Indiana Code
Chapter 1. Cost of Services; Liability of Parent or Guardian to Pay
31-40-1-2. Obligation of Parent, Guardian, or Department for Costs of Services or Return of Child

Sec. 2. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section and subject to:
(1) this chapter; and
(2) any other provisions of IC 31-34, IC 31-37, or other applicable law relating to the particular program, activity, or service for which payment is made by or through the department;
the department shall pay the cost of any child services provided by or through the department for any child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
(b) The department shall pay the cost of returning a child under IC 31-37-23 or IC 11-13-4.5-1.5.
(c) Except as provided under section 2.5 of this chapter, the department is not responsible for payment of any costs of secure detention.
(d) The department is not responsible for the payment of any costs or expenses for child services for a child placed in a child caring institution, a group home, or a private secure facility if the entity does not have an executed contract with the department, unless the child services to be provided by the entity are recommended or approved by the director of the department or the director's designee in writing prior to the placement.
(e) The department is not responsible for payment of any costs or expenses for housing or services provided to or for the benefit of a child placed by a juvenile court in a home or facility located outside Indiana, if the placement is not recommended or approved by the director of the department or the director's designee.
(f) If a county is responsible for the payment of:
(1) any costs or expenses of services for or the placement of a child in need of services; or
(2) the costs or expenses of services for or the placement of a delinquent child;
the court may order the parents to reimburse the county as set forth in section 3.8 of this chapter.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-18(b), (e) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.273-1999, SEC.119; P.L.146-2008, SEC.665; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.387; P.L.204-2011, SEC.3; P.L.48-2012, SEC.75.