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.
[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.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law
Article 34. Juvenile Law: Children in Need of Services
Chapter 6. Detention of Alleged Child in Need of Services
31-34-6-1. Detention in Certain Facilities Prohibited
31-34-6-2. Placement With Relative or De Facto Custodian; Evaluation; Background Checks
31-34-6-3. Placement in Facility Located Outside Child's County of Residence