Indiana § 31-33-27-5 - Substantiated reports; perpetrator petitions for expungements
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-33-27-5 — Substantiated reports; perpetrator petitions for expungements, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-33-27-5. Substantiated reports; perpetrator petitions for expungements
Sec. 5. (a) This section applies to information relating to substantiated reports in any records of the department.
(b) An individual identified as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in a substantiated report may file a petition with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction in the county in which the individual resides, requesting that the court order the department to expunge the substantiated report and related information.
(c) The petitioner shall:
(1) name the department as respondent in the petition; and
(2) serve the department with a copy of the petition and a summons.
(d) The court shall hold a hearing on the petition and any response filed by the department, unless a hearing is waived by agreement of the parties.
(e) In considering whether to grant a petition filed under this section, the court may review:
(1) the factors listed in IC 31-39-8-3 in relation to the petitioner, if the substantiated report was the subject of a juvenile court case; and
(2) any facts relating to the petitioner's current status, activities, employment, contacts with children, or other circumstances relevant to consideration of whether the petition should be granted.
(f) The court may grant the petition if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that:
(1) there is little likelihood that the petitioner will be a future perpetrator of child abuse or neglect; and
(2) the information has insufficient current probative value to justify its retention in records of the department for future reference.
As added by P.L.48-2012, SEC.56.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-33-27-5
What does Indiana Code § 31-33-27-5 cover?
Section 31-33-27-5 ("Substantiated reports; perpetrator petitions for expungements") 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 § 31-33-27-5?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-33-27-5" (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 § 31-33-27-5 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.