Indiana § 31-33-18-1 - Confidentiality; exceptions
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-33-18-1 — Confidentiality; exceptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-33-18-1. Confidentiality; exceptions
Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in sections 1.5 and 1.6 of this chapter and IC 31-33-18.5, the following are confidential:
(1) Reports made under this article (or IC 31-6-11 before its repeal).
(2) Any other information, documents, reports, pictures, videos, images, or recordings obtained, possessed, produced, or created by:
(A) the division of family resources;
(B) the local office;
(C) the department; or
(D) the department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3;
concerning a child or family with whom the department has received a report or referral or has been involved with during any stage of the department's investigation, including post-assessment or post-adoption activity.
(b) Except as provided in sections 1.5 and 1.6 of this chapter and IC 31-33-18.5, all records held by:
(1) the division of family resources;
(2) a local office;
(3) the department;
(4) a local child fatality review team established under IC 16-49-2;
(5) the statewide child fatality review committee established under IC 16-49-4; or
(6) the department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3;
regarding the death of a child determined to be a result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect are confidential and may not be disclosed.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-18(a) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.70-2004, SEC.14; P.L.234-2005, SEC.153; P.L.145-2006, SEC.283; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.378; P.L.128-2012, SEC.153; P.L.119-2013, SEC.10; P.L.77-2023, SEC.8; P.L.84-2026, SEC.9.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-33-18-1
What does Indiana Code § 31-33-18-1 cover?
Section 31-33-18-1 ("Confidentiality; exceptions") 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 § 31-33-18-1?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-33-18-1" (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 § 31-33-18-1 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.