 Introduced
Second Regular Session of the 123rd General Assembly (2024)
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 this style type.
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 this style type reconciles conflicts
between statutes enacted by the 2023 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
HOUSE BILL No. 1051
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
family law and juvenile law.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
1 SECTION 1. IC 31-10-2-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.146-2021,
2 SECTION 4, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
3 JULY 1, 2024]: Sec. 1. It is the policy of this state and the purpose of
4 this title to:
5 (1) recognize the importance of family and children in our society,
6 including the parenting rights of a parent, regardless of whether
7 the parent has a disability;
8 (2) recognize the responsibility of the state to enhance the
9 viability of children and family in our society;
10 (3) acknowledge the responsibility each person owes to the other;
11 (4) strengthen family life by assisting parents to fulfill their
12 parental obligations;
13 (5) ensure that children within the juvenile justice system are
14 treated as persons in need of care, protection, treatment, and
15 rehabilitation;
16 (6) remove children from families only when it is in the child's
17 best interest or in the best interest of public safety;
2024 IN 1051—LS 6449/DI 148 2
1 (7) make reasonable efforts to support and facilitate two-way
2 communication between a child's parent or parents and any
3 licensed foster parent or kinship caregiver caring for the child
4 following removal by the department of child services;
5 (7) (8) provide for adoption as a viable permanency plan for
6 children who are adjudicated children in need of services;
7 (8) (9) provide a juvenile justice system that protects the public
8 by enforcing the legal obligations that children have to society
9 and society has to children;
10 (9) (10) use diversionary programs when appropriate;
11 (10) (11) provide a judicial procedure that:
12 (A) ensures fair hearings;
13 (B) recognizes and enforces the legal rights of children and
14 their parents; and
15 (C) recognizes and enforces the accountability of children and
16 parents;
17 (11) (12) promote public safety and individual accountability by
18 the imposition of appropriate sanctions; and
19 (12) (13) provide a continuum of services developed in a
20 cooperative effort by local governments and the state.
2024 IN 1051—LS 6449/DI 148