Indiana § 31-26-5-3 - Duties of family preservation services
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-26-5-3 — Duties of family preservation services, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-26-5-3. Duties of family preservation services
Sec. 3. (a) Family preservation services may provide:
(1) comprehensive, coordinated, flexible, and accessible services;
(2) intervention as early as possible with emphasis on establishing a safe and nurturing environment;
(3) services to families who have members placed in care settings outside the nuclear family; and
(4) planning options for temporary placement outside the family if it would endanger the child to remain in the home.
(b) Unless authorized by a juvenile court, family preservation services may not include a temporary out-of-home placement if a person who is currently residing in the location designated as the out-of-home placement has committed an act resulting in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect or has a juvenile adjudication or a conviction for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168.
(c) Before placing a child at imminent risk of placement in a temporary out-of-home placement, the department shall conduct a criminal history check (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-58) for each person described in subsection (b). However, the department is not required to conduct a criminal history check under this section if the temporary out-of-home placement is made to an entity or facility that is not a residence (as defined in IC 3-5-2.1-90) or that is licensed by the state.
As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.272. Amended by P.L.183-2017, SEC.12; P.L.186-2025, SEC.158; P.L.145-2026, SEC.172.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-26-5-3
What does Indiana Code § 31-26-5-3 cover?
Section 31-26-5-3 ("Duties of family preservation services") 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 § 31-26-5-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-26-5-3" (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 § 31-26-5-3 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.