Indiana § 31-34-9-1 - Request for authorization to file petition; representation of interests of state; deadlines and procedures
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-34-9-1 — Request for authorization to file petition; representation of interests of state; deadlines and procedures, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-34-9-1. Request for authorization to file petition; representation of interests of state; deadlines and procedures
Sec. 1. (a) The attorney for the department:
(1) may request the juvenile court to authorize the filing of a petition alleging that a child is a child in need of services; and
(2) shall represent the interests of the state at this proceeding and at all subsequent proceedings on the petition.
(b) A prosecuting attorney:
(1) may request the juvenile court to authorize the filing of a petition alleging that a child is a child in need of services under IC 31-34-1; and
(2) shall represent the interests of the state at this proceeding and at all subsequent proceedings on the petition, unless the prosecuting attorney and the department agree that the department shall represent the interests of the state at this proceeding and at all subsequent proceedings on the petition.
(c) If a prosecuting attorney is representing the interests of the state at a subsequent proceeding after a petition is filed under this section, all deadlines and procedures concerning children in need of services under this article apply to the prosecuting attorney to the same extent as they apply to the department.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-10(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.294; P.L.146-2008, SEC.588; P.L.236-2013, SEC.1.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-34-9-1
What does Indiana Code § 31-34-9-1 cover?
Section 31-34-9-1 ("Request for authorization to file petition; representation of interests of state; deadlines and procedures") 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 § 31-34-9-1?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-34-9-1" (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 § 31-34-9-1 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.