Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The Indiana House Judiciary Committee has endorsed a bill that would establish a safe baby court as a type of problem-solving court.
The committee met Monday morning, when it unanimously passed House Bill 1101 on courts for children 3 years of age and younger in need of services.
The bill would provide that a child in need of services is an eligible individual for purposes of a problem-solving court.
The author of HB 1101, Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, said the goal is to produce quicker timelines and better outcomes.
“There’s an urgency for permanency for these children — to a toddler, one year, that’s a lifetime,” Lauer said.
Lauer said the bill also opens up new federal funding opportunities for the judiciary.
He explained that the program is voluntary, so any court across the state could choose to participate or not. There is no fiscal involved at the state level.
Kevin Moore, chief strategy and innovation officer at Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana, testified in favor of HB 1101.
“This bill focuses on the most vulnerable Hoosiers to support their interests and to strengthen families,” Moore said.
Moore explained that VOA works with families and helps them rebuild their lives.
“We look forward to supporting families and courts who protect and serve young children and families in need,” he said.
The bill is headed for second reading in the House, where it can be amended. It had not been scheduled for a full House hearing at Indiana Lawyer deadline.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.