A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details about what happens after medical examinations are completed, how it will affect current procedures for older children, or implementation costs.

Physical Examinations in Child Abuse Investigations

This bill requires Indiana's Department of Child Services to physically examine children under five years old who are reported as possibly abused and take necessary actions if abuse is found.

What This Bill Does

• Requires caseworkers to physically examine young children (under five) who are reported as possibly abused, looking for bruises or injuries.
• If a caseworker finds signs of abuse on a child under five, they must take the child into custody and get medical help right away.
• Caseworkers must also take photos of any visible injuries if it's not already done by law enforcement.
• For older children (five years or older), the department can do health screenings or full medical exams as needed.
• The Department of Child Services pays for all necessary health and medical checks.

Who It Names or Affects

• Children under five who are reported to be abused
• Caseworkers from the Department of Child Services
• Healthcare providers who perform medical examinations

Terms To Know

Department of Child Services (DCS)

The government agency responsible for protecting children in Indiana.

CHINS investigation

An investigation by the Department of Child Services to determine if a child is in need of services due to abuse or neglect.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what happens after medical examinations are completed.
• It's unclear how this will affect current procedures for older children (five years and above).
• There is no information on the costs associated with implementing these new requirements.

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.
Physical examinations in CHINS investigations.

Current Bill Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.

Physical examinations in CHINS investigations.

Provides that if the department of child services (department) receives a report of known or suspected abuse of a child who is less than five years of age, a department caseworker: (1) shall physically examine the child's head, face, arms, legs, chest, and back for bruises or contusions; and (2) if the caseworker finds evidence of abuse, shall: (A) immediately take the child into custody; (B) cause color photographs to be taken of the areas of trauma visible on the child, unless a law enforcement agency is obligated to do so; (C) cause a medical examination of the child to be performed; and (D) if medically indicated, cause a radiological examination of the child to be performed. Provides that if the department receives a report of known or suspected abuse of a child who is not less than five years of age, the department may have a: (1) health screening; or (2) medical examination; of the child conducted. Provides that the department is responsible for the cost of the health screening or medical examination.