Indiana § 31-34-11-1 - Factfinding hearing deadline; extension of deadline; right of foster parent or temporary caretaker to notice and opportunity to be heard
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-34-11-1 — Factfinding hearing deadline; extension of deadline; right of foster parent or temporary caretaker to notice and opportunity to be heard, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-34-11-1. Factfinding hearing deadline; extension of deadline; right of foster parent or temporary caretaker to notice and opportunity to be heard
Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), unless the allegations of a petition have been admitted, the juvenile court shall complete a factfinding hearing not more than sixty (60) days after a petition alleging that a child is a child in need of services is filed in accordance with IC 31-34-9.
(b) The juvenile court may extend the time to complete a factfinding hearing, as described in subsection (a), for an additional sixty (60) days if all parties in the action consent to the additional time.
(c) If the factfinding hearing is not held immediately after the initial hearing as provided under IC 31-34-10-9, the department shall provide notice of any factfinding hearing to each foster parent or other caretaker with whom the child has been placed for temporary care. The court shall provide a person who is required to be notified under this subsection an opportunity to be heard at the factfinding hearing.
(d) If the factfinding hearing is not held within the time set forth in subsection (a) or (b), upon a motion with the court, the court shall dismiss the case without prejudice unless the court finds that the extension is necessitated by:
(1) unanticipated, emergent circumstances;
(2) the circumstances of the case; or
(3) the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-14(a) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.46; P.L.138-2007, SEC.71; P.L.48-2012, SEC.59; P.L.179-2025, SEC.14.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-34-11-1
What does Indiana Code § 31-34-11-1 cover?
Section 31-34-11-1 ("Factfinding hearing deadline; extension of deadline; right of foster parent or temporary caretaker to notice and opportunity to be heard") 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 § 31-34-11-1?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-34-11-1" (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 § 31-34-11-1 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.