Indiana § 31-34-19-7 - Placement of child; relative; evaluation; background checks
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-34-19-7 — Placement of child; relative; evaluation; background checks, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-34-19-7. Placement of child; relative; evaluation; background checks
Sec. 7. (a) In addition to the factors under section 6 of this chapter, if the court enters a dispositional decree regarding a child in need of services that includes an out-of-home placement, the court shall:
(1) order the department to continue exercising due diligence to identify all adult relatives of the child and adult siblings who may be considered as out-of-home placements for the child until the child has been in an out-of-home placement for at least twelve (12) months; and
(2) consider whether the child should be placed with the child's suitable and willing relative before considering other out-of-home placements for the child.
(b) A juvenile court shall consider placing a child described in subsection (a) with a relative related by blood, marriage, or adoption before considering any other placement of the child.
(c) Before a child is placed with a relative or de facto custodian, a home evaluation and background checks described in IC 31-34-4-2 are required.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15.3(f).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.70-2004, SEC.20; P.L.234-2005, SEC.182; P.L.123-2014, SEC.23; P.L.210-2019, SEC.11.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-34-19-7
What does Indiana Code § 31-34-19-7 cover?
Section 31-34-19-7 ("Placement of child; relative; evaluation; background checks") 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 § 31-34-19-7?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-34-19-7" (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 § 31-34-19-7 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.