Indiana § 31-34-6-2 - Placement with relative or de facto custodian; evaluation; background checks
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-34-6-2 — Placement with relative or de facto custodian; evaluation; background checks, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-34-6-2. Placement with relative or de facto custodian; evaluation; background checks
Sec. 2. (a) A juvenile court or the department shall consider placing a child alleged to be a child in need of services with a suitable and willing relative or de facto custodian of the child before considering any other placement for the child.
(b) A juvenile court or the department 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.
(d) A placement with whom a child has resided for at least twelve (12) months, consecutively or nonconsecutively, is presumed to be an individual who has a significant relationship with the child.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-6.5(d).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.581; P.L.123-2014, SEC.22; P.L.116-2026, SEC.7.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-34-6-2
What does Indiana Code § 31-34-6-2 cover?
Section 31-34-6-2 ("Placement with relative or de facto custodian; 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 § 31-34-6-2?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-34-6-2" (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 § 31-34-6-2 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.