Indiana § 31-41-3-1 - Determination of lead agency

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-41-3-1 — Determination of lead agency, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31-41-3-1. Determination of lead agency

Sec. 1. (a) If a child has been adjudicated to be a:

(1) child in need of services under IC 31-34; and

(2) delinquent child under IC 31-37;

unless the court adopts a contrary recommendation by a dual status assessment team, the court making the later adjudication may determine if the department of child services or the probation department of the juvenile court shall be the lead agency that will supervise the dual status child.

(b) In making a determination under subsection (a), the court shall consider:

(1) the child's social and family situation;

(2) the child's experiences with the department of child services;

(3) the child's prior adjudications of delinquency;

(4) the recommendations of the dual status assessment team; and

(5) the needs, strengths, and risks of the child.

(c) The court may require the department of child services and the probation department of the juvenile court to work together in the supervision of a dual status child and for the purposes of filing a modification under IC 31-34-23 or IC 31-37-22. If the probation department of the juvenile court is designated as the lead agency under this chapter, any recommendations made by the probation department under this subsection must be consistent with the funding provisions of IC 31-37.

(d) A court may order any service for a dual status child under this chapter that is available:

(1) to a child in need of services under IC 31-34; or

(2) to a delinquent child under IC 31-37.

As added by P.L.66-2015, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.187-2015, SEC.35.

IC 31-42ARTICLE 42. PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ch. 1.Rights of Parents

IC 31-42-1Chapter 1. Rights of Parents

31-42-1-1Applicability of chapter 31-42-1-2Governmental entity prohibited from substantially burdening parental rights 31-42-1-3Governmental entity prohibited from impinging on parental access to information regarding child 31-42-1-4Right of action; affirmative defense 31-42-1-5Civil relief 31-42-1-6Limitations on effect of chapter 31-42-1-7Access to medical treatment, service, or procedure

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-41-3-1

What does Indiana Code § 31-41-3-1 cover?

Section 31-41-3-1 ("Determination of lead agency") 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 § 31-41-3-1?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-41-3-1" (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 § 31-41-3-1 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.