Indiana Code
Chapter 17. Predispositional Report
31-37-17-4. Recommendation on Care, Treatment, Rehabilitation, or Placement; Risk Assessment and Needs Assessment

Note: This version of section effective until 7-1-2023. See also following version of this section, effective 7-1-2023.
Sec. 4. (a) If consistent with the safety and best interest of the child and the community, the probation officer preparing the report shall recommend care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement that:
(1) is:
(A) in the least restrictive (most family like) and most appropriate setting available; and
(B) close to the parents' home, consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child;
(2) least interferes with family autonomy;
(3) is least disruptive of family life;
(4) imposes the least restraint on the freedom of the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian; and
(5) provides a reasonable opportunity for participation by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
(b) If the report recommends a placement or services for which the department will be responsible for payment under IC 31-40-1, the report must include a risk assessment and needs assessment for the child. The probation officer shall submit to the department a copy of the report and the financial report prepared by the probation officer.
(c) If the report does not include the:
(1) risk assessment and needs assessment required in subsection (b); or
(2) information required to be provided under section 1(a)(3) of this chapter;
the department shall file a notice with the office of judicial administration.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15(d) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.55-1997, SEC.29; P.L.146-2008, SEC.642; P.L.48-2012, SEC.71; P.L.161-2018, SEC.41.