Parents charged in suspected starvation death of 2-month-old
An Indianapolis woman has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the 2017 starvation death of her 2-month-old daughter.
Department of Child Services
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Indiana Senate approves $34.6B budget with slightly more education funding
The Indiana Senate approved its two-year, $34.6 billion state budget proposal Tuesday morning, setting up final budget negotiations between both chambers as lawmakers close out the last two weeks of this year’s General Assembly.
COA’s error leads to rehearing, affirmation of TPR reversal
The Indiana Court of Appeals admitted it made an erroneous statement in reversing a termination of parental rights order and granted the Department of Child Services’ request for a rehearing. But the appellate panel Wednesday affirmed its initial opinion, concluding the error had no bearing its original ruling that a mother’s due process rights were violated.
Report: Indiana’s outsized foster population lags educationally
Indiana, which places a greater percentage of its children in the foster care system than almost any other state, must take steps to close educational shortcomings for children in the system, according to a first-of-its-kind report released recently that details a wide achievement gap.
Senate OKs bill banning release of details in child deaths
The Indiana Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would ban the release of details in child neglect or abuse deaths to safeguard criminal cases.
DCS reform bills whittled down but advancing
While the effort to give foster parents standing in cases involving abused and neglected children has stalled in the Statehouse, numerous child welfare and Department of Child Services reforms appear poised to pass the Indiana General Assembly.
COA upholds TPR ruling after parents’ continued substance abuse
Parents arguing the termination of their parental rights was not in the best interest of their minor child lost their argument when the Indiana Court of Appeals found their ongoing substance abuse issues had not improved over time.
Indiana House passes $34.6B budget along party lines
The Indiana House on Monday passed a $34.6 billion two-year budget along party lines. The budget includes an increase of more than $550 million over two years for the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Appellate court: Termination of father’s parental rights not erroneous
A Marion County father has lost his appeal of the termination of his parental rights after the Indiana Court of Appeals determined the termination was not clearly erroneous.
COA: ‘Significant’ DCS failures made termination of parental rights erroneous
A mother won her appeal to reverse an erroneous order terminating her parental rights when the Indiana Court of Appeals found the Department of Child Services committed ‘significant procedural irregularities’ in her case.
Reversal: CHINS adjudication unsupported by future safety concerns
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the adjudication of a baby found to be a child in need of services after finding that the Department of Child Services failed to prove the parents’ mental health issues seriously endangered the baby.
DCS still drawing numerous reform bills in Legislature
Legislators in 2018 introduced a slew of bills trying to bring more collaboration and modest adjustments to the Department of Child Services. Lawmakers this year have introduced at least 25 bills impacting CHINS, foster parents and DCS caseloads, among other things.
New ‘general counsel’ position created in AG’s office
A newly created general counsel position has been announced in the office of Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill. The shift in leadership positions also includes the reassignment of former Department of Child Services Director Mary Beth Bonaventura as Hill’s chief of staff.
Indiana lawmakers returning to Statehouse for 2019 session
Indiana lawmakers are set to begin their four-month legislative session, facing a tight state budget picture and a possibly contentious debate over adopting a state hate crimes law.
Year in Review: Hill sexual misconduct scandal top legal news story of 2018
Indiana Lawyer’s top story of 2018 began inside an Indianapolis bar in the cool early-morning hours of Thursday, March 15. Attorney General Curtis Hill had had a few drinks. A few too many, several witnesses would later claim.
DCS, schools seeking more funds in 2019 legislative session
Among the biggest issues the 2019 General Assembly will have to contend with is the Department of Child Services, which is still reeling after a tumultuous year that saw a leader abruptly resign and a national group identify several shortcomings in the department’s operations. Gov. Eric Holcomb is calling on lawmakers to devote significant financial resources to the struggling department, and all four legislative leaders say their caucuses plan to make DCS a top priority.
Wrongful death suit reinstated in IPS student’s murder
The Indiana Court of Appeals reinstated a wrongful death lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools when it found genuine issues of material fact as to Arlington Community High School’s duty to supervise its students after a teen’s murder nearby.
Legislative leaders to focus on DCS funding, teacher pay in ‘extraordinarily difficult’ budget session
In what the Indiana House Speaker said is likely to be an “extraordinarily difficult” budget session, Indiana’s legislative leaders plan to focus their efforts during this year’s legislative session on budget-impacting legislation, such as funding for the embattled Department of Child Services and increasing teacher pay.
DCS budget could grow significantly next year
The Indiana Department of Child Services is requesting a 42 percent increase in its budget next year compared to the funding it was designated to receive this year in the previous budget cycle. The proposed budget from DCS would include $965 million from the state’s general fund per year for the next two fiscal years.
Indiana lawmakers return to Statehouse ahead of 2019 session
Indiana lawmakers returned to the Statehouse on Tuesday for the ceremonial start to the new legislative session.