Indiana § 31-34-19-6 - Dispositional decree; considerations; formal order
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-34-19-6 — Dispositional decree; considerations; formal order, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-34-19-6. Dispositional decree; considerations; formal order
Sec. 6. (a) If consistent with the safety of the community and the best interest of the child, the juvenile court shall enter a dispositional decree that:
(1) is:
(A) in the least restrictive (most family like) and most appropriate setting available; and
(B) close to the parents' home, consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child;
(2) least interferes with family autonomy;
(3) is least disruptive of family life;
(4) imposes the least restraint on the freedom of the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;
(5) provides a reasonable opportunity for participation by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian; and
(6) provides a reasonable opportunity for the child's parent who:
(A) is incarcerated; and
(B) has maintained a meaningful role in the child's life;
to maintain a relationship with the child.
(b) In determining whether reunification of a child with a parent, guardian, or custodian from whom the child has been removed is in the child's best interest, a court shall do the following:
(1) The court shall determine whether reunifying the child with the parent, guardian, or custodian will result in separation of the child from a sibling of the child.
(2) If the court determines under subdivision (1) that reunifying the child with the parent, guardian, or custodian will result in separation of the child from a sibling of the child, the court shall consider whether separating the child from the child's sibling is in the child's best interest.
(c) If a dispositional decree is entered under this section, the court shall write a formal order with the court's findings and conclusions, including any specific factors used to determine the child's best interest.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.3(e) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.55-1997, SEC.22; P.L.258-2019, SEC.2; P.L.65-2023, SEC.2; P.L.116-2026, SEC.9.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-34-19-6
What does Indiana Code § 31-34-19-6 cover?
Section 31-34-19-6 ("Dispositional decree; considerations; formal order") 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 § 31-34-19-6?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-34-19-6" (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 § 31-34-19-6 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.