Indiana § 31-9-1-2 - Inapplicability of definitions

§ 31-9-1-2. Inapplicability of definitions

Sec. 2. Except as otherwise provided, the definitions in this article do not apply to the following:

(1) IC 31-11-3.

(2) IC 31-21 (or IC 31-17-3 before its repeal).

(3) IC 31-18.5.

(4) IC 31-19-29.

(5) IC 31-37-23.

[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.5; P.L.206-2015, SEC.1.

IC 31-9-2Chapter 2. Repealed Note: This version of chapter repealed by P.L.145-2026, SEC.160. See also following version of this chapter.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations:

31-9-2-1formerly 31-3-1-6.4(a)31-9-2-2formerly 31-3-4-131-9-2-3formerly 31-3-4-231-9-2-4formerly 31-3-5-2(c)31-9-2-5formerly 31-3-4-2.531-9-2-6formerly 31-3-4-331-9-2-7subsection (a) formerly 31-3-4-4; subsection (b) formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-731-9-2-8formerly 31-6-9.5-1 part31-9-2-9formerly 31-6-6.1-131-9-2-10formerly 31-3-4-531-9-2-11formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-831-9-2-12formerly 31-6-9.5-1 part31-9-2-13subsection (a) formerly 31-1-11.5-2(c); subsection (b) formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-2 part; subsection (c) formerly 31-3-1.5-2; subsection (d) formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-9; subsection (e) formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-14formerly 31-6-11-2.1(2)31-9-2-15formerly 31-3-1-6(a)31-9-2-16formerly 31-3-1-6(b); 31-3-1-6.1(f) part; 31-3-1-6.4(f) part31-9-2-17formerly New31-9-2-18formerly 31-1-11.5-17(a) part; 31-6-6.1-13(g) part31-9-2-19formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-3 part31-9-2-20formerly 31-6-4-3(g)31-9-2-21formerly 31-6-14-131-9-2-22formerly 31-6-10-2 part31-9-2-23formerly 31-1-11.6-2(1) part31-9-2-24formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1031-9-2-25formerly 31-6-9.5-1 part31-9-2-26formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1131-9-2-27subsection (a) formerly 31-1-11.5-2(a); subsection (b) formerly 31-2-10-1; subsection (c) formerly 31-6-10-2 part; subsection (d) formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-28formerly 31-1-11.5-28(a); 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1231-9-2-29formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1331-9-2-30formerly 31-1-11.5-26(a) part; 31-6-6.1-12.1(a) part31-9-2-31subsection (a) formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-14; subsection (b) formerly 31-6-4-3(c)31-9-2-32formerly 31-1-11.6-2(4) part31-9-2-33formerly 31-1-11.6-2(2) part31-9-2-34formerly 31-1-11.6-2(3) part31-9-2-35formerly 31-1-11.6-2(4) part31-9-2-36subsection (a) formerly 31-2-10-2; subsection (b) formerly 31-2-11-131-9-2-37subsection (a) New; subsection (b) formerly 31-6-10-2 part31-9-2-38formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-39formerly 31-6-10-2 part31-9-2-40formerly 31-6-11-2.1(1)31-9-2-41formerly 31-1-11.5-2(b)31-9-2-42formerly 31-1-11.5-2(d); 31-6-6.1-11(a) part31-9-2-43formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-4 part31-9-2-44formerly 31-6-10-2 part31-9-2-45formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1531-9-2-46formerly 31-1-11.5-11(a)31-9-2-47formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1631-9-2-48formerly 31-1.5-8-1 part31-9-2-49formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1731-9-2-50formerly 31-1-11.5-28(b); 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-18 part31-9-2-51formerly 31-3-1-1(b) part; 31-3-3-1(b)31-9-2-52formerly 31-6-11-2.1(3)31-9-2-53subsection (a) formerly 31-1-11.6-2(5) part; subsection (b) formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-5 part31-9-2-54formerly 31-3-1-6(h); 31-3-4-5.531-9-2-55formerly New31-9-2-56formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-6 part; 31-2-10-3; 31-2-11-231-9-2-57formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-7 part; 31-2-10-4; 31-2-11-331-9-2-58formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-8 part31-9-2-59formerly 31-1-11.6-2(6) part31-9-2-60formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-9 part31-9-2-61formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-10 part31-9-2-62formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-1931-9-2-63formerly 31-8-1-1 part; 31-8-1-331-9-2-64formerly 31-3-4-631-9-2-65formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-11 part31-9-2-66formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-12 part31-9-2-67formerly 31-1-11.5-21(f) part31-9-2-68formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2031-9-2-69formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-70formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2131-9-2-71formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-21.331-9-2-72formerly New31-9-2-73formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-13 part31-9-2-74formerly 31-6-13-131-9-2-75formerly 31-6-4-18.5(a)31-9-2-76formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2231-9-2-77formerly 31-1-11.7-131-9-2-78formerly 31-3-4-731-9-2-79formerly 31-3-4-831-9-2-80formerly 31-6-14-331-9-2-81formerly 31-1-11.6-2(7) part31-9-2-82formerly 31-6-10-2 part31-9-2-83formerly 31-1-11.5-26(a) part; 31-6-6.1-11(h) part; 31-6-6.1-12.1(a) part31-9-2-84formerly 31-3-4-8.531-9-2-85subsection (a) formerly 31-2-11-4; subsection (b) formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-14 part31-9-2-86subsection (a) formerly 31-2-10-5; 31-2-11-5; subsection (b) formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-15 part31-9-2-87formerly 31-6-4-3(b)31-9-2-88formerly 31-6-1-6 part 31-6-1-2331-9-2-89formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2431-9-2-90formerly 31-1-11.6-2(9) part31-9-2-91formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-14 part31-9-2-92formerly 31-1-11.6-2(8) part31-9-2-93formerly 31-3-4-8.6; 31-3-4.5-5(a)31-9-2-94formerly 31-6-4-8(b) part 31-6-4-7(b)31-9-2-95formerly 31-7-2.5-2 part31-9-2-96formerly New31-9-2-97formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-98subsection (a) formerly 31-7-2.5-3 part; subsection (b) formerly 31-1-11.5-2(e)31-9-2-99formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2531-9-2-100formerly 31-3-1-6.1(a); 31-3-1.5-431-9-2-101formerly 31-6-11-2.1(4)31-9-2-102formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-103formerly 31-6-14-431-9-2-104formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-16 part31-9-2-105formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-17 part31-9-2-106subsection (a) formerly 31-3-1.5-5; subsection (b) formerly 31-6-11-2.1(6)31-9-2-107formerly 31-3-4-931-9-2-108formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-109formerly 31-3-5-2(d)31-9-2-110formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-15 part31-9-2-111formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-18 part31-9-2-112formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-19 part31-9-2-113formerly 31-6-14-531-9-2-114formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2631-9-2-115formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2831-9-2-116formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-117formerly 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-2731-9-2-118formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-20 part31-9-2-119subsection (a) formerly 31-1-11.6-2(10) part; subsection (b) formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-21 part; subsection (c) formerly 31-3-5-2(b); subsection (d) formerly 31-6-10-1 part31-9-2-120formerly 31-3-1.5-331-9-2-121formerly 31-3-4-1031-9-2-122formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-22 part31-9-2-123formerly 31-6-11-2.1(7)31-9-2-124formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-23 part31-9-2-125subsection (a) formerly 31-2-11-6; subsection (b) formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-24 part31-9-2-126formerly 31-8-1-1 part; 31-8-1-431-9-2-127formerly 31-8-1-1 part; 31-8-1-531-9-2-128formerly 31-6-11-12.5(a)31-9-2-129formerly 31-6-11-14(a)31-9-2-130formerly 31-2-10-631-9-2-131formerly 31-1.5-1-1 part; 31-1.5-1-25 part31-9-2-132formerly 31-6-11-2.1(8)31-9-2-133formerly 31-6-11-2.1(9)31-9-2-134formerly 31-3-4-11.]As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.1. Repealed by P.L.145-2026, SEC.160; P.L.145-2026, SEC.256; P.L.145-2026, SEC.257; P.L.145-2026, SEC.258; P.L.145-2026, SEC.259; P.L.145-2026, SEC.260; P.L.145-2026, SEC.261; P.L.145-2026, SEC.262; P.L.145-2026, SEC.267; P.L.145-2026, SEC.284; P.L.145-2026, SEC.285; P.L.145-2026, SEC.286; P.L.145-2026, SEC.287; P.L.145-2026, SEC.292.

IC 31-9-2-10.6"Board" Revisor's Note: P.L.145-2026 repealed IC 31-9-2 and relocated the chapter to IC 31-9-2.1, effective July 1, 2026. IC 31-9-2-10.6 was relocated to IC 31-9-2.1-26.

Note: This version of section amended by P.L.152-2026, SEC.450, effective 7-1-2027. See also preceding repeal of this chapter by P.L.145-2026, SEC.160.

Sec. 10.6. "Board", for purposes of IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-34(a).

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.175. Amended by P.L.152-2026, SEC.450.

IC 31-9-2-21.5"Commission" Revisor's Note: P.L.145-2026 repealed IC 31-9-2 and relocated the chapter to IC 31-9-2.1, effective July 1, 2026.

Note: This version of section added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.451, effective 7-1-2027. See also preceding repeal of this chapter by P.L.145-2026, SEC.160.

Sec. 21.5. "Commission", for purposes of IC 31-26-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-4-2.1.

As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.451.

IC 31-9-2-84.8"Nonwaivable offense" Revisor's Note: P.L.145-2026 repealed IC 31-9-2 and relocated the chapter to IC 31-9-2.1, effective July 1, 2026. IC 31-9-2-84.8 was relocated to IC 31-9-2.1-168.

Note: This version of section amended by P.L.158-2026, SEC.23, effective 7-1-2026. See also preceding repeal of this chapter by P.L.145-2026, SEC.160.

Sec. 84.8. "Nonwaivable offense", for purposes of this title, means a conviction of any of the following felonies:

(1) Murder (IC 35-42-1-1).

(2) Causing suicide (IC 35-42-1-2).

(3) Assisting suicide (IC 35-42-1-2.5).

(4) Voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3).

(5) Involuntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-4).

(6) Reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5).

(7) Feticide (IC 35-42-1-6).

(8) Battery (IC 35-42-2-1) within the past five (5) years.

(9) Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3).

(10) Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5).

(11) Criminal recklessness (IC 35-42-2-2) within the past five (5) years.

(12) Strangulation (IC 35-42-2-9).

(13) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2).

(14) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) within the past five (5) years.

(15) Human and sexual trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5).

(16) A felony sex offense under IC 35-42-4.

(17) Arson (IC 35-43-1-1) within the past five (5) years.

(18) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3).

(19) Neglect of a dependent (IC 35-46-1-4(a) and IC 35-46-1-4(b)).

(20) Child selling (IC 35-46-1-4(d)).

(21) Reckless supervision (IC 35-46-1-4.1).

(22) Nonsupport of a dependent child (IC 35-46-1-5) within the past five (5) years.

(23) Operating a motorboat while intoxicated (IC 35-46-9-6) (before its repeal) within the past five (5) years.

(24) A felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 within the past five (5) years.

(25) A felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4 within the past five (5) years.

(26) An offense relating to material or a performance that is harmful to minors or obscene under IC 35-49-3.

(27) A felony under IC 9-30-5 within the past five (5) years.

(28) A felony related to the health or safety of a child (as defined in IC 31-9-2-13(h)) or an endangered adult (as defined in IC 12-10-3-2).

As added by P.L.183-2017, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.243-2019, SEC.4; P.L.142-2020, SEC.34; P.L.158-2026, SEC.23.

IC 31-9-2Chapter 2. Definitions

31-9-2-10.6"Board" 31-9-2-21.5"Commission" 31-9-2-84.8"Nonwaivable offense"

IC 31-9-2.1Chapter 2.1. Definitions

31-9-2.1-1Application of certain amendments to prior law 31-9-2.1-2"Abandoned" 31-9-2.1-3"Abandoned infant" 31-9-2.1-4"Account" 31-9-2.1-5"Act of rape" 31-9-2.1-6"Active duty" 31-9-2.1-7"Actual notice" 31-9-2.1-8"Adoptee" 31-9-2.1-9"Adoption" 31-9-2.1-10"Adoption assistance state" 31-9-2.1-11"Adoption history" 31-9-2.1-11.5"Adoption or foster care service" 31-9-2.1-12"Adoption subsidy" 31-9-2.1-13"Adoptive parent" 31-9-2.1-14"Adult" 31-9-2.1-15"Advisory board" 31-9-2.1-16"Age or developmentally appropriate" 31-9-2.1-17"Alleged father" 31-9-2.1-18"Applicant" 31-9-2.1-19"Application" 31-9-2.1-20"Appropriate public authorities" 31-9-2.1-21"Assessment" 31-9-2.1-22"Assistance" 31-9-2.1-23"At-risk child"; "at-risk children" 31-9-2.1-24"Birth parent" 31-9-2.1-25"Blind" 31-9-2.1-26"Board" 31-9-2.1-27"Bureau" 31-9-2.1-28"Case" 31-9-2.1-29"Caseworker" 31-9-2.1-30"Center" 31-9-2.1-31"Central authority" 31-9-2.1-32"Child" 31-9-2.1-33"Child abuse or neglect" 31-9-2.1-34"Child advocacy center" 31-9-2.1-35"Child at imminent risk of placement" 31-9-2.1-36"Child born in wedlock" 31-9-2.1-37"Child born out of wedlock" 31-9-2.1-38"Child care" 31-9-2.1-39"Child care provider" 31-9-2.1-40"Child care worker" 31-9-2.1-41"Child caregiver" 31-9-2.1-42"Child caring institution" 31-9-2.1-43"Child custody determination" 31-9-2.1-44"Child custody proceeding" 31-9-2.1-45"Child in need of services" 31-9-2.1-46"Child placing agency" 31-9-2.1-47"Child services" 31-9-2.1-48"Child support guidelines" 31-9-2.1-49"Child support order" 31-9-2.1-50"Child welfare agency" 31-9-2.1-51"Child welfare program" 31-9-2.1-52"Child welfare services" 31-9-2.1-53"Child with a disability" 31-9-2.1-54"Child with special needs" 31-9-2.1-55"Commencement" 31-9-2.1-56"Compact" 31-9-2.1-57"Concurrent planning" 31-9-2.1-58"Conduct a criminal history check" 31-9-2.1-59"Contact" 31-9-2.1-60"Contact performance form" 31-9-2.1-61"Controlled substance" 31-9-2.1-62"Convention" 31-9-2.1-63"Convention support order" 31-9-2.1-64"Costs of secure detention" 31-9-2.1-65"Council" 31-9-2.1-66"Court" 31-9-2.1-67"Court appointed special advocate" 31-9-2.1-68"Crime" 31-9-2.1-69"Crime involving domestic or family violence" 31-9-2.1-70"Custodial parent" 31-9-2.1-71"Custodian" 31-9-2.1-72"De facto custodian" 31-9-2.1-73"Delinquent" 31-9-2.1-74"Delinquent child" 31-9-2.1-75"Delinquent juvenile" 31-9-2.1-76"Department" 31-9-2.1-77"Dependent child" 31-9-2.1-78"Destitute child" 31-9-2.1-79"Detention tool" 31-9-2.1-80"Diagnostic assessment" 31-9-2.1-81"Direct request" 31-9-2.1-82"Director" 31-9-2.1-82.5"Discriminate" 31-9-2.1-83"Dissolution decree" 31-9-2.1-84"Domestic or family violence" 31-9-2.1-85"Drug or alcohol screen test" 31-9-2.1-86"Duty of support" 31-9-2.1-87"Early intervention advocate" 31-9-2.1-88"Emergency medical services provider" 31-9-2.1-89"Emergency shelter" 31-9-2.1-90"Evaluator" 31-9-2.1-91"Executive authority" 31-9-2.1-92"Exigent circumstances" 31-9-2.1-93"Family or household member" 31-9-2.1-94"Family preservation services" 31-9-2.1-95"Family services" 31-9-2.1-96"Fentanyl containing substance" 31-9-2.1-97"Fentanyl related substance" 31-9-2.1-98"Final agency action" 31-9-2.1-99"Final separation" 31-9-2.1-100"Financial institution" 31-9-2.1-101"Foreign central authority" 31-9-2.1-102"Foreign country" 31-9-2.1-103"Foreign support agreement" 31-9-2.1-104"Foreign support order" 31-9-2.1-105"Foreign tribunal" 31-9-2.1-106"Forensic interview" 31-9-2.1-107"Foster care" 31-9-2.1-108"Foster family home" 31-9-2.1-109"Foster parent" 31-9-2.1-110"Foster youth" 31-9-2.1-111"Fund" 31-9-2.1-112"Governmental entity" 31-9-2.1-113"Governor" 31-9-2.1-114"Grandparent visitation" 31-9-2.1-115"Group home" 31-9-2.1-116"Guardian" 31-9-2.1-117"Guardian ad litem" 31-9-2.1-118"Hard to place child"; "hard to place children" 31-9-2.1-119"Health care" 31-9-2.1-120"Health care provider" 31-9-2.1-121"Home state" 31-9-2.1-122"Identifying information" 31-9-2.1-123"Incapacitated person" 31-9-2.1-124"Incarceration" 31-9-2.1-125"Includes" 31-9-2.1-126"Income" 31-9-2.1-127"Income payor" 31-9-2.1-128"Income withholding order" 31-9-2.1-128.7"Independent activity" 31-9-2.1-129"Index" 31-9-2.1-130"Indian child" 31-9-2.1-131"Initial determination" 31-9-2.1-132"Initiating tribunal" 31-9-2.1-133"Intake officer" 31-9-2.1-134"Intended biological parent" 31-9-2.1-135"Interested person" 31-9-2.1-136"Issuing court" 31-9-2.1-137"Issuing foreign country" 31-9-2.1-138"Issuing state" 31-9-2.1-139"Issuing tribunal" 31-9-2.1-140"Joint legal custody" 31-9-2.1-141"Judge" 31-9-2.1-142"Juvenile" 31-9-2.1-143"Juvenile court" 31-9-2.1-144"Juvenile detention facility" 31-9-2.1-145"Juvenile diversion" 31-9-2.1-146"Juvenile law" 31-9-2.1-147"Kinship care navigator program" 31-9-2.1-148"Law" 31-9-2.1-149"Law enforcement agency" 31-9-2.1-150"Legal settlement" 31-9-2.1-151"Legend drug" 31-9-2.1-152"Licensed kinship caregiver" 31-9-2.1-153"Licensee" 31-9-2.1-154"Lifetime sex or violent offender" 31-9-2.1-155"Local law enforcement authority" 31-9-2.1-156"Local office" 31-9-2.1-157"Long term foster parent" 31-9-2.1-158"Maternal or paternal grandparent" 31-9-2.1-159"Medical history" 31-9-2.1-160"Medical information" 31-9-2.1-161"Modification" 31-9-2.1-162"Monitor" 31-9-2.1-162.5"Near fatality" 31-9-2.1-163"Neglected child"; "dependent child" 31-9-2.1-164"Noncustodial parent" 31-9-2.1-165"Nonidentifying information" 31-9-2.1-166"Nonrelocating individual" 31-9-2.1-167"Nonrelocating parent" 31-9-2.1-168"Nonwaivable offense" 31-9-2.1-169"Obligee" 31-9-2.1-170"Obligor" 31-9-2.1-171"Office of administrative law proceedings" 31-9-2.1-172"Omission" 31-9-2.1-173"Outside this state" 31-9-2.1-174"Parent" 31-9-2.1-175"Parenting time" 31-9-2.1-176"Permanency roundtable" 31-9-2.1-177"Person" 31-9-2.1-178"Person acting as a parent" 31-9-2.1-179"Petitioner" 31-9-2.1-180"Physical custody" 31-9-2.1-181"Plan" 31-9-2.1-182"Pre-adoptive sibling" 31-9-2.1-183"Preliminary inquiry" 31-9-2.1-184"Premarital agreement" 31-9-2.1-185"Prior family law and juvenile law" 31-9-2.1-186"Private secure facility" 31-9-2.1-187"Probation or parole" 31-9-2.1-188"Professional health care provider" 31-9-2.1-189"Project" 31-9-2.1-190"Property" 31-9-2.1-191"Prosecuting attorney" 31-9-2.1-192"Prospective adoptive parent" 31-9-2.1-193"Provider" 31-9-2.1-194"Public welfare" 31-9-2.1-195"Putative father" 31-9-2.1-196"Qualified medical practitioner" 31-9-2.1-197"Reason to believe" 31-9-2.1-198"Reasonable and prudent parent standard" 31-9-2.1-199"Receiving state" 31-9-2.1-200"Recipient" 31-9-2.1-201"Record" 31-9-2.1-202"Region" 31-9-2.1-203"Regional services council" 31-9-2.1-204"Register" 31-9-2.1-205"Registering tribunal" 31-9-2.1-206"Registry" 31-9-2.1-207"Relative" 31-9-2.1-207.5"Religious organization" 31-9-2.1-208"Relocating individual" 31-9-2.1-209"Relocation" 31-9-2.1-210"Residence" 31-9-2.1-211"Residence state" 31-9-2.1-212"Residential placement committee" 31-9-2.1-213"Respondent" 31-9-2.1-214"Responding state" 31-9-2.1-215"Responding tribunal" 31-9-2.1-216"Restorative justice services" 31-9-2.1-216.5"Reunification services" 31-9-2.1-217"Risk and needs assessment tool" 31-9-2.1-218"Risk screening tool" 31-9-2.1-219"Safe haven infant" 31-9-2.1-220"School" 31-9-2.1-220.5"Screened out" 31-9-2.1-221"Secure detention facility" 31-9-2.1-222"Secure facility" 31-9-2.1-223"Secure private facility" 31-9-2.1-224"Sending state" 31-9-2.1-225"Services" 31-9-2.1-226"Services or items" 31-9-2.1-227"Shelter care facility" 31-9-2.1-228"Sibling" 31-9-2.1-229"Spousal support order" 31-9-2.1-230"State" 31-9-2.1-230.5"State benefit" 31-9-2.1-231"State department" 31-9-2.1-232"State registrar" 31-9-2.1-233"STEVE system" 31-9-2.1-234"Substantially burden" 31-9-2.1-235"Substantiated" 31-9-2.1-236"Successful adulthood services" 31-9-2.1-237"Supervised independent living arrangement" 31-9-2.1-238"Support enforcement agency" 31-9-2.1-239"Support order" 31-9-2.1-240"Surrogate" 31-9-2.1-241"Surrogate agreement" 31-9-2.1-242"Team" 31-9-2.1-243"Therapeutic foster family home" 31-9-2.1-244"Title IV-D agency" 31-9-2.1-245"Title IV-D case" 31-9-2.1-246"Transitional services plan" 31-9-2.1-247"Tribe" 31-9-2.1-248"Tribunal" 31-9-2.1-249"Ultimate authority of the department" 31-9-2.1-250"United States central authority" 31-9-2.1-251"Unlicensed kinship caregiver" 31-9-2.1-252"Unsubstantiated" 31-9-2.1-253"Victim of child abuse or neglect" 31-9-2.1-254"Victim of human or sexual trafficking" 31-9-2.1-255"Voluntary information" 31-9-2.1-256"Wardship" 31-9-2.1-257"Warrant" 31-9-2.1-258"Youth service bureau"

IC 31-9-2.1-1Application of certain amendments to prior law Sec. 1. The amendments made to IC 31-1-11.5-11(a) (before its repeal, now codified at section 99 of this chapter) by P.L.170-1988 do not apply to actions filed under IC 31-1-11.5-3 (before its repeal, now codified at IC 31-15-2-2, IC 31-15-2-3, and IC 31-16-2-2) that are filed before July 1, 1988.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-2"Abandoned" Sec. 2. "Abandoned", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-3"Abandoned infant" Sec. 3. "Abandoned infant", for purposes of IC 31-34-21-5.6, means a child who is less than twelve (12) months of age and whose parent, guardian, or custodian has knowingly or intentionally left the child in:

(1) an environment that endangers the child's life or health; or

(2) a hospital or medical facility;

and has no reasonable plan to assume the care, custody, and control of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-4"Account" Sec. 4. (a) "Account", for purposes of IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-3.

(b) "Account", for purposes of IC 31-26-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-1-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-5"Act of rape" Sec. 5. "Act of rape", for purposes of IC 31-35-3.5, means an act described in:

(1) IC 35-42-4-1;

(2) IC 35-42-4-3; or

(3) IC 35-42-4-9.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-6"Active duty" Sec. 6. "Active duty", for purposes of IC 31-14-13-6.3, IC 31-17-2-21.3, IC 31-33-8-7, and IC 31-33-14-3, means full-time service in:

(1) the armed forces of the United States (as defined in IC 5-9-4-3); or

(2) the National Guard (as defined in IC 5-9-4-4);

for a period that exceeds thirty (30) consecutive days in a calendar year.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-7"Actual notice" Sec. 7. "Actual notice", for purposes of IC 31-19-3, means written notice that is actually received by the putative father.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-8"Adoptee" Sec. 8. "Adoptee", for purposes of IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means a person who has been legally adopted.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-9"Adoption" Sec. 9. "Adoption", for purposes of IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means the judicial act of creating the relationship of parent and child where the relationship did not exist previously.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-10"Adoption assistance state" Sec. 10. "Adoption assistance state", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Adoption Assistance under IC 31-19-29, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-29-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-11"Adoption history" Sec. 11. "Adoption history", for purposes of IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-24, means:

(1) identifying information (as defined in section 122 of this chapter);

(2) the medical history (as defined in section 159 of this chapter); and

(3) nonidentifying information (as defined in section 165 of this chapter).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-11.5"Adoption or foster care service" Sec. 11.5. "Adoption or foster care service", for purposes of IC 31-10-3.5, refers to any one (1) or more of the following:

(1) Promoting foster parenting.

(2) Coordinating placement of a child in a home or facility licensed under IC 31-27.

(3) Recruiting a foster parent or an adoptive parent.

(4) Licensing or certifying a foster family home.

(5) Promoting adoption.

(6) Assisting with an adoption or supporting an adoptive parent.

(7) Performing or assisting with a home study.

(8) Assisting with a kinship guardianship or a kinship caregiver.

(9) Providing any family preservation service.

(10) Providing any family support service or temporary family reunification service.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-12"Adoption subsidy" Sec. 12. "Adoption subsidy", for purposes of IC 31-19-26.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-26.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-13"Adoptive parent" Sec. 13. "Adoptive parent", for purposes of IC 31-19-11 and IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means an adult who has become a parent of a child through adoption.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-14"Adult" Sec. 14. (a) "Adult", for purposes of IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

(b) "Adult", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a person other than a child.

(c) "Adult", for purposes of IC 31-11, means:

(1) a person at least eighteen (18) years of age; or

(2) a:

(A) married minor who is at least sixteen (16) years of age; or

(B) minor who has been completely emancipated by a court;

subject to specific constitutional and statutory age requirements and health and safety regulations that remain applicable to the person because of the person's age.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-15"Advisory board" Sec. 15. "Advisory board", for purposes of IC 31-31-9, refers to the juvenile detention center advisory board described in IC 31-31-9.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-16"Age or developmentally appropriate" Sec. 16. "Age or developmentally appropriate", for purposes of IC 31-34 and IC 31-37, means:

(1) activities or items that are generally:

(A) accepted as suitable for children of the same chronological age or level of maturity; or

(B) determined to be developmentally appropriate for a child based on the development of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral capacities that are typical for an age or age group; and

(2) in the case of a specific child, activities or items that are suitable for the child based on the developmental stages attained by the child with respect to the cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral capacities of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-17"Alleged father" Sec. 17. "Alleged father", for purposes of IC 31-14, means any man claiming to be or charged with being a child's biological father.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-18"Applicant" Sec. 18. (a) "Applicant", for purposes of IC 31-25-3, IC 31-25-4, and IC 31-26-3.5, means a person who has applied for assistance for the applicant or another person.

(b) "Applicant", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a person who seeks a license to operate a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-19"Application" Sec. 19. "Application", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-20"Appropriate public authorities" Sec. 20. "Appropriate public authorities", for purposes of IC 31-28-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-28-4-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-21"Assessment" Sec. 21. "Assessment", for purposes of IC 31-25 and IC 31-33, means an initial and ongoing investigation or evaluation that includes:

(1) a review and determination of the safety issues that affect a child and:

(A) a child's parents, guardians, or custodians; or

(B) another individual residing in the residence where the child resides or is likely to reside;

(2) an identification of the underlying causes of the safety issues described in subdivision (1);

(3) a determination whether child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment occurred; and

(4) a determination of the needs of a child's family in order for the child to:

(A) remain in the home safely;

(B) be returned to the home safely; or

(C) be placed in an alternative living arrangement.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-22"Assistance" Sec. 22. "Assistance", for purposes of the following statutes, means money or services regardless of the source, paid or furnished under any of the following statutes:

(1) IC 31-25-3.

(2) IC 31-25-4.

(3) IC 31-26-3.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-23"At-risk child"; "at-risk children" Sec. 23. "At-risk child" or "at-risk children", for purposes of IC 31-32-3, means a child or children who:

(1) are at risk of becoming involved in a juvenile proceeding;

(2) are at risk of being suspended or expelled from school;

(3) are at risk of dropping out of school;

(4) were previously children in need of services and who are in need of ongoing supervision and assistance; or

(5) have been victims of domestic violence.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-24"Birth parent" Sec. 24. "Birth parent", for purposes of IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means:

(1) the woman who is legally presumed under Indiana law to be the mother of biological origin of an adoptee;

(2) the man who is legally presumed under Indiana law to be the father of biological origin of an adoptee; or

(3) a man who establishes paternity of a child born out of wedlock:

(A) in a court proceeding; or

(B) by executing a paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2-2.1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-25"Blind" Sec. 25. "Blind", for purposes of IC 31-25-3, IC 31-25-4, IC 31-28-1, IC 31-28-2, and IC 31-28-3, means an individual who has vision in the better eye with correcting glasses of 20/200 or less, or a disqualifying visual field defect as determined upon examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who has been designated to make such examinations by the local office and approved by the department.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-26"Board" Sec. 26. (a) "Board", for purposes of IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-34(a).

(b) "Board", for purposes of IC 31-26-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-4-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-27"Bureau" Sec. 27. "Bureau", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-25, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-28"Case" Sec. 28. "Case", for purposes of IC 31-33-18-1.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-33-18-1.5(d).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-29"Caseworker" Sec. 29. "Caseworker", for purposes of the juvenile law (excluding IC 31-27), means an employee of the department of child services who is classified as a family case manager.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-30"Center" Sec. 30. "Center", for purposes of IC 31-31-9, means any secure juvenile detention center that operates in a county containing a consolidated city except for a center operated by the federal government. The term includes a juvenile detention facility.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-31"Central authority" Sec. 31. "Central authority", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-32"Child" Sec. 32. (a) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-15, IC 31-16 (excluding IC 31-16-12.5), and IC 31-17, means a child or children of both parties to the marriage. The term includes the following:

(1) Children born out of wedlock to the parties.

(2) Children born or adopted during the marriage of the parties.

(b) "Child", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

(c) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-19-5, includes an unborn child.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, "child", for purposes of the juvenile law and IC 31-27, means:

(1) a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) a person:

(A) who is eighteen (18), nineteen (19), or twenty (20) years of age; and

(B) who either:

(i) is charged with a delinquent act committed before the person's eighteenth birthday; or

(ii) has been adjudicated a child in need of services before the person's eighteenth birthday; or

(3) a person:

(A) who is alleged to have committed an act that would have been murder if committed by an adult;

(B) who was less than eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the alleged act; and

(C) who is less than twenty-one (21) years of age.

(e) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-36-3, means a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age.

(f) "Child", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

(g) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-16-12.5, means an individual to whom child support is owed under:

(1) a child support order issued under IC 31-14-10 or IC 31-16-6; or

(2) any other child support order that is enforceable under IC 31-16-12.5.

(h) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-32-5, means an individual who is less than eighteen (18) years of age.

(i) "Child", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-3.

(j) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-35-2-4.5, means an individual who is:

(1) less than eighteen (18) years of age; and

(2) a delinquent child or a child in need of services.

(k) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-33, includes an individual who:

(1) is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-one (21) years of age; and

(2) resides, or has previously resided, at a residential facility licensed by the department.

(l) "Child", for purposes of IC 31-42, means an unemancipated individual who is less than eighteen (18) years of age.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-33"Child abuse or neglect" Sec. 33. (a) "Child abuse or neglect", for purposes of IC 31-32-11-1, IC 31-33, IC 31-34-7-4, and IC 31-39-8-4, refers to:

(1) a child described in IC 31-34-1-1 through IC 31-34-1-5 and IC 31-34-1-8 through IC 31-34-1-11, regardless of whether the child needs care, treatment, rehabilitation, or the coercive intervention of a court; or

(2) an individual who:

(A) is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-one (21) years of age;

(B) resides, or has previously resided, at a residential facility licensed by the department; and

(C) is harmed or threatened with harm as a result of:

(i) a battery offense included in IC 35-42-2; or

(ii) sexual activity (as defined in IC 35-42-4-13(b));

committed by a member of the staff at the residential facility.

(b) For purposes of subsection (a), the term under subsection (a) does not refer to a child who is alleged to be a victim of a sexual offense under IC 35-42-4-3 unless the alleged offense under IC 35-42-4-3 involves the fondling or touching of the buttocks, genitals, or female breasts, regardless of whether the child needs care, treatment, rehabilitation, or the coercive intervention of a court.

(c) "Child abuse or neglect", for purposes of IC 31-34-2.3 and IC 31-42, refers to acts or omissions by a person against a child as described in IC 31-34-1-1 through IC 31-34-1-11, regardless of whether the child needs care, treatment, rehabilitation, or the coercive intervention of a court.

(d) "Child abuse or neglect" does not include raising or referring to a child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-34"Child advocacy center" Sec. 34. "Child advocacy center", for purposes of IC 31-25-2-14.5 and IC 31-33-18-2, means a child focused, trauma informed community based organization that:

(1) is:

(A) recognized by the Indiana Chapter of National Children's Alliance; and

(B) designed to collaborate on reports of child abuse or neglect;

(2) coordinates a multidisciplinary team; and

(3) facilitates forensic interviews.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-35"Child at imminent risk of placement" Sec. 35. "Child at imminent risk of placement", for purposes of IC 31-26-5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-36"Child born in wedlock" Sec. 36. "Child born in wedlock", for purposes of IC 31-19-9, means a child born to:

(1) a woman; and

(2) a man who is presumed to be the child's father under IC 31-14-7-1(1) or IC 31-14-7-1(2) unless the presumption is rebutted.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-37"Child born out of wedlock" Sec. 37. "Child born out of wedlock", for purposes of IC 31-19-3, IC 31-19-4-4, and IC 31-19-9, means a child who is born to:

(1) a woman; and

(2) a man who is not presumed to be the child's father under IC 31-14-7-1(1) or IC 31-14-7-1(2).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-38"Child care" Sec. 38. "Child care", for purposes of section 40 of this chapter and IC 31-27, means a service that provides for the care, health, safety, and supervision of a child's social, emotional, and educational growth.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-39"Child care provider" Sec. 39. "Child care provider", for purposes of IC 31-33-26, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-33-26-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-40"Child care worker" Sec. 40. "Child care worker", for purposes of IC 31-33, means an individual who:

(1) is:

(A) employed, other than self-employed as an owner; or

(B) actively seeking employment;

with an agency, facility, or home described in section 71(b)(2) of this chapter;

(2) is a child caregiver; or

(3) has, or will have, direct contact with a child to whom the individual is not a relative (as defined in section 207(c)(1) through 207(c)(11) of this chapter) on a regular and continuing basis through current employment with any agency, facility, or home that provides:

(A) child care; or

(B) services to, or for the benefit of, a child who is a victim of child abuse or neglect (as described in section 33(c) of this chapter).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-41"Child caregiver" Sec. 41. "Child caregiver", for purposes of sections 40 and 71 of this chapter, means a person who provides, or is responsible for providing, care and supervision of a child (other than a child of whom the person is a parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, legal guardian, or custodian with whom the person resides) at a residential property that is not the child's place of residence, if the person:

(1) is not required to be licensed as the operator of:

(A) a child care home under IC 12-17.2-5; or

(B) a foster family home under IC 31-27-4;

(2) provides care and supervision of a child while unattended by the child's:

(A) parent;

(B) guardian; or

(C) custodian with whom the child resides; and

(3) receives more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) in annual compensation for providing care and supervision of a child or children.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-42"Child caring institution" Sec. 42. "Child caring institution", for purposes of IC 31-27, means:

(1) a residential facility that provides child care on a twenty-four (24) hour basis for more than ten (10) children; or

(2) a residential facility with a capacity of not more than ten (10) children that does not meet the residential structure requirements of a group home.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-43"Child custody determination" Sec. 43. "Child custody determination", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-44"Child custody proceeding" Sec. 44. "Child custody proceeding", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-45"Child in need of services" Sec. 45. "Child in need of services", for purposes of this title, refers to a child described in IC 31-34-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-46"Child placing agency" Sec. 46. "Child placing agency", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a person that provides child welfare services to children and families, including:

(1) home studies, investigation, and recommendation of families for the purpose of placing, arranging, or causing the placement of children for adoption, foster care, or residential care; and

(2) supervision of those placements.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-47"Child services" Sec. 47. "Child services", for purposes of this title, means the following:

(1) Services, other than services that are costs of secure detention, specifically provided by or on behalf of the department for or on behalf of children who are:

(A) adjudicated to be:

(i) children in need of services under IC 31-34; or

(ii) delinquent children under IC 31-37;

(B) parties in a child in need of services case filed under IC 31-34 or in a delinquency case filed under IC 31-37 before adjudication or entry of a dispositional decree;

(C) subject to temporary care or supervision by the department under any applicable provision of IC 31-33, IC 31-34, or IC 31-37;

(D) recipients or beneficiaries of a program of informal adjustment approved under IC 31-34-8 or IC 31-37-9; or

(E) recipients or beneficiaries of:

(i) adoption assistance or kinship guardianship assistance under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 673), as amended;

(ii) adoption subsidies or assistance under IC 31-19-26.5;

(iii) assistance, including emergency assistance or assisted guardianships, provided under Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as amended; or

(iv) other financial assistance provided to or for the benefit of a child who was previously adjudicated as a child in need of services or delinquent child, including a legal guardianship established to implement a permanency plan under IC 31-34-21-7.5(c)(1)(E) if IC 29-3-8-9 applies and the assistance is approved under a rule or published policy of the department.

(2) Costs of using an institution or facility for providing educational services to children described in subdivision (1)(A), under either IC 20-33-2-29 (if applicable) or IC 20-26-11-13 (if applicable).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-48"Child support guidelines" Sec. 48. "Child support guidelines", for purposes of IC 31-16-8-1, refers to the guidelines adopted by the Indiana supreme court.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-49"Child support order" Sec. 49. "Child support order", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-50"Child welfare agency" Sec. 50. "Child welfare agency", for purposes of IC 31-25-2-20.4 and IC 31-33-18-1.6, means:

(1) the department of child services; and

(2) a person (as defined in IC 24-4-14-5) that, directly or indirectly, provides:

(A) services to a child or family of a child, for which payment is made, in whole or in part, by the department of child services or a local office of the department of child services;

(B) services to:

(i) a child who is; or

(ii) a family with;

a child at imminent risk of placement (as defined in IC 31-26-5-1) who is referred by the department of child services or a local office of the department of child services to the person for family support or family preservation services; or

(C) assistance to or works in cooperation with the department of child services in the investigations of allegations of possible child abuse or neglect in accordance with IC 31-33.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-51"Child welfare program" Sec. 51. "Child welfare program", for purposes of this title, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-3.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-52"Child welfare services" Sec. 52. "Child welfare services", for purposes of this title, means services provided under a child welfare program.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-53"Child with a disability" Sec. 53. "Child with a disability", for purposes of IC 31-34-1-9, means an individual who:

(1) is less than eighteen (18) years of age; and

(2) has a disability (as defined in IC 22-9-1-3(r)).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-54"Child with special needs" Sec. 54. "Child with special needs", for purposes of IC 31-19-26.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-26.5-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-55"Commencement" Sec. 55. "Commencement", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-6.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-56"Compact" Sec. 56. "Compact", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-57"Concurrent planning" Sec. 57. (a) Subject to subsection (b), "concurrent planning", for purposes of IC 31-34 and IC 31-35, means the establishment of a case plan with concurrent permanency plan goals, including the following:

(1) Return to or continuation of existing custodial care within the home of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian or placement of the child with the child's noncustodial parent.

(2) Placement of the child for adoption.

(3) Placement of the child with a fit and willing relative who is able and willing to act as the child's permanent custodian and carry out the responsibilities required by the permanency plan.

(4) Appointment of a legal guardian.

(5) A supervised independent living arrangement or foster care for the child with a permanency plan of another planned, permanent living arrangement. However, a child less than sixteen (16) years of age may not have another planned, permanent living arrangement as the child's permanency plan.

(b) "Concurrent planning", for purposes of IC 31-34, requires the identification of two (2) permanency plan goals and simultaneous reasonable efforts toward both goals with knowledge of all participants.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-58"Conduct a criminal history check" Sec. 58. "Conduct a criminal history check", for purposes of IC 31-19, IC 31-26, IC 31-27, IC 31-28, IC 31-33, IC 31-34, IC 31-37, and IC 31-39-2-13.5, means to:

(1) request:

(A) the state police department to conduct a:

(i) fingerprint based criminal history background check of both national and state records data bases concerning a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age in accordance with IC 10-13-3-27 and IC 10-13-3-39; or

(ii) national name based criminal history record check (as defined in IC 10-13-3-12.5) of a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age as provided by IC 10-13-3-27.5; or

(B) if an individual has:

(i) a physical disability that prevents fingerprinting and a person approved by the department who is trained to take fingerprints or a qualified medical practitioner (as defined in section 196 of this chapter) verifies that the individual has a disabling condition that prevents fingerprinting; or

(ii) low quality fingerprints, as a result of age, occupation, or otherwise, that prevent fingerprint results from being obtained and the individual's fingerprints have been rejected the required number of times by automated fingerprint classification equipment or rejected by a person designated by the Indiana state police department to examine and classify fingerprints;

the state police department to conduct a national name based criminal history record check (as defined in IC 10-13-3-12.5) or request the state police department to release or allow inspection of a limited criminal history (as defined in IC 10-13-3-11) and the state police in every state the individual has resided in the past five (5) years to release or allow inspection of the state's criminal history;

(2) collect each substantiated report of child abuse or neglect reported in a jurisdiction where a probation officer, a caseworker, or the department of child services has reason to believe that a person who is fourteen (14) years of age or older, or a person for whom a fingerprint based criminal history background check is required under this title, resided within the previous five (5) years;

(3) conduct a check of the national sex offender registry maintained by the United States Department of Justice for all persons who are at least fourteen (14) years of age; and

(4) conduct a check of local criminal records in every jurisdiction where a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age has resided within the previous five (5) years unless the department of child services or a court grants an exception to conducting this check.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-59"Contact" Sec. 59. "Contact", for purposes of IC 31-33-18-1.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-33-18-1.5(d).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-60"Contact performance form" Sec. 60. "Contact preference form" means the form prescribed by the state registrar under IC 31-19-25-4.6.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-61"Controlled substance" Sec. 61. "Controlled substance", for purposes of the juvenile law, has the meaning set forth in IC 35-48-1.1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-62"Convention" Sec. 62. "Convention", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-63"Convention support order" Sec. 63. "Convention support order", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-64"Costs of secure detention" Sec. 64. "Costs of secure detention", for purposes of this title, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-40-1-1.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-65"Council" Sec. 65. "Council", for purposes of IC 31-31-9, refers to the city-county council of the consolidated city within the county.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-66"Court" Sec. 66. (a) "Court", for purposes of IC 31-15, IC 31-16, and IC 31-17, means the circuit, superior, or other courts of Indiana upon which jurisdiction to enter dissolution decrees has been or may be conferred.

(b) "Court", for purposes of IC 31-16-15, refers to the court having jurisdiction over child support orders.

(c) "Court", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-3.

(d) "Court", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

(e) "Court", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a circuit or superior court.

(f) "Court", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-7.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-67"Court appointed special advocate" Sec. 67. (a) "Court appointed special advocate", for purposes of IC 31-15-6, IC 31-17-6, IC 31-19-16, IC 31-19-16.5, IC 31-28-5, IC 31-32-3-10.5, and the juvenile law, means a community volunteer who:

(1) has completed a training program approved by the court;

(2) has been appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child; and

(3) may research, examine, advocate, facilitate, and monitor a child's situation.

(b) "Court appointed special advocate", for purposes of IC 31-32-3-10.5, IC 31-33, IC 31-34, IC 31-35, and IC 31-37, means a community volunteer who:

(1) has completed a training program approved by the court that includes training in:

(A) the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and

(B) early childhood, child, and adolescent development;

as required by 42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(B)(xiii);

(2) has been appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child; and

(3) may research, examine, advocate, facilitate, and monitor a child's situation.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-68"Crime" Sec. 68. "Crime", for purposes of the juvenile law, means an offense for which an adult might be imprisoned or incarcerated if convicted under the law of the jurisdiction in which the offense is committed.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-69"Crime involving domestic or family violence" Sec. 69. "Crime involving domestic or family violence" means a crime that occurs when a family or household member commits, attempts to commit, or conspires to commit any of the following against another family or household member:

(1) A homicide offense under IC 35-42-1.

(2) A battery offense under IC 35-42-2.

(3) Kidnapping or confinement under IC 35-42-3.

(4) A sex offense under IC 35-42-4.

(5) Robbery under IC 35-42-5.

(6) Arson or vandalism under IC 35-43-1.

(7) Burglary or trespass under IC 35-43-2.

(8) Disorderly conduct under IC 35-45-1.

(9) Intimidation or harassment under IC 35-45-2.

(10) Voyeurism under IC 35-45-4.

(11) Stalking under IC 35-45-10.

(12) An offense against the family under IC 35-46-1-2 through IC 35-46-1-8, IC 35-46-1-12, IC 35-46-1-15.1, or IC 35-46-1-15.3.

(13) Human and sexual trafficking crimes under IC 35-42-3.5.

(14) A crime involving animal cruelty and a family or household member under IC 35-46-3-12(b)(2) or IC 35-46-3-12.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-70"Custodial parent" Sec. 70. "Custodial parent", for purposes of IC 31-14-13-8, IC 31-14-15, IC 31-16-6-1.5, IC 31-16-12.5, IC 31-17-2-22, and IC 31-17-4, means the parent who has been awarded physical custody of a child by a court.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-71"Custodian" Sec. 71. (a) "Custodian", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a person with whom a child resides.

(b) "Custodian", for purposes of IC 31-34-1, includes any person who is:

(1) a license applicant or licensee of:

(A) a foster home or residential child care facility that is required to be licensed or is licensed under IC 31-27;

(B) a child care center that is required to be licensed or is licensed under IC 12-17.2-4; or

(C) a child care home that is required to be licensed or is licensed under IC 12-17.2-5;

(2) a person who is responsible for care, supervision, or welfare of children while providing services as an owner, operator, director, manager, supervisor, employee, or volunteer at:

(A) a home, center, or facility described in subdivision (1);

(B) a child care ministry, as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-58, that is exempt from licensing requirements and is registered or required to be registered under IC 12-17.2-6;

(C) a home, center, or facility of a child care provider, as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-267(5);

(D) a home, center, or facility that is the location of a program that provides child care, as defined in section 38 of this chapter, to serve migrant children and that is exempt from licensing under IC 12-17.2-2-8(6), whether or not the program is certified as described in IC 12-17.2-2-9; or

(E) a school, as defined in section 220 of this chapter;

(3) a child caregiver, as defined in section 41 of this chapter;

(4) a member of the household of the child's noncustodial parent; or

(5) an individual who has or intends to have direct contact, on a regular and continuing basis, with a child for whom the individual provides care and supervision.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-72"De facto custodian" Sec. 72. "De facto custodian", for purposes of IC 31-14-13, IC 31-17-2, and IC 31-34-4, means a person who has been the primary caregiver for, and financial support of, a child who has resided with the person for at least:

(1) six (6) months if the child is less than three (3) years of age; or

(2) one (1) year if the child is at least three (3) years of age.

Any period after a child custody proceeding has been commenced may not be included in determining whether the child has resided with the person for the required minimum period. The term does not include a person providing care for a child in a foster family home (as defined in section 108 of this chapter).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-73"Delinquent" Sec. 73. (a) "Delinquent", for purposes of IC 31-16-15, refers to a situation in which an obligor is the equivalent of one (1) month in arrears in the payment of child support ordered by a court.

(b) "Delinquent", for purposes of IC 31-16-16, refers to a situation in which an obligor is in arrears in the payment of child support ordered by a court in Indiana or another state that has jurisdiction over the support order.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-74"Delinquent child" Sec. 74. (a) "Delinquent child", for purposes of the juvenile law, except as provided in subsection (b), means:

(1) a child described in IC 31-37-1-1; or

(2) a child described in IC 31-37-2-1.

(b) "Delinquent child", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-75"Delinquent juvenile" Sec. 75. "Delinquent juvenile", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-76"Department" Sec. 76. "Department", for purposes of this chapter, IC 31-19, and IC 31-25 through IC 31-40, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-2-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-77"Dependent child" Sec. 77. "Dependent child" or "neglected child", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-78"Destitute child" Sec. 78. "Destitute child", for purposes of this title, means an individual:

(1) who is needy;

(2) who is not a public ward;

(3) who is less than eighteen (18) years of age;

(4) who has been deprived of parental support or care because of a parent's:

(A) death;

(B) continued absence from the home; or

(C) physical or mental incapacity;

(5) whose relatives liable for the individual's support are not able to provide adequate care or support for the individual without public assistance; and

(6) who is in need of foster care, under circumstances that do not require the individual to be made a public ward.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-79"Detention tool" Sec. 79. "Detention tool" means a validated instrument that assesses a child's risk for rearrest in order to inform a decision on the use of secure detention.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-80"Diagnostic assessment" Sec. 80. "Diagnostic assessment" means a clinical evaluation provided by a certified professional in order to gather information to determine appropriate behavioral health treatment for a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-81"Direct request" Sec. 81. "Direct request", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-82"Director" Sec. 82. "Director", for purposes of IC 31-25-1, IC 31-25-2, IC 31-33, IC 31-34, and IC 31-37, refers to the director of the department of child services.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-82.5"Discriminate" Sec. 82.5. "Discriminate", for purposes of IC 31-10-3.5, includes any one (1) or more of the following acts when done wholly or partially based on a person's sincerely held religious belief:

(1) Denying or otherwise making unavailable any funding to the person, including:

(A) a state grant;

(B) a loan;

(C) a scholarship;

(D) a guarantee; or

(E) an entitlement or a state benefit.

(2) Terminating, altering the terms of, or refusing to enter into a contract with the person, including a subcontract or cooperative agreement.

(3) Refusing to recognize or taking any adverse action against a person's:

(A) license;

(B) certificate;

(C) custody award or agreement; or

(D) any other similar status.

(4) Refusing to place a child with the person, except for the reasons set forth in IC 31-10-3.5-1.

(5) Altering in any way the person's tax treatment, including:

(A) imposing a tax penalty;

(B) denying or otherwise making unavailable an exemption from taxation; or

(C) disallowing or otherwise making unavailable a deduction for state tax purposes of any charitable donation made by or to the person.

(6) Imposing on the person any of the following:

(A) A monetary fine.

(B) A fee.

(C) A penalty.

(D) A damages award.

(E) An injunction.

(7) Taking any of the following actions:

(A) Refusing to hire or promote the person.

(B) Forcing the person to resign.

(C) Firing, demoting, or disciplining the person.

(D) Altering the terms or conditions of the person's employment.

(E) Retaliating against the person.

(F) Taking any other adverse employment action against the person.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-83"Dissolution decree" Sec. 83. "Dissolution decree", for purposes of IC 31-15, IC 31-16, and IC 31-17, means a judicial decree entered in a proceeding for the dissolution of marriage which:

(1) has the effect of terminating the marriage and restoring the parties to the state of unmarried persons; and

(2) may include those matters set forth in IC 31-15-2-16.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-84"Domestic or family violence" Sec. 84. "Domestic or family violence" means, except for an act of self-defense, the occurrence of one (1) or more of the following acts committed by a family or household member:

(1) Attempting to cause, threatening to cause, or causing physical harm to another family or household member without legal justification.

(2) Placing a family or household member in fear of physical harm without legal justification.

(3) Causing a family or household member to involuntarily engage in sexual activity by force, threat of force, or duress.

(4) Abusing (as described in IC 35-46-3-0.5), torturing (as described in IC 35-46-3-0.5), mutilating (as described in IC 35-46-3-0.5), or killing a vertebrate animal without justification with the intent to threaten, intimidate, coerce, harass, or terrorize a family or household member.

For purposes of IC 22-4-15-1 and IC 34-26-5, domestic or family violence also includes stalking (as defined in IC 35-45-10-1) or a sex offense under IC 35-42-4, whether or not the stalking or sex offense is committed by a family or household member.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-85"Drug or alcohol screen test" Sec. 85. "Drug or alcohol screen test" means a test used to determine the presence or use of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a drug in a person's bodily substance.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-86"Duty of support" Sec. 86. "Duty of support", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-87"Early intervention advocate" Sec. 87. "Early intervention advocate", for purposes of IC 31-32-3, means a volunteer or staff member of a preventative program who is appointed by the court as an officer of the court to assist, represent, and protect the interests of at-risk children.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-88"Emergency medical services provider" Sec. 88. "Emergency medical services provider" has the meaning set forth in IC 16-41-10-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-89"Emergency shelter" Sec. 89. "Emergency shelter", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a short term place of residence, other than a private secure facility, that:

(1) is not locked to prevent a child's departure unless the administrator determines that locking is necessary to protect the child's health; and

(2) provides twenty-four (24) hours a day temporary care for not more than sixty (60) consecutive days to a child who is admitted on an emergency basis.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-90"Evaluator" Sec. 90. "Evaluator", for purposes of IC 31-32-2 and IC 31-37-8-4.5, means a person responsible for providing mental health screening, evaluation, or treatment to a child in connection with a juvenile proceeding or probation proceeding under this title.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-91"Executive authority" Sec. 91. "Executive authority", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-6.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-92"Exigent circumstances" Sec. 92. (a) "Exigent circumstances", as applied to an action by the department with regard to a child, means that:

(1) the department has definite and articulable evidence giving rise to a reasonable suspicion that the child or a child residing in the home with the child:

(A) has been or is in imminent danger of being physically or sexually abused; or

(B) has been or is in imminent danger of being neglected in a manner that would lead a reasonable person to believe the child's physical safety is seriously endangered;

(2) there is no less intrusive alternative to the department's action that would reasonably and sufficiently protect the child's imminent health or safety; and

(3) one (1) or more of the following applies:

(A) The parent, guardian, or custodian of the child:

(i) is the alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect of the child; or

(ii) is allegedly aware of the abuse or neglect of the child and has allegedly not ensured the child's safety.

(B) There is reason to believe that:

(i) the safety of the child might be jeopardized; or

(ii) essential evidence regarding signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect under subdivision (1) on or in the child's body might not be available;

if the department's action is delayed or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian is notified before the department's action.

(C) The child is a homeless unaccompanied minor and is voluntarily receiving services at an emergency shelter or shelter care facility without the presence or consent of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(b) An allegation of educational neglect does not qualify as an exigent circumstance.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-93"Family or household member" Sec. 93. (a) An individual is a "family or household member" of another person if the individual:

(1) is a current or former spouse of the other person;

(2) is dating or has dated the other person;

(3) is engaged or was engaged in a sexual relationship with the other person;

(4) is related by blood or adoption to the other person;

(5) is or was related by marriage to the other person;

(6) has or previously had an established legal relationship:

(A) as a guardian of the other person;

(B) as a ward of the other person;

(C) as a custodian of the other person;

(D) as a foster parent of the other person; or

(E) in a capacity with respect to the other person similar to those listed in clauses (A) through (D); or

(7) has a child in common with the other person.

(b) An individual is a "family or household member" of both persons to whom subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), or (a)(7) applies if the individual is a minor child of one (1) of the persons.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-94"Family preservation services" Sec. 94. "Family preservation services", for purposes of IC 31-26-5 and IC 31-26-6, means short term, highly intensive services designed to protect, treat, and support the following:

(1) A family with a child at risk of placement by enabling the family to remain intact and care for the child at home.

(2) A family that adopts or plans to adopt an abused or neglected child who is at risk of placement or adoption disruption by assisting the family to achieve or maintain a stable, successful adoption of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-95"Family services" Sec. 95. "Family services", for purposes of the juvenile law, means services provided to:

(1) prevent a child from being removed from a parent, guardian, or custodian;

(2) reunite the child with a parent, guardian, or custodian; or

(3) implement a permanent plan of adoption, guardianship, or emancipation of a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-96"Fentanyl containing substance" Sec. 96. "Fentanyl containing substance", for purposes of the juvenile law, has the meaning set forth in IC 35-31.5-2-130.6.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-97"Fentanyl related substance" Sec. 97. "Fentanyl related substance", for purposes of the juvenile law, has the meaning set forth in IC 35-31.5-2-130.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-98"Final agency action" Sec. 98. "Final agency action" means, with respect to an administrative action taken by the department, the issuance of an order by the ultimate authority of the department that:

(1) disposes of all issues for all parties to an administrative proceeding regarding the action after the parties to the administrative proceeding have exhausted all administrative remedies concerning the action; and

(2) is designated as a final order by the ultimate authority of the department.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-99"Final separation" Sec. 99. "Final separation", for purposes of IC 31-15-7, means the date of filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage under IC 31-15-2-4 (or IC 31-1-11.5-3 before its repeal). However, if:

(1) a legal separation proceeding involving the parties was pending when the petition for dissolution of marriage under IC 31-15-2-4 (or IC 31-1-11.5-3 before its repeal) was filed; or

(2) a provisional order or final decree for legal separation of the parties was in effect when the petition for dissolution of marriage under IC 31-15-2-4 (or IC 31-1-11.5-3 before its repeal) was filed;

the term means the date that the petition for legal separation was filed under IC 31-15-3-4 (or IC 31-1-11.5-3 before its repeal).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-100"Financial institution" Sec. 100. "Financial institution", for purposes of IC 31-25-3 and IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-101"Foreign central authority" Sec. 101. "Foreign central authority", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-102"Foreign country" Sec. 102. "Foreign country", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-103"Foreign support agreement" Sec. 103. "Foreign support agreement", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-104"Foreign support order" Sec. 104. "Foreign support order", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-105"Foreign tribunal" Sec. 105. "Foreign tribunal", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-106"Forensic interview" Sec. 106. "Forensic interview", for purposes of section 34 of this chapter and IC 31-25-2-14.5, means an interview in response to a report of child abuse or neglect conducted by a professional specially trained in a nationally recognized model using a multidisciplinary team approach.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-107"Foster care" Sec. 107. "Foster care", for purposes of IC 31-25, IC 31-26, IC 31-27, IC 31-28-1, IC 31-28-2, IC 31-28-3, IC 31-34-21-7.6, and IC 31-37-22-10, means living in:

(1) a place licensed under IC 31-27 or a comparable law of another state; or

(2) the home of an adult relative who is not licensed as a foster family home.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-108"Foster family home" Sec. 108. "Foster family home", for purposes of IC 31-27 and IC 31-34-23-6, means a place where an individual resides and provides care and supervision on a twenty-four (24) hour basis to a child, as defined in section 32(d) of this chapter, who is receiving care and supervision under a juvenile court order or for purposes of placement.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-109"Foster parent" Sec. 109. "Foster parent", for purposes of the juvenile law, means an individual who provides care and supervision to a child in a foster family home (as defined in section 108 of this chapter). The term includes a licensed kinship caregiver and an unlicensed kinship caregiver.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-110"Foster youth" Sec. 110. (a) "Foster youth", for purposes of IC 31-25-2-29, refers to an individual:

(1) who is at least twelve (12) years of age;

(2) who is not more than twenty-three (23) years of age;

(3) who:

(A) is a child in need of services under IC 31-34-1; or

(B) is receiving collaborative care (as defined in IC 31-28-5.8-1); and

(4) who is in an out-of-home placement.

(b) "Foster youth", for purposes of IC 31-26-4.5, refers to an individual:

(1) who is at least fifteen (15) years of age;

(2) who is not more than twenty-three (23) years of age; and

(3) who:

(A) is adjudicated a child in need of services under IC 31-34-1; or

(B) was in foster care when the individual became an adult (as defined in section 14(b) of this chapter).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-111"Fund" Sec. 111. "Fund", for purposes of IC 31-26-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-4-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-112"Governmental entity" Sec. 112. (a) "Governmental entity", for purposes of IC 31-42, means the whole or any part of a branch, department, agency, or instrumentality, or an official, or other individual or entity, acting under color of law of any of the following:

(1) State government.

(2) A political subdivision (as defined in IC 36-1-2-13).

(3) An instrumentality of a governmental entity described in subdivision (1) or (2), including a state educational institution, a body politic, a body corporate and politic, or any other similar entity established by law.

(b) The term does not include a hospital that is established and operated under IC 16-22-2, IC 16-22-8, or IC 16-23.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-113"Governor" Sec. 113. "Governor", for purposes of IC 31-18.5-8, in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-8-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-114"Grandparent visitation" Sec. 114. "Grandparent visitation", for purposes of IC 31-17-2.2, means visitation rights granted to a grandparent under IC 31-17-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-115"Group home" Sec. 115. "Group home", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a residential structure in which care is provided on a twenty-four (24) hour basis for not more than ten (10) children.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-116"Guardian" Sec. 116. (a) "Guardian", for purposes of IC 31-11-10-1, IC 31-15-2-5, and IC 31-15-3-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 29-3-1-6.

(b) "Guardian", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a person appointed by a court to have the care and custody of a child or the child's estate, or both.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-117"Guardian ad litem" Sec. 117. (a) "Guardian ad litem", for purposes of IC 31-15-6, IC 31-19-16, IC 31-19-16.5, IC 31-28-5, IC 31-32-3-10.5, and the juvenile law, means an attorney, a volunteer, or an employee of a county program designated under IC 33-24-6-4 who is appointed by a court to:

(1) represent and protect the best interests of a child; and

(2) provide the child with services requested by the court, including:

(A) researching;

(B) examining;

(C) advocating;

(D) facilitating; and

(E) monitoring;

the child's situation.

A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 67 of this chapter.

(b) "Guardian ad litem", for purposes of IC 31-32-3-10.5, IC 31-33, IC 31-34, IC 31-35, and IC 31-37, means an attorney, a volunteer, or an employee of a county program designated under IC 33-24-6-4 who:

(1) is appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child;

(2) is appointed by a court to provide the child with services requested by the court, including:

(A) researching;

(B) examining;

(C) advocating;

(D) facilitating; and

(E) monitoring;

the child's situation; and

(3) has completed training appropriate for the person's role, including training in:

(A) the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and

(B) early childhood, child, and adolescent development;

as required by 42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(B)(xiii).

A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 67 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-118"Hard to place child"; "hard to place children" Sec. 118. "Hard to place child" or "hard to place children", for purposes of IC 31-19 and IC 31-34, means a child who is or children who are disadvantaged:

(1) because of:

(A) ethnic background;

(B) race;

(C) color;

(D) language;

(E) physical, mental, or medical disability; or

(F) age; or

(2) because the child or children are members of a sibling group that should be placed in the same home.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-119"Health care" Sec. 119. "Health care", for purposes of IC 31-42, has the meaning set forth in IC 16-36-1-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-120"Health care provider" Sec. 120. "Health care provider", for purposes of IC 31-32-6-4, IC 31-32-11-1, and IC 31-33, means any of the following:

(1) A licensed physician, intern, or resident.

(2) An osteopath.

(3) A chiropractor.

(4) A dentist.

(5) A podiatrist.

(6) A registered nurse or other licensed nurse.

(7) A mental health professional.

(8) A paramedic or an emergency medical technician.

(9) A social worker, an x-ray technician, or a laboratory technician employed by a hospital.

(10) A pharmacist.

(11) A person working under the direction of any of the practitioners listed in subdivisions (1) through (10).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-121"Home state" Sec. 121. (a) "Home state", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-8.

(b) "Home state", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-122"Identifying information" Sec. 122. "Identifying information", for purposes of IC 31-19-9-6 and IC 31-19-17 through IC 31-19-25.5, means:

(1) any name that a party to an adoption has used or is using;

(2) any address that a party to an adoption has used or is using;

(3) the original certificates of birth stored with the Indiana department of health with evidence of adoption under IC 31-19-13-2; and

(4) any other information, except the medical history, that may identify a person as a party to an adoption or as a birth parent, an adoptee, or an adoptive parent.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-123"Incapacitated person" Sec. 123. "Incapacitated person", for purposes of IC 31-11-10-1, IC 31-15-2-5, and IC 31-15-3-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 29-3-1-7.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-124"Incarceration" Sec. 124. "Incarceration", for purposes of IC 31-16 and IC 31-25-4, means confinement of an individual on a full-time basis in a place of detention that prohibits the individual from gainful employment, including home detention or a municipal, county, state, or federal prison or jail. The term does not include an individual on parole, probation, work release, community corrections, or any other detention alternative program that allows the individual to be gainfully employed.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-125"Includes" Sec. 125. "Includes" means includes but is not limited to.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-126"Income" Sec. 126. (a) "Income", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means anything of value owed to an obligor.

(b) "Income", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, means earnings or other periodic entitlements to money from any source, and any other property subject to withholding for support under Indiana law (as defined in IC 31-18.5-1-2).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-127"Income payor" Sec. 127. (a) "Income payor", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means an employer or other person who owes income to an obligor (as defined in section 170(a) of this chapter).

(b) "Income payor", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, means an employer or other person who owes income to an obligor (as defined in IC 31-18.5-1-2).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-128"Income withholding order" Sec. 128. (a) "Income withholding order", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's income payor to withhold:

(1) support; and

(2) support fees and maintenance fees as described in IC 33-37-5-6;

from the income of the obligor.

(b) "Income withholding order", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-128.7"Independent activity" Sec. 128.7. "Independent activity", for purposes of IC 31-34-1-1, includes any of the following when done by a child without the supervision of a parent, guardian, or custodian:

(1) Traveling on foot, by bicycle, or by public transportation.

(2) Playing outdoors.

(3) Remaining at home.

(4) Remaining in a stationary vehicle.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-129"Index" Sec. 129. "Index", for purposes of IC 31-33-26, means the child protection index established under IC 31-33-26-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-130"Indian child" Sec. 130. "Indian child" has the same meaning as the term is defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-131"Initial determination" Sec. 131. "Initial determination", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-9.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-132"Initiating tribunal" Sec. 132. "Initiating tribunal", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-133"Intake officer" Sec. 133. "Intake officer", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a probation officer or a caseworker who performs the intake, preliminary inquiry, or other functions specified by the juvenile court or by the juvenile law.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-134"Intended biological parent" Sec. 134. "Intended biological parent", for purposes of sections 240 and 241 of this chapter, means a party to a surrogate agreement who:

(1) agrees to be or is genetically related to a child borne by a surrogate; and

(2) is not the surrogate's spouse.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-135"Interested person" Sec. 135. "Interested person", for purposes of IC 31-19-20 and IC 31-19-24, means any of the following:

(1) An adoptee.

(2) A birth parent.

(3) An adoptive parent.

(4) A relative of a birth parent.

(5) A relative of an adoptive parent.

(6) A relative of an adoptee.

(7) A pre-adoptive sibling (as defined in section 182 of this chapter).

(8) The department.

(9) An adoption agency.

(10) A court.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-136"Issuing court" Sec. 136. "Issuing court", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-10.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-137"Issuing foreign country" Sec. 137. "Issuing foreign country", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-138"Issuing state" Sec. 138. (a) "Issuing state", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

(b) "Issuing state", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-11.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-139"Issuing tribunal" Sec. 139. "Issuing tribunal", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-140"Joint legal custody" Sec. 140. "Joint legal custody", for purposes of IC 31-14-13, IC 31-17-2-13, IC 31-17-2-14, and IC 31-17-2-15, means that the persons awarded joint custody will share authority and responsibility for the major decisions concerning the child's upbringing, including the child's education, health care, and religious training.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-141"Judge" Sec. 141. "Judge", for purposes of the juvenile law, refers to the judge of the juvenile court.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-142"Juvenile" Sec. 142. "Juvenile", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-143"Juvenile court" Sec. 143. "Juvenile court", for purposes of the juvenile law, refers to a court having juvenile jurisdiction.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-144"Juvenile detention facility" Sec. 144. "Juvenile detention facility", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a facility described in IC 31-31-8-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-145"Juvenile diversion" Sec. 145. "Juvenile diversion" has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-8.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-146"Juvenile law" Sec. 146. "Juvenile law" refers to IC 31-30 through IC 31-40.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-147"Kinship care navigator program" Sec. 147. "Kinship care navigator program", for purposes of IC 31-25-2-25, means the program established by the department of child services to assist kinship caregivers in learning about, finding, and using programs and services to meet the needs of the caregivers and of the children the caregivers are raising, and to promote effective partnerships among public and private agencies to ensure kinship caregiver families are served.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-148"Law" Sec. 148. "Law", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-149"Law enforcement agency" Sec. 149. "Law enforcement agency", for purposes of IC 31-36, means a governmental agency or department whose principal function is the apprehension of criminal offenders.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-150"Legal settlement" Sec. 150. "Legal settlement", for purposes of IC 31-34-20-5, IC 31-34-21-10, IC 31-37-19-26, and IC 31-37-20-6, has the meaning set forth in IC 20-18-2-11.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-151"Legend drug" Sec. 151. "Legend drug", for purposes of the juvenile law, has the meaning set forth in IC 16-18-2-199.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-152"Licensed kinship caregiver" Sec. 152. "Licensed kinship caregiver" means a relative who is:

(1) providing care and supervision to a child under a court order for purposes of placement in a child in need of services case or juvenile delinquency case; and

(2) licensed as a foster parent under IC 31-27-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-153"Licensee" Sec. 153. "Licensee", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a person who holds a valid license issued under IC 31-27.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-154"Lifetime sex or violent offender" Sec. 154. "Lifetime sex or violent offender" has the meaning set forth in IC 34-28-2-1.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-155"Local law enforcement authority" Sec. 155. "Local law enforcement authority" has the meaning set forth in IC 11-8-8-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-156"Local office" Sec. 156. "Local office", for purposes of this title, refers to a local office established by the department to serve a county or a region.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-157"Long term foster parent" Sec. 157. "Long term foster parent", for purposes of IC 31-32-2.5 and IC 31-34-21, means a foster parent who has provided care and supervision for a child:

(1) for at least the twelve (12) most recent months;

(2) for at least fifteen (15) months of the most recent twenty-two (22) months; or

(3) if the child is less than twelve (12) months of age, for at least six (6) months.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-158"Maternal or paternal grandparent" Sec. 158. "Maternal or paternal grandparent", for purposes of IC 31-17-5, includes:

(1) the adoptive parent of the child's parent;

(2) the parent of the child's adoptive parent; and

(3) the parent of the child's parent.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-159"Medical history" Sec. 159. "Medical history", for purposes of IC 31-19-18 through IC 31-19-20, means:

(1) a comprehensive report required by IC 31-19-2-7; and

(2) any voluntary medical information transmitted to the state registrar under IC 31-19-18-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-160"Medical information" Sec. 160. "Medical information", for purposes of IC 31-19-18, IC 31-19-20, and IC 31-19-24, means any information that may affect the medical history of an adoptee.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-161"Modification" Sec. 161. "Modification", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-12.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-162"Monitor" Sec. 162. "Monitor", for purposes of IC 31-27, means observation to determine the licensee's continuing compliance with IC 31-27.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-162.5"Near fatality" Sec. 162.5. "Near fatality", for purposes of IC 31-33-18.5, means a severe childhood injury or condition that is certified by a physician as being life threatening.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-163"Neglected child"; "dependent child" Sec. 163. "Neglected child" or "dependent child", for purposes of IC 31-37-23, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-164"Noncustodial parent" Sec. 164. "Noncustodial parent", for purposes of IC 31-14-15, IC 31-16-6-1.5, and IC 31-17-4, means the parent who is not the custodial parent.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-165"Nonidentifying information" Sec. 165. "Nonidentifying information", for purposes of IC 31-19-18, IC 31-19-21, IC 31-19-23, and IC 31-19-24, means any information, other than a medical history, that:

(1) concerns an interested person to an adoption; and

(2) does not identify a birth parent, an adoptive parent, or an adoptee.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-166"Nonrelocating individual" Sec. 166. "Nonrelocating individual", for purposes of IC 31-14-13 and IC 31-17-2.2, means an individual who has, or has filed an action seeking:

(1) custody of the child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2;

(2) parenting time with the child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2; or

(3) visitation with the child under IC 31-17-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-167"Nonrelocating parent" Sec. 167. "Nonrelocating parent", for purposes of IC 31-14-13 and IC 31-17-2.2, means a parent of a child who has or is seeking:

(1) custody of the child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2; or

(2) parenting time with the child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2;

and does not intend to move the individual's principal residence.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-168"Nonwaivable offense" Sec. 168. "Nonwaivable offense", for purposes of this title, means a conviction of any of the following felonies:

(1) Murder (IC 35-42-1-1).

(2) Causing suicide (IC 35-42-1-2).

(3) Assisting suicide (IC 35-42-1-2.5).

(4) Voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3).

(5) Involuntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-4).

(6) Reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5).

(7) Feticide (IC 35-42-1-6).

(8) Battery (IC 35-42-2-1) within the past five (5) years.

(9) Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3).

(10) Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5).

(11) Criminal recklessness (IC 35-42-2-2) within the past five (5) years.

(12) Strangulation (IC 35-42-2-9).

(13) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2).

(14) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) within the past five (5) years.

(15) Human and sexual trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5).

(16) A felony sex offense under IC 35-42-4.

(17) Arson (IC 35-43-1-1) within the past five (5) years.

(18) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3).

(19) Neglect of a dependent (IC 35-46-1-4(a) and IC 35-46-1-4(b)).

(20) Child selling (IC 35-46-1-4(d)).

(21) Reckless supervision (IC 35-46-1-4.1).

(22) Nonsupport of a dependent child (IC 35-46-1-5) within the past five (5) years.

(23) Operating a motorboat while intoxicated (IC 35-46-9-6) within the past five (5) years.

(24) A felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 within the past five (5) years.

(25) A felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4 within the past five (5) years.

(26) An offense relating to material or a performance that is harmful to minors or obscene under IC 35-49-3.

(27) A felony under IC 9-30-5 within the past five (5) years.

(28) A felony related to the health or safety of a child (as defined in section 32(h) of this chapter) or an endangered adult (as defined in IC 12-10-3-2).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-169"Obligee" Sec. 169. (a) "Obligee", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means a person who is entitled to receive a payment under a support order.

(b) "Obligee", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-170"Obligor" Sec. 170. (a) "Obligor", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means an individual who has been ordered by a court to pay child support.

(b) "Obligor", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

(c) "Obligor", for purposes of IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-171"Office of administrative law proceedings" Sec. 171. "Office of administrative law proceedings" means the office of administrative law proceedings established by IC 4-15-10.5-7.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-172"Omission" Sec. 172. "Omission", for purposes of IC 31-34-1-2, means an occurrence in which the parent, guardian, or custodian allowed the child of the parent, guardian, or custodian to receive an injury that the parent, guardian, or custodian had a reasonable opportunity to prevent or mitigate.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-173"Outside this state" Sec. 173. "Outside this state", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-174"Parent" Sec. 174. (a) "Parent", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a biological or an adoptive parent. Unless otherwise specified, the term includes both parents, regardless of their marital status.

(b) "Parent", for purposes of IC 31-34-1, IC 31-34-8, IC 31-34-19, IC 31-34-20, and IC 31-35-2, includes an alleged father.

(c) "Parent", for purposes of IC 31-42, means a child's:

(1) biological father or mother;

(2) adopting father or mother; or

(3) court appointed guardian or custodian.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-175"Parenting time" Sec. 175. "Parenting time" means the time set aside by a court order for a parent and child to spend together.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-176"Permanency roundtable" Sec. 176. "Permanency roundtable", for purposes of IC 31-34-21-5.7 and IC 31-37-20-3, means an intervention designed to facilitate the permanency planning process for youth placed out-of-home by identifying solutions for permanency obstacles.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-177"Person" Sec. 177. (a) "Person", for purposes of IC 31-19-19, IC 31-19-25, and the juvenile law, means:

(1) a human being;

(2) a corporation;

(3) a limited liability company;

(4) a partnership;

(5) an unincorporated association; or

(6) a governmental entity.

(b) "Person", for purposes of section 93 of this chapter, means an adult or a minor.

(c) "Person", for purposes of IC 31-27, means an individual who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age, a corporation, a partnership, a voluntary association, or other entity.

(d) "Person", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-13.

(e) "Person", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

(f) "Person", for purposes of IC 31-10-3.5, means:

(1) an individual; or

(2) a legal entity, including a religious organization.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-178"Person acting as a parent" Sec. 178. "Person acting as a parent", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-14.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-179"Petitioner" Sec. 179. "Petitioner", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-15.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-180"Physical custody" Sec. 180. "Physical custody", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-16.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-181"Plan" Sec. 181. (a) "Plan", for purposes of IC 31-26-6, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-6-1.

(b) "Plan", for purposes of IC 31-25-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-4-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-182"Pre-adoptive sibling" Sec. 182. "Pre-adoptive sibling", for purposes of:

(1) IC 31-19-18;

(2) IC 31-19-16.5;

(3) IC 31-19-24; and

(4) IC 31-19-25.5;

means a person who would have been a sibling of an adoptee had the adoptee not been adopted, regardless of whether the person is born before or after the adoptee's adoption is finalized.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-183"Preliminary inquiry" Sec. 183. "Preliminary inquiry", for purposes of IC 31-34 and IC 31-37, means an informal investigation into the facts and circumstances reported to the court.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-184"Premarital agreement" Sec. 184. "Premarital agreement", for purposes of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act under IC 31-11-3, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-11-3-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-185"Prior family law and juvenile law" Sec. 185. "Prior family law and juvenile law", for purposes of IC 31-10, refers to the statutes that are repealed or amended in the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly as the statutes existed before the effective date of the applicable or corresponding provision of the recodification act of the 1997 regular session of the general assembly.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-186"Private secure facility" Sec. 186. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), "private secure facility", for purposes of the juvenile law, means the following:

(1) A facility that is licensed under IC 31-27 to operate as a private secure facility.

(2) A private facility that is licensed in another state to provide residential care and treatment to one (1) or more children in a secure facility other than a detention center, prison, jail, or similar correctional facility.

(b) "Private secure facility", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a private secure facility other than the following:

(1) A juvenile detention facility established under IC 31-31-8 or IC 31-31-9 (or IC 31-6-9-5 or IC 31-6-9.5 before their repeal).

(2) A facility operated by the department of correction.

(3) A county jail.

(4) A detention center operated by a county sheriff.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-187"Probation or parole" Sec. 187. "Probation or parole", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-188"Professional health care provider" Sec. 188. "Professional health care provider", for purposes of IC 31-19-25, has the meaning set forth in IC 34-6-2.1-165.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-189"Project" Sec. 189. "Project", for purposes of IC 31-26-4, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-4-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-190"Property" Sec. 190. (a) "Property", for purposes of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act under IC 31-11-3, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-11-3-3.

(b) "Property", for purposes of IC 31-15, IC 31-16, and IC 31-17, means all the assets of either party or both parties, including:

(1) a present right to withdraw pension or retirement benefits;

(2) the right to receive pension or retirement benefits that are not forfeited upon termination of employment or that are vested (as defined in Section 411 of the Internal Revenue Code) but that are payable after the dissolution of marriage; and

(3) the right to receive disposable retired or retainer pay (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 1408(a)) acquired during the marriage that is or may be payable after the dissolution of marriage.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-191"Prosecuting attorney" Sec. 191. "Prosecuting attorney", for purposes of the juvenile law, means the prosecuting attorney or the prosecuting attorney's deputy.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-192"Prospective adoptive parent" Sec. 192. "Prospective adoptive parent", for purposes of IC 31-19-2-15, means a person who has filed a petition for adoption of a child under IC 31-19-2-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-193"Provider" Sec. 193. (a) "Provider", for purposes of IC 31-28-2 and IC 31-28-3, means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, or a governmental entity that is enrolled in the Medicaid program under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the office of Medicaid policy and planning.

(b) "Provider", for purposes of IC 31-28-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-28-1-2.

(c) "Provider", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a person who operates a child caring institution, foster family home, group home, or child placing agency under IC 31-27.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-194"Public welfare" Sec. 194. "Public welfare", for purposes of IC 31-25-3 and IC 31-25-4, means any form of public welfare or Social Security provided in IC 31-25-3 or IC 31-25-4. The term does not include direct township assistance as administered by township trustees under IC 12-20.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-195"Putative father" Sec. 195. "Putative father", for purposes of IC 31-19 and IC 31-35-1, means a male of any age who is alleged to be or claims that he may be a child's father but who:

(1) is not presumed to be the child's father under IC 31-14-7-1(1) or IC 31-14-7-1(2); and

(2) has not established paternity of the child:

(A) in a court proceeding; or

(B) by executing a paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2-2.1;

before the filing of an adoption petition.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-196"Qualified medical practitioner" Sec. 196. "Qualified medical practitioner", for purposes of this chapter, means the following:

(1) A physician licensed under IC 25-22.5.

(2) A physician assistant licensed under IC 25-27.5.

(3) A physical therapist licensed under IC 25-27.

(4) An advanced practice registered nurse licensed under IC 25-23.

(5) A chiropractor licensed under IC 25-10.

(6) A psychologist licensed under IC 25-33.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-197"Reason to believe" Sec. 197. "Reason to believe", for purposes of IC 31-33, means evidence that, if presented to individuals of similar background and training, would cause the individuals to believe that a child was abused or neglected.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-198"Reasonable and prudent parent standard" Sec. 198. "Reasonable and prudent parent standard", for purposes of IC 31-27, IC 31-34, and IC 31-37, means the standard characterized by careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the health, safety, and best interests of a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-199"Receiving state" Sec. 199. "Receiving state", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-200"Recipient" Sec. 200. "Recipient", for purposes of IC 31-25-3 and IC 31-25-4, means a person who has received or is receiving assistance for the person or another person.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-201"Record" Sec. 201. (a) "Record", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

(b) "Record", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-17.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-202"Region" Sec. 202. "Region", for purposes of this title, refers to an area in Indiana designated as a region by the department. However, for purposes of IC 31-26-6, the term refers to a service region established under IC 31-26-6.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-203"Regional services council" Sec. 203. "Regional services council", for purposes of this title, refers to a regional services council established for a region under IC 31-26-6-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-204"Register" Sec. 204. "Register", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-205"Registering tribunal" Sec. 205. "Registering tribunal", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-206"Registry" Sec. 206. "Registry", for purposes of IC 31-19-5, refers to the putative father registry established by IC 31-19-5-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-207"Relative" Sec. 207. (a) "Relative", for purposes of IC 31-19-18 and IC 31-19-25, means:

(1) an adoptive or whole blood related parent;

(2) a sibling; or

(3) a child.

(b) "Relative", for purposes of IC 31-34-3, means:

(1) a maternal or paternal grandparent;

(2) an adult aunt or uncle;

(3) a parent of a child's sibling if the parent has legal custody of the sibling; or

(4) any other adult relative suggested by either parent of a child.

(c) "Relative", for purposes of sections 40, 152, and 251 of this chapter, IC 31-27, IC 31-28-5.8, IC 31-34-4, IC 31-34-19, IC 31-34-23-6, and IC 31-37, means any of the following in relation to a child:

(1) A parent.

(2) A grandparent.

(3) A brother.

(4) A sister.

(5) A stepparent.

(6) A stepgrandparent.

(7) A stepbrother.

(8) A stepsister.

(9) A first cousin.

(10) An uncle.

(11) An aunt.

(12) Any other individual with whom a child has an established and significant relationship.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-207.5"Religious organization" Sec. 207.5. "Religious organization", for purposes of section 177 of this chapter, refers to any of the following:

(1) A house of worship, including a church, synagogue, shrine, mosque, or temple.

(2) A religious:

(A) group;

(B) corporation;

(C) association;

(D) school or educational institution;

(E) ministry;

(F) order;

(G) society; or

(H) entity, regardless of whether the entity is integrated or affiliated with a house of worship.

(3) Any officer, owner, employee, manager, religious leader, clergy, or minister of an entity described in this section.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-208"Relocating individual" Sec. 208. "Relocating individual", for purposes of IC 31-14-13 and IC 31-17-2.2, means an individual who has or is seeking:

(1) custody of a child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2; or

(2) parenting time with a child, whether by court order or by paternity affidavit under IC 16-37-2;

and intends to move the individual's principal residence. The term does not include an individual granted visitation rights under IC 31-17-5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-209"Relocation" Sec. 209. "Relocation", for purposes of IC 31-14-13 and IC 31-17-2.2, means a change in the primary residence of an individual for a period of at least sixty (60) days.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-210"Residence" Sec. 210. "Residence", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-211"Residence state" Sec. 211. "Residence state", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Adoption Assistance under IC 31-19-29, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-29-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-212"Residential placement committee" Sec. 212. "Residential placement committee", for purposes of IC 31-25-2-23, means a committee that reviews the placement of youth in a child caring institution, a private secure facility, or a group home licensed by the department to ensure that the placement is in the least restrictive, most family like, and most appropriate setting available and close to the parent's home, consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-213"Respondent" Sec. 213. "Respondent", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-18.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-214"Responding state" Sec. 214. "Responding state", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-215"Responding tribunal" Sec. 215. "Responding tribunal", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-216"Restorative justice services" Sec. 216. "Restorative justice services" has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-8.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-216.5"Reunification services" Sec. 216.5. (a) "Reunification services" means all services that are provided:

(1) to a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child who is the subject of a petition alleging that the child is a child in need of services; and

(2) with the intent of rehabilitating the relationship between the child and the parent, guardian, or custodian.

(b) The term includes services such as:

(1) individual, group, and family counseling;

(2) inpatient, residential, or outpatient substance abuse treatment services;

(3) mental health services;

(4) assistance to address domestic violence;

(5) services designed to provide temporary child care and therapeutic services for families;

(6) peer-to-peer mentoring and support groups for parents and primary caregivers;

(7) services and activities designed to facilitate access to and visitation of children by parents and siblings;

(8) substance abuse treatment and screening; and

(9) transportation to or from any of the services and activities described in this subsection.

(c) The term does not include services provided to a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child while the child is residing in a:

(1) child caring institution;

(2) group home; or

(3) private secure facility;

licensed by the department.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-217"Risk and needs assessment tool" Sec. 217. "Risk and needs assessment tool" means a validated instrument approved by the judicial conference of Indiana for use at appropriate stages in the juvenile justice system to identify specific risk factors and needs shown to be statistically related to a child's risk of reoffending, and that when properly addressed may reduce a child's risk of reoffending.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-218"Risk screening tool" Sec. 218. "Risk screening tool" means a validated screening instrument approved by the judicial conference of Indiana that:

(1) measures a child's risk to reoffend; and

(2) is used to inform a child's eligibility to participate in juvenile diversion and informal adjustment.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-219"Safe haven infant" Sec. 219. "Safe haven infant", for purposes of IC 31-34 and IC 31-35, means a child:

(1) who is, or appears to be, not more than sixty (60) days of age; and

(2) who has been voluntarily left:

(A) by a parent with an emergency medical services provider (as defined in IC 16-41-10-1); or

(B) in a newborn safety device;

under IC 31-34-2.5-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-220"School" Sec. 220. "School", for purposes of section 71 of this chapter and IC 31-39-2-13.8, means a:

(1) public school (including a charter school as defined in IC 20-24-1-4); or

(2) nonpublic school (as defined in IC 20-18-2-12);

that must comply with the education records privacy provisions of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) to be eligible to receive designated federal education funding.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-220.5"Screened out" Sec. 220.5. "Screened out", with regard to a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect under IC 31-33, means that the department:

(1) received the report under IC 31-33-7; and

(2) did not refer the report for investigation under IC 31-33-9 based on the department's determination that the report:

(A) lacked sufficient information;

(B) did not contain allegations of child abuse or neglect;

(C) contained duplicative allegations that were previously assessed by the department; or

(D) did not contain information indicating a current risk to a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-221"Secure detention facility" Sec. 221. "Secure detention facility", for purposes of this title, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-40-1-1.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-222"Secure facility" Sec. 222. "Secure facility", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a place of residence, other than a shelter care facility, that prohibits the departure of a child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-223"Secure private facility" Sec. 223. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), "secure private facility", for purposes of the juvenile law, means the following:

(1) A facility that is licensed under IC 31-27 to operate as a secure private facility.

(2) A private facility that is licensed in another state to provide residential care and treatment to one (1) or more children in a secure facility other than a detention center, prison, jail, or similar correctional facility.

(b) "Secure private facility", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a secure private facility other than the following:

(1) A juvenile detention facility established under IC 31-31-8 or IC 31-31-9 (or IC 31-6-9-5 or IC 31-6-9.5 before their repeal).

(2) A facility operated by the department of correction.

(3) A county jail.

(4) A detention center operated by a county sheriff.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-224"Sending state" Sec. 224. "Sending state", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-225"Services" Sec. 225. "Services", for purposes of IC 31-40-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-40-1-1.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-226"Services or items" Sec. 226. "Services or items", for purposes of IC 31-36-3, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-36-3-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-227"Shelter care facility" Sec. 227. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), "shelter care facility", for purposes of the juvenile law, means a place of residence that:

(1) is licensed under the laws of any state; and

(2) is not locked to prevent a child's departure unless the administrator determines that locking is necessary to protect the child's health.

(b) "Shelter care facility", for purposes of IC 31-27-3 and IC 31-27-5, means a child caring institution or group home that provides temporary service twenty-four (24) hours a day for not more than twenty (20) consecutive days to a child:

(1) who is admitted to a residential facility on an emergency basis; and

(2) who is:

(A) receiving care and supervision under an order of a juvenile court;

(B) voluntarily placed by the parent or guardian of the child; or

(C) self-referred.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-228"Sibling" Sec. 228. (a) "Sibling", for purposes of IC 31-19, IC 31-28-5, and IC 31-34 (except for IC 31-34-3-4.5), means a brother or sister by blood, half-blood, or adoption.

(b) "Sibling", for purposes of IC 31-34-3-4.5, means:

(1) a brother or sister by blood, half-blood, or adoption; and

(2) any other individual who would be considered a sibling if parental rights had not been terminated.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-229"Spousal support order" Sec. 229. "Spousal support order", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-230"State" Sec. 230. (a) "State", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-19.

(b) "State", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

(c) "State", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Adoption Assistance under IC 31-19-29, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-19-29-2.

(d) "State", for purposes of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles under IC 31-37-23-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-37-23-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-230.5"State benefit" Sec. 230.5. "State benefit", for purposes of section 82.5 of this chapter, means any program administered, controlled, or funded by the state that provides any one (1) or more of the following:

(1) Cash.

(2) Payments.

(3) Grants.

(4) Contracts.

(5) Loans.

(6) In-kind assistance.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-231"State department" Sec. 231. "State department", for purposes of IC 31-19-5, refers to the Indiana department of health.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-232"State registrar" Sec. 232. "State registrar", for purposes of IC 31-19-18 through IC 31-19-25.5, means the person who:

(1) is in charge of the division of the Indiana department of health that administers the system of vital records; and

(2) has charge of the files and records pertaining to vital records.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-233"STEVE system" Sec. 233. "STEVE system", for purposes of IC 31-19-20, IC 31-19-25, and IC 31-19-25.5, refers to the State and Territorial Exchange of Vital Events Exchange System, administered by the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-234"Substantially burden" Sec. 234. (a) "Substantially burden", for purposes of IC 31-42, means:

(1) constraining, inhibiting, curtailing, or denying the right of a parent, either directly or indirectly; or

(2) compelling any action contrary to the right of a parent;

to direct the upbringing, religious instruction, education, or health care of the parent's child.

(b) The term includes the following:

(1) Withholding benefits.

(2) Assessing criminal, civil, or administrative penalties or damages.

(3) Exclusion from governmental programs.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-235"Substantiated" Sec. 235. "Substantiated", when used in reference to a child abuse or neglect report made under IC 31-33, means a determination regarding the status of the report whenever facts obtained during an assessment of the report provide a preponderance of evidence that child abuse or neglect has occurred.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-236"Successful adulthood services" Sec. 236. "Successful adulthood services", for purposes of IC 31-25 and IC 31-28, means services for youth that are designed to assist youth who will age out of foster care with the skills and abilities necessary or desirable to be self-reliant, including housing and educational support, career exploration, vocational training, job placement and support, daily living skills, budgeting and financial management skills, substance abuse prevention, preventative health activities, and counseling.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-237"Supervised independent living arrangement" Sec. 237. "Supervised independent living arrangement", for purposes of IC 31-28-5.8 and IC 31-34-21-7.5, means a living arrangement that provides housing for a youth that is not supervised on site, such as a dormitory, an apartment, or shared housing, and is not a foster home, host home, group home, child caring institution, or private secure facility.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-238"Support enforcement agency" Sec. 238. "Support enforcement agency", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-239"Support order" Sec. 239. (a) "Support order", for purposes of IC 31-16-15 and IC 31-16-16, means any judgment, decree, or order of child support, including medical support, issued by a court, in Indiana or another state, that has jurisdiction over the support order. The term includes orders issued under IC 31-14 through IC 31-17.

(b) "Support order", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-240"Surrogate" Sec. 240. "Surrogate", for purposes of IC 31-20, means a party to a surrogate agreement who agrees to bear or bears a child that is genetically related to:

(1) the party who agrees to bear or bears the child and an intended biological parent;

(2) an intended biological parent and a gamete donor who is not:

(A) an intended biological parent; and

(B) the spouse of the party who agrees to bear or bears the child; or

(3) two (2) intended biological parents of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-241"Surrogate agreement" Sec. 241. "Surrogate agreement", for purposes of IC 31-20, means an agreement that is entered into before the birth of a child between a surrogate and one (1) or more parties and that is intended by the parties at the time that the agreement is made to induce the surrogate to relinquish care, custody, and control over the child at birth to any of the following:

(1) An intended biological parent of the child.

(2) An intended biological parent of the child and another person who is not:

(A) genetically related to the child; and

(B) the surrogate's spouse.

(3) Two (2) intended biological parents of the child.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-242"Team" Sec. 242. "Team", for purposes of IC 31-33-3, refers to a community child protection team appointed under IC 31-33-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-243"Therapeutic foster family home" Sec. 243. "Therapeutic foster family home", for purposes of IC 31-27, means a foster family home:

(1) that provides care to:

(A) a child; or

(B) an individual at least eighteen (18) but less than twenty-one (21) years of age receiving collaborative care under IC 31-28-5.8;

who has serious emotional disturbances, significant behavioral health needs and functional impairments, or developmental or physical disabilities;

(2) in which the child or individual receives treatment in a family home through an integrated array of services supervised and supported by qualified program staff from:

(A) the department of child services;

(B) a managed care provider that contracts with the division of mental health and addiction; or

(C) a licensed child placing agency; and

(3) that meets the additional requirements of IC 31-27-4-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-244"Title IV-D agency" Sec. 244. "Title IV-D agency" means:

(1) the bureau of child support established in the department of child services established by IC 31-25-3-1; or

(2) a designated agent of the department described in IC 31-25-4-13.1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-245"Title IV-D case" Sec. 245. "Title IV-D case", for purposes of IC 31-16-15, means a case arising under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-246"Transitional services plan" Sec. 246. "Transitional services plan", for purposes of IC 31-25-2-21, IC 31-34-15, and IC 31-37-19, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-25-2-21(a).

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-247"Tribe" Sec. 247. "Tribe", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-20.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-248"Tribunal" Sec. 248. "Tribunal", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-249"Ultimate authority of the department" Sec. 249. "Ultimate authority of the department" refers to the director or the director's designee under IC 31-25-2-11.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-250"United States central authority" Sec. 250. "United States central authority", for purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act under IC 31-18.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-18.5-7-1.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-251"Unlicensed kinship caregiver" Sec. 251. "Unlicensed kinship caregiver", for purposes of section 109 of this chapter, IC 31-32-2.5, IC 31-34-21-4.5, and IC 31-28-7, means a relative (as defined in section 207(c) of this chapter) who is:

(1) providing care and supervision to a child under a court order for purposes of placement in a child in need of services case or juvenile delinquency case; and

(2) not licensed as a foster parent under IC 31-27-4.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-252"Unsubstantiated" Sec. 252. "Unsubstantiated", for purposes of IC 31-33 and IC 31-39-8-4, means a determination regarding the status of a report made under IC 31-33 whenever facts obtained during an assessment of the report provide credible evidence that child abuse or neglect has not occurred.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-253"Victim of child abuse or neglect" Sec. 253. (a) "Victim of child abuse or neglect", for purposes of IC 31-32-11-1 and IC 31-33, refers to:

(1) a child as described in:

(A) IC 31-34-1-1 through IC 31-34-1-5;

(B) IC 31-34-1-10; or

(C) IC 31-34-1-11;

regardless of whether the child needs care, treatment, rehabilitation, or the coercive intervention of a court; or

(2) an individual who:

(A) is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-one (21) years of age;

(B) resides, or has previously resided, at a residential facility licensed by the department; and

(C) is harmed or threatened with harm as a result of:

(i) a battery offense included in IC 35-42-2; or

(ii) sexual activity (as defined in IC 35-42-4-13(b));

committed by a member of the staff at the residential facility.

(b) The term does not include a child who is alleged to be a victim of a sexual offense under IC 35-42-4-3 unless the alleged offense under IC 35-42-4-3 involves the fondling or touching of the buttocks, genitals, or female breasts.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-254"Victim of human or sexual trafficking" Sec. 254. "Victim of human or sexual trafficking", for purposes of IC 31-34-1-3.5, refers to a child who is recruited, harbored, transported, or engaged in:

(1) forced labor;

(2) involuntary servitude;

(3) prostitution;

(4) juvenile prostitution, as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-178.5;

(5) child exploitation under IC 35-42-4-4;

(6) marriage, unless authorized by a court under IC 31-11-1-7;

(7) trafficking for the purpose of prostitution, juvenile prostitution, or participation in sexual conduct as defined in IC 35-42-4-4(a); or

(8) human trafficking as defined in IC 35-42-3.5-0.5.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-255"Voluntary information" Sec. 255. "Voluntary information", for purposes of IC 31-19-18, means the information transmitted to the state registrar as provided in IC 31-19-18-3.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-256"Wardship" Sec. 256. (a) "Wardship", for purposes of the juvenile law, means the responsibility for temporary care and custody of a child by transferring the rights and obligations from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian to the person granted wardship. Except to the extent a right or an obligation is specifically addressed in the court order establishing wardship, the rights and obligations of the person granted wardship include making decisions concerning the:

(1) physical custody of the child;

(2) care and supervision of the child;

(3) child's visitation with parents, relatives, or other individuals; and

(4) medical care and treatment of the child.

(b) "Wardship" does not apply to requirements for consenting to an adoption under IC 31-19-9.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-257"Warrant" Sec. 257. (a) "Warrant", for purposes of IC 31-25-3 and IC 31-25-4, means an instrument that is:

(1) the equivalent of a money payment; and

(2) immediately convertible into cash by the payee for the full face amount of the instrument.

(b) "Warrant", for purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act under IC 31-21, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-21-2-21.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-9-2.1-258"Youth service bureau" Sec. 258. "Youth service bureau", for purposes of IC 31-26-1, has the meaning set forth in IC 31-26-1-2.

As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.

IC 31-10ARTICLE 10. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Ch. 1.Effect of the Recodification Act of the 1997 Regular Session of the General Assembly Ch. 2.General Policy Provisions Ch. 3.5.Antidiscrimination in Adoption and Foster Proceedings

IC 31-10-1Chapter 1. Effect of the Recodification Act of the 1997 Regular Session of the General Assembly

31-10-1-1Purpose of recodification act 31-10-1-2Statutory construction 31-10-1-3Effect on existing rights and liabilities 31-10-1-4Recodification of prior family law and juvenile law 31-10-1-5References to repealed or replaced statutes 31-10-1-6References to provisions of recodification act 31-10-1-7References to rules 31-10-1-8References to provisions of prior family law and juvenile law