Indiana § 29-3-9-1 - Delegation of powers by executed power of attorney; limitations

§ 29-3-9-1. Delegation of powers by executed power of attorney; limitations

Sec. 1. (a) As used in this section, "department" means the department of child services established by IC 31-25-1-1.

(b) As used in this section and except as otherwise provided in this section, "foster care" has the meaning set forth in IC 31-9-2.1-107.

(c) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (h), by a properly executed power of attorney, a parent of a minor or a guardian (other than a temporary guardian) of a protected person may delegate to another person for:

(1) any period during which the care and custody of the minor or protected person is entrusted to an institution furnishing care, custody, education, or training; or

(2) a period not exceeding twelve (12) months;

any powers regarding health care, support, custody, or property of the minor or protected person. A delegation described in this subsection is effective immediately unless otherwise stated in the power of attorney.

(d) A parent of a minor or a guardian of a protected person may not delegate under subsection (c) the power to:

(1) consent to the marriage or adoption of a protected person who is a minor; or

(2) petition the court to request the authority to petition for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or annulment of marriage on behalf of a protected person as provided under section 12.2 of this chapter.

(e) Subject to IC 30-5-5-16, a person having a power of attorney executed under subsection (c) has and shall exercise, for the period during which the power is effective, all other authority of the parent or guardian respecting the health care, support, custody, or property of the minor or protected person except any authority expressly excluded in the written instrument delegating the power. The parent or guardian remains responsible for any act or omission of the person having the power of attorney with respect to the affairs, property, and person of the minor or protected person as though the power of attorney had never been executed.

(f) A delegation of powers executed under subsection (c) does not, as a result of the execution of the power of attorney, subject any of the parties to any laws, rules, or regulations concerning the licensing or regulation of foster family homes, child placing agencies, or child caring institutions under IC 31-27.

(g) Any child who is the subject of a power of attorney executed under subsection (c) is not considered to be placed in foster care. The parties to a power of attorney executed under subsection (c), including a child, a protected person, a parent or guardian of a child or protected person, or an attorney in fact, are not, as a result of the execution of the power of attorney, subject to any foster care requirements or foster care licensing regulations.

(h) A foster family home licensed under IC 31-27-4 may not provide overnight or regular and continuous care and supervision to a child who is the subject of a power of attorney executed under subsection (c) while providing care to a child placed in the home by the department or under a juvenile court order under a foster family home license. Upon request, the department may grant an exception to this subsection.

(i) A parent who:

(1) is a member in the:

(A) active or reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the:

(i) United States Army;

(ii) United States Navy;

(iii) United States Air Force;

(iv) United States Space Force;

(v) United States Marine Corps;

(vi) Indiana National Guard; or

(vii) United States Coast Guard; or

(B) commissioned corps of the:

(i) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; or

(ii) Public Health Service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services;

detailed by proper authority for duty with the United States Army or United States Navy; or

(2) is required to:

(A) enter or serve in the active military service of the United States under a call or order of the President of the United States; or

(B) serve on state active duty;

may delegate the powers designated in subsection (c) for a period longer than twelve (12) months if the parent is on active duty service. However, the term of delegation may not exceed the term of active duty service plus thirty (30) days. The power of attorney must indicate that the parent is required to enter or serve in the active military service of the United States and include the estimated beginning and ending dates of the active duty service.

(j) Except as otherwise stated in the power of attorney delegating powers under this section, a delegation of powers under this section may be revoked at any time by a written instrument of revocation that:

(1) identifies the power of attorney revoked; and

(2) is signed by the:

(A) parent of a minor; or

(B) guardian of a protected person;

who executed the power of attorney.

As added by P.L.169-1988, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.33-1989, SEC.75; P.L.101-2008, SEC.7; P.L.178-2011, SEC.6; P.L.83-2014, SEC.4; P.L.81-2015, SEC.18; P.L.74-2016, SEC.1; P.L.50-2021, SEC.72; P.L.238-2025, SEC.83; P.L.145-2026, SEC.158.