Indiana § 12-14-2-17 - Mandatory school attendance
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 12-14-2-17 — Mandatory school attendance, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-14-2-17. Mandatory school attendance
Sec. 17. (a) To retain eligibility for TANF assistance under this article, a recipient of TANF assistance and a dependent child who is a recipient of TANF assistance must attend school if all of the following apply:
(1) The recipient or the dependent child meets the compulsory attendance requirements under IC 20-33-2.
(2) The recipient or the dependent child has not graduated from a high school or has not obtained a high school equivalency certificate (as defined in IC 12-14-5-2).
(3) The recipient or the dependent child is not excused from attending school under IC 20-33-2-14 through IC 20-33-2-15.
(4) The recipient or the dependent child does not have good cause for failing to attend school, as determined by rules adopted by the director under IC 4-22-2.
(5) If the recipient or the dependent child is the mother of a child, a physician has not determined that the recipient or the dependent child should delay returning to school after giving birth.
(b) A recipient or the dependent child of a recipient described in subsection (a) who has more than three (3) unexcused absences during a school year is subject to revocation or suspension of assistance as provided in section 18 of this chapter.
(c) The director, in consultation with the department of education, shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to establish a definition for the term "unexcused absence".
As added by P.L.46-1995, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.1-2005, SEC.130; P.L.161-2007, SEC.19; P.L.74-2026, SEC.12.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 12-14-2-17
What does Indiana Code § 12-14-2-17 cover?
Section 12-14-2-17 ("Mandatory school attendance") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 12-14-2-17?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 12-14-2-17" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 12-14-2-17 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.