Ex-day care director charged with giving children melatonin
A former suburban Indianapolis day care director is facing multiple charges after being accused of giving melatonin gummies to children without their parents’ consent to get them to sleep.
Child welfare
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Bill clarifying limits on child sex abuse victim depositions gets unanimous support from IN Senate
A bill designed to reinforce an existing law strongly limiting a defendant’s ability to take the deposition of an alleged child sex abuse victim unanimously passed the Indiana Senate on Monday.
Youth incarceration continues as advocates pursue reform efforts
A new report from a national sentencing reform nonprofit is highlighting continued concerns about youth offenders housed in adult facilities, rather than juvenile centers.
Indiana man arrested after young boy seen playing with gun
An Indiana man faces criminal charges after a young boy was allegedly seen holding a handgun outside their apartment and pulling the trigger without firing any bullets.
Evansville mom gets 25-year prison term; daughter died from fentanyl
An Evansville woman was sentenced Friday to 25 years in prison for the death of her 3-year-old daughter who ingested fentanyl.
Gibson Co. judge facing 4 disciplinary charges for conduct in child welfare cases
A southwestern Indiana judge is facing a slew of judicial disciplinary charges for alleged misconduct in his handling of two child welfare cases.
COA: History of domestic violence in home supports CHINS adjudication
A mother who has been both a “victim and perpetrator” of domestic violence has failed to convince the Court of Appeals of Indiana that her children aren’t CHINS.
2 counties piloting framework focused on child welfare
LaPorte and Tippecanoe counties are piloting a National Center for State Courts project called “Upstream,” a framework which aims to prevent child maltreatment and out-of-home placement, reduce court involvement, and support safe and healthy families.
Abortion doc Bernard takes stand, maintains she followed appropriate steps in reporting abuse in 10-year-old Ohio girl’s case
Tension in the air was palpable as Dr. Caitlin Bernard took the stand Monday to be questioned in an ongoing debate about her role in providing an abortion to a 10-year-old Ohio girl.
Justices seem to favor most of Native child welfare law
The Supreme Court appeared likely Wednesday to leave in place most of a federal law that gives preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings of Native children.
Native child welfare law faces major Supreme Court challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday on the most significant challenge to a law that gives preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings of Native children.
Indiana woman accused of abandoning autistic son enters plea
An Indiana mother accused of having abandoned her 5-year-old autistic son on an Ohio street earlier this year has pleaded guilty to child endangerment.
Op-ed: Providing legal representation to children in the welfare system
There is one area of law where the state of Indiana may intrude into your life, remove you from your home and place you in a private locked facility, all without providing an opportunity to consult with an attorney: our child welfare system.
DCS caseworkers who allegedly threatened parents with CHINS case must face civil suit, 7th Circuit rules
Two DCS caseworkers who allegedly threatened a couple with a CHINS proceeding if they did not submit their child to a blood draw must face the parents’ civil lawsuit, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled, overturning a lower court finding that the caseworkers were protected by qualified immunity.
Working hand in hand: Advisory board helps DCS improve by sharing parents’ experiences, opinions
The Indiana Birth Parent Advisory Board was assembled in 2019 at the prompting of Department of Child Services Director Terry Stigdon. Along with feedback, Stigdon said she wanted parents on the advisory board to provide guidance and input on DCS policies and practices.
Indiana denied fees in foster care litigation
In denying Indiana’s request for an award of costs for successfully defending a lawsuit that had challenged the state’s foster care system, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals highlighted the appellate procedure rule that limits who can be held responsible for reimbursements.
Food and fun part of reunification celebration: 3rd annual event gives families sustenance, emotional boost
By midmorning on a sunny June 24, the tents were pitched around the parking lot located on the east side of Indianapolis, the folding tables were overloaded with food and household items, and dance music was thumping from the DJ’s sound system. The work was being done as part of the Reunification Month Community Event in Indianapolis, which celebrates the parents who have been able to overcome their struggles and regain custody of their children.
Transfer granted in six child sex abuse deposition cases
Indiana Supreme Court justices granted transfer in six cases last week all addressing whether child sex abuse victims can be ordered for deposition in light of a state statute the Court of Appeals of Indiana has repeatedly held violates the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.
Senator bucks legislative leadership, announces study of direct representation for kids in CHINS, TPR cases
Although the Legislative Council rejected a request to study the topic of providing attorneys to children in the child welfare system, Indiana state Sen. Jon Ford plans to keep pushing the matter by convening an independent study group to examine the issue.
7th Circuit dismisses CHINS lawsuit challenging Indiana’s foster care system
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed a lawsuit pushing for better treatment of children in Indiana’s foster care system, finding it difficult to determine what options for relief are open to a federal court but closed to a CHINS court.