Ind. Code ch. 31-27-4

Ind. Code ch. 31-27-4
in effect

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-1 License required to operate foster family home; exception

Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (d), a person may not operate a foster family home without a license issued under this article. (b) The state or a political subdivision of the state may not operate a foster family home without a license issued under this article. (c) A person may not operate a foster family home if: (1) the number of children maintained on the premises at any one (1) time is greater than the number authorized by the license; or (2) the children are maintained in a building or place not designated by the license. (d) A person may operate a foster family home without a license issued under this article if the person is a relative of the child for whom the person is providing supervision and care. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.48-2012, SEC.27; P.L.123-2014, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-2 Therapeutic foster home; certificates; requirements; supervision and care limits

Sec. 2. (a) A person may not operate a therapeutic foster family home without a certificate issued under this article. (b) The state or a political subdivision of the state may not operate a therapeutic foster family home without a certificate issued under this article. (c) The department may issue a certificate only for a therapeutic foster family home that meets: (1) all the certification requirements of a foster family home; and (2) the additional requirements described in this section. (d) To receive a certificate for the operation of a therapeutic foster family home, a person must do the following: (1) Be licensed as a foster parent under this chapter and 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq. (2) Participate in preservice training that includes: (A) preservice training to be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.; and (B) additional preservice training in therapeutic foster care. (e) A person who is issued a certificate to operate a therapeutic foster family home shall, within one (1) year after meeting the training requirements of subsection (d)(2) and, annually thereafter, participate in training that includes: (1) training as required in order to be licensed as a foster parent under 465 IAC 2-1-1 et seq.; and (2) additional training in therapeutic foster care. (f) An operator of a therapeutic foster family home may not provide supervision and care in a therapeutic foster family home to more than four (4) children at the same time, including the children for whom the applicant or operator is a relative, guardian, or custodian, and only two (2) of the children may be foster children. The department may grant an exception to this subsection whenever the placement of siblings in the same therapeutic foster family home is desirable, the foster child has an established, meaningful relationship with the therapeutic foster parent, or it is otherwise in the foster child's best interests. (g) An operator of a therapeutic foster family home that has a therapeutic foster child placed with the therapeutic foster family home may not accept a placement of a child who is not a therapeutic foster child unless the child who is not a therapeutic foster child is a sibling of the therapeutic foster child who is placed with the therapeutic foster family home or it is in the best interests of the child being placed. (h) A therapeutic foster family home may provide care for an individual receiving collaborative care under IC 31-28-5.8. (i) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 necessary to carry out this section, including rules governing the number of hours of training required under subsections (d) and (e). (j) If a therapeutic foster family home does not meet the requirements under subsection (f) or (g) on July 1, 2011, any foster child placed in the home prior to July 1, 2011, may remain placed. However, a new placement of a child may not be made in violation of this section. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.143-2008, SEC.7; P.L.131-2009, SEC.36; P.L.162-2011, SEC.26; P.L.48-2012, SEC.28; P.L.13-2013, SEC.77; P.L.123-2014, SEC.13; P.L.93-2024, SEC.205.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-3 Repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.143-2008, SEC.8; P.L.131-2009, SEC.37; P.L.162-2011, SEC.27. Repealed by P.L.48-2012, SEC.29.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-4 Consultation with fire prevention and building safety commission

Note: This version of section effective until 7-1-2027. See also following version of this section, effective 7-1-2027. Sec. 4. The fire prevention and building safety commission shall provide consultation regarding the licensure of foster family homes to the department upon request. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-4 Consultation with department of homeland security

Note: This version of section effective 7-1-2027. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 7-1-2027. Sec. 4. The department of homeland security shall provide consultation regarding the licensure of foster family homes to the department upon request. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.152-2026, SEC.473.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-5 Apply for licenses; criminal history checks

Sec. 5. (a) An applicant must apply for a foster family home license on forms provided by the department. (b) An applicant must submit the required information as part of the application. (c) An applicant must submit with the application a statement attesting the following: (1) Whether the applicant has been convicted of: (A) a felony; or (B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children. (2) Whether the applicant has been charged with: (A) a felony; or (B) a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of children; during the pendency of the application. (d) An applicant shall submit the necessary information, forms, or consents for the department to conduct a criminal history check for each individual who is an applicant. (e) The department or, at the discretion of the department, an applicant, shall conduct a criminal history check of: (1) the applicant's employees and volunteers who have or will have direct contact, on a regular and continuing basis, with children who are or will be under the direct supervision of the applicant; and (2) all household members. (f) If the applicant conducts criminal history checks under subsection (e), the applicant shall maintain records of the information received concerning each individual subject of a criminal history check. (g) If the department conducts a criminal history check on behalf of an applicant under subsection (e), the department shall: (1) make a determination whether the subject of a national fingerprint based criminal history check has a record of: (A) a conviction for a felony; (B) a conviction for a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child; or (C) a juvenile adjudication for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony; (2) notify the applicant of the determination under subdivision (1) without identifying a specific offense or other identifying information concerning a conviction or juvenile adjudication contained in the national criminal history record information; (3) submit to the applicant a copy of any state limited criminal history report that the department receives on behalf of any person described in subsection (e); and (4) maintain a record of every report and all information the department receives concerning a person described in subsection (e). (h) Except as provided in subsection (i), a criminal history check described in subsection (e) is required only at the time an application for a new license or the renewal of an existing license is submitted. (i) A criminal history check concerning a person described in subsection (e) must be completed on or before the date the employee or volunteer has direct contact on a regular and continuing basis with a child placed in the home or the person first becomes a resident of the applicant's household as described in subsection (e)(2). (j) The applicant is responsible for any fees associated with a criminal history check. (k) The department shall, at the applicant's request, inform the applicant whether the department has or does not have a record of the person who is the subject of a criminal history check and if the department has identified the person as an alleged perpetrator of abuse or neglect. The department may not provide to the applicant any details or personally identifying information contained in any child protective investigation report. (l) A person who is the subject of a criminal history check conducted in accordance with this section may request the state police department to provide the person with a copy of any state or national criminal history report concerning the person. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.51; P.L.162-2011, SEC.28; P.L.128-2012, SEC.108; P.L.183-2017, SEC.17; P.L.145-2026, SEC.178.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-6 Grounds for denial of license applications; waiver

Sec. 6. (a) The following constitute sufficient grounds for a denial of a license application: (1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by: (A) the applicant; (B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant; or (C) a person residing in the applicant's residence. (2) A criminal conviction of the applicant of any of the following: (A) a felony; (B) a misdemeanor related to the health and safety of a child; (C) a misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2-5; or (D) a misdemeanor for operating a foster family home without a license under this chapter (or IC 12-17.4-4 before its repeal). (3) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the applicant's application for licensure. (4) A determination by the department that the applicant made false statements in the records required by the department. (5) A determination by the department that: (A) the applicant; (B) an employee or a volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant; or (C) a person residing in the applicant's residence; previously operated a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2-5 or a foster family home without a license under this chapter (or IC 12-17.4-4 before its repeal). (6) A juvenile adjudication of the applicant for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony. (b) An application for a license may also be denied if an individual who resides in the residence of the applicant or an employee or volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant has had any of the following: (1) A conviction of a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168. (2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection or to permit the individual to reside in the applicant's residence. (3) A juvenile adjudication for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony, unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the department to: (A) employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection; or (B) permit the individual to reside in the applicant's residence. (c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors: (1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction. (2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense. (3) Evidence of rehabilitation. (4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions or volunteer assignment. (5) The nature and extent of unsupervised contact with children residing in the home. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b), if: (1) a license application could be denied due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee, a volunteer, or a person residing in the residence of the applicant; and (2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has been dismissed before the employee or volunteer has direct contact on a regular and continuing basis with a child who is or will be placed in a facility operated by the applicant or that the person residing in the residence no longer resides there; the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee, former volunteer, or former household resident does not constitute a sufficient basis for the denial of a license application. (e) The following do not constitute a sufficient basis for the denial of a license application: (1) The applicant's immunization status or refusal to receive an immunization. (2) The immunization status of or refusal to receive an immunization by: (A) an individual who resides in the applicant's residence; or (B) an employee or volunteer of the applicant who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of the applicant. (f) Nothing in this section prohibits a licensed child placing agency from making placement decisions based on the individual needs of a medically fragile child or on biological parental preferences. (g) The department may adopt rules to implement this section. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.52; P.L.162-2011, SEC.29; P.L.128-2012, SEC.109; P.L.183-2017, SEC.18; P.L.45-2023, SEC.4; P.L.145-2026, SEC.179.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-6.5 "Disability"; foster family home

Sec. 6.5. (a) As used in this section, "disability" has the meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C. 12102. (b) The department, in determining whether to grant an application for a license to operate a foster family home: (1) shall not discriminate against; and (2) shall take into consideration the provision of reasonable accommodations to; an applicant who is a person with a disability, as provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 through 42 U.S.C. 12134), and other applicable state and federal law. As added by P.L.146-2021, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-7 Incomplete applications

Sec. 7. The department may not act on an incomplete application. The department shall return an incomplete application with a notation concerning omissions. The return of an incomplete application is without prejudice. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-8 Supervision and care limits; exceptions

Sec. 8. (a) An applicant may not provide supervision and care as a foster family home if more than: (1) six (6) individuals, each of whom: (A) is less than eighteen (18) years of age; or (B) is at least eighteen (18) years of age and is receiving care and supervision under an order of a juvenile court; or (2) four (4) individuals less than six (6) years of age; including the children or individuals for whom the provider is a relative, guardian, or custodian, receive care and supervision at the facility at the same time. (b) Not more than four (4) of the six (6) individuals in subsection (a)(1) may be less than six (6) years of age. (c) The department may grant an exception to this section whenever the department determines that: (1) the placement of siblings in the same foster family home is desirable; (2) a foster child has an established, meaningful relationship with the foster parents; (3) the: (A) child is being placed in the foster family home for a second or subsequent time under IC 31-34-23-5; (B) placement would not cause the foster family home to be out of compliance with federal law; and (C) department determines that the placement would not present a safety risk for the child or for any other resident of the foster family home; or (4) it is otherwise in the foster child's best interests. (d) If a foster family home does not meet the requirements under subsection (a) on July 1, 2011, any foster child placed in the home prior to July 1, 2011, may remain placed. However, a new placement of a child may not be made in violation of this section. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.143-2008, SEC.9; P.L.162-2011, SEC.30; P.L.48-2012, SEC.30; P.L.123-2014, SEC.14; P.L.12-2018, SEC.1; P.L.210-2019, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-9 Repealed

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.48-2012, SEC.31. Repealed by P.L.123-2014, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-10 Investigation of applicants

Sec. 10. The department shall investigate a person seeking licensure to determine whether the person is in compliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article. The investigation shall be conducted at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner in announced or unannounced visits. Activities may include onsite inspections, record reading, observation, and interviewing. The department may require that evidence of compliance with the rules be presented in a form and manner specified in the rules. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-11 Issuance of license

Sec. 11. The department shall issue a license to a person who meets all the license requirements when an investigation shows the applicant to be in compliance under this article. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-12 Eligibility for waivers and variances

Sec. 12. A foster family home may be eligible to receive a waiver or variance from the requirements of this chapter by complying with IC 31-27-2-8. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-13 Denial of license; notice; administrative hearing upon written request

Sec. 13. (a) The department shall deny a license when an applicant fails to meet the requirements for a license. The department shall deny a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a nonwaivable offense (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168). (b) The department may deny a license to an applicant who: (1) has been convicted of a felony that is not described in subsection (a); or (2) has had a juvenile adjudication for an act described in subsection (a) that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony. (c) The department shall send written notice by certified mail that the application has been denied and give the reasons for the denial. (d) An administrative hearing concerning the denial of a license shall be provided upon written request by the applicant. The request must be made not more than thirty (30) days after receiving the written notice under subsection (c). (e) An administrative hearing shall be held in accordance with IC 4-21.5-3. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.53; P.L.162-2011, SEC.31; P.L.128-2012, SEC.110; P.L.158-2013, SEC.313; P.L.104-2015, SEC.21; P.L.183-2017, SEC.19; P.L.145-2026, SEC.180.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-14 Delegation of investigations

Sec. 14. (a) The department may delegate the investigation of foster family homes to a licensed child placing agency. The child placing agency is responsible for completing a foster family home licensing study that shows substantial compliance with foster family home rules and is the basis of a recommendation for licensure to the department. (b) The department shall: (1) issue the license; or (2) notify the child placing agency if a license is not issued, giving the reasons for the denial. (c) After licensure the child placing agency shall supervise and monitor the foster family home in relation to the rules for licensure and shall recommend subsequent licensing and enforcement actions. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-15 Investigation of unlicensed premises

Sec. 15. The department shall investigate any premises that the department has reason to believe are being used for child care without a license in circumstances where a license is required. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-16 Duration of license; limitations; renewal

Sec. 16. (a) A license for a foster family home is valid for four (4) years from the date of issuance, unless the license is revoked or voluntarily returned. (b) A license issued under this chapter: (1) is not transferable; (2) applies only to the licensee and the location stated in the application; and (3) remains the property of the department. (c) A foster family home shall have the foster family home's license available for inspection. (d) To extend a license an additional four (4) years, the home must apply for relicensure. The current license shall remain in effect during the relicensure process until the department issues a license or denies the application. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.31; P.L.128-2012, SEC.111.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-17 Probationary status; duration; expiration; extension

Sec. 17. (a) The department may place a licensee on probationary status if the licensee is temporarily unable to comply with a rule and if: (1) the noncompliance does not present an immediate threat to the health and well-being of the children; (2) the licensee files a plan with the department to correct the areas of noncompliance within the probationary period; and (3) the department approves the plan. (b) A probationary status period is for not more than six (6) months. However, the department may extend a probationary status period for one (1) additional period of six (6) months. (c) At the expiration of a probationary status period, the department shall: (1) reactivate the license to the end of the original term of the license; (2) extend the probationary status period as permitted under subsection (b); or (3) revoke the license. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.32.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-18 Inspection of foster family homes

Sec. 18. The department may conduct an inspection of a foster family home for the sole purpose of inquiry into matters as stated in the rules, including those directly affecting the health, safety, treatment, and general well-being of the children protected under this article. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-19 Records of monitoring activities and inspections

Sec. 19. The department shall keep written records of the department's monitoring activities and onsite inspections. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-20 Cooperation by licensees

Sec. 20. The licensee shall cooperate with the department in carrying out the activities required by sections 18 through 19 of this chapter, including permitting the department to conduct announced or unannounced inspections. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-20.5 Use of reasonable and prudent parent standard

Sec. 20.5. A licensee shall use the reasonable and prudent parent standard when determining whether to allow a child in foster care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities. As added by P.L.104-2015, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-21 Records regarding children

Sec. 21. (a) A licensee shall keep records required by the department regarding each child in the control and care of the licensee and shall report to the department upon request the facts the department requires with reference to children. (b) The department shall keep records regarding children and facts learned about children and the children's relatives confidential. (c) The following have access to records regarding children and facts learned about children: (1) A state agency involved in the licensing of the foster family home. (2) A legally mandated child protection agency. (3) A law enforcement agency. (4) An agency having the legal responsibility to care for a child placed at the foster family home. (5) The parent, guardian, or custodian of the child at the foster family home. (6) A citizen review panel established under IC 31-25-2-20.4. (7) The department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.54; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.375; P.L.123-2014, SEC.16.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-22 Notice of enforcement actions; informal meetings

Sec. 22. The department shall give a licensee thirty (30) days written notice by certified mail of an enforcement action. The licensee shall also be provided with the opportunity for an informal meeting with the department. The licensee must request the meeting not more than ten (10) working days after receipt of the certified notice. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-23 Administrative hearings

Sec. 23. An administrative hearing concerning the decision of the department to impose a sanction under this chapter shall be provided upon a written request by the licensee. The request must be made not more than thirty (30) calendar days after the licensee receives notice under section 22 of this chapter. The written request must be made separately from an informal meeting request made under section 22 of this chapter. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.128-2012, SEC.112.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-24 Procedure for administrative hearings

Sec. 24. A hearing requested under section 23 of this chapter shall be held in accordance with IC 4-21.5-3. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-29 Cessation of operation following revocation of license

Sec. 29. A foster family home shall cease operation when the license of the foster family home is revoked. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-30 Notice

Sec. 30. (a) After the license of a foster family home is revoked, the department shall notify in writing each person responsible for each child in care, to ensure that the children are removed from the foster family home. (b) The written notice shall be sent to the last known address of the person responsible for the child in care and must state that the license of the foster family home has been revoked. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.33.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-32 Grounds for revocation of license; waiver

Sec. 32. (a) The following constitute sufficient grounds for revocation of a license: (1) A determination by the department of child abuse or neglect by: (A) the licensee; (B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee; or (C) a person who is residing in the home of the licensee. (2) A criminal conviction of the licensee for any of the following: (A) A felony. (B) A misdemeanor related to the health or safety of a child. (C) A misdemeanor for operating a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2-5. (D) A misdemeanor for operating a foster family home without a license under this chapter (or IC 12-17.4-4 before its repeal). (3) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the licensee's application for licensure. (4) A determination by the department that the licensee made false statements in the records required by the department. (5) A determination by the department that: (A) the licensee; (B) an employee or a volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact, on a regular and continuous basis, with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee; or (C) a person residing in the licensee's residence; previously operated a child care center or child care home without a license under IC 12-17.2-5 or a foster family home without a license under this chapter (or IC 12-17.4-4 before its repeal). (6) A juvenile adjudication of the licensee for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony. (b) A license may also be revoked if an individual who resides in the residence of the licensee or an employee or volunteer of the licensee who has direct contact on a regular and continuous basis with children who are under the direct supervision of the licensee has had any of the following: (1) A conviction of a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168. (2) A conviction of any other felony or a misdemeanor relating to the health and safety of a child, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department to employ or assign the person as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection or to permit the individual to reside in the licensee's residence. (3) A juvenile adjudication for a nonwaivable offense, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168 that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony, unless the licensee is granted a waiver by the department to: (A) employ or assign the individual as a volunteer in a position described in this subsection; or (B) permit the individual to reside in the licensee's residence. (c) In determining whether to grant a waiver under subsection (b), the department shall consider the following factors: (1) The length of time that has passed since the disqualifying conviction. (2) The severity, nature, and circumstances of the offense. (3) Evidence of rehabilitation. (4) The duties and qualifications required for the proposed employment positions or volunteer assignment. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (b), if: (1) a license could be revoked due to a criminal conviction of, or a determination of child abuse or neglect by, an employee or a volunteer of the licensee or an individual residing in the residence of the licensee; and (2) the department determines that the employee or volunteer has been dismissed by the licensee within a reasonable time after the licensee became aware of the conviction or that the individual no longer resides in the licensee's residence; the criminal conviction of, or determination of child abuse or neglect by, the former employee, former volunteer, or former household resident does not constitute a sufficient basis for the revocation of a license. (e) The department may adopt rules to implement this section. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.138-2007, SEC.55; P.L.162-2011, SEC.32; P.L.183-2017, SEC.20; P.L.145-2026, SEC.181.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-33 Compliance with rules; disciplinary sanctions; revocation of license

Sec. 33. (a) A licensee shall operate a foster family home in compliance with the rules established under this article and is subject to the disciplinary sanctions under subsection (b) if the department finds that the licensee has violated this article or a rule adopted under this article. (b) After complying with the procedural provisions in sections 22 through 24 of this chapter, the department may revoke the license when the department finds that a licensee has committed a violation under subsection (a). However, the department shall permanently revoke the license of a licensee who has been convicted of any of the nonwaivable offenses, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-168. The department may permanently revoke the license of a person who has been convicted of a nonwaivable offense that is not described in IC 31-9-2.1-168 and for other reasons set forth in rules adopted by the department. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.146-2006, SEC.34; P.L.162-2011, SEC.33; P.L.128-2012, SEC.115; P.L.183-2017, SEC.21; P.L.145-2026, SEC.182.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-34 Investigation of unlicensed home reports; enforcement

Sec. 34. (a) The department shall investigate a report of an unlicensed foster family home and report the department's findings to the attorney general and to the local office and the prosecuting attorney in the county where the foster family home is located. (b) The attorney general or the department may do the following: (1) Seek the issuance of a search warrant to assist in the investigation. (2) File an action for injunctive relief. (3) Seek in a civil action a civil penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) a day for each day a foster family home is operating without a license required under this article. (c) The civil penalties collected under this section shall be deposited in the department of child services child care fund established by IC 31-25-2-16. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.1-2007, SEC.203; P.L.128-2012, SEC.116.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-35 Notification of sexual contact or sex crime

Sec. 35. (a) A licensee must immediately contact the department if: (1) a foster child less than sixteen (16) years of age, while living in a foster home, engages in or is the victim of sexual contact (as defined in IC 25-1-9-3.5); (2) a foster child, while living in a foster home, is: (A) charged with or adjudicated as having committed an act that would be a crime under IC 35-42-4 if committed by an adult; (B) charged with or convicted of an offense under IC 35-42-4; or (C) the victim of an offense under IC 35-42-4; or (3) the licensee learns that a foster child has, before placement with the licensee, engaged in or been the victim of an act described in subdivision (1) or (2). (b) The information provided to the department under subsection (a) must include: (1) the name of the child; (2) the date of the occurrence of the act if it can be determined; (3) a description of the act; (4) the name of the responding law enforcement agency if a law enforcement agency is contacted; and (5) any other information the licensee determines is relevant. (c) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall provide information described in subsection (b)(1) through (b)(4), whether received from a licensee or another reliable source, to: (1) a prospective licensee before the placement of the foster child with that licensee; and (2) each licensee with whom the foster child has previously been placed. (d) The notification requirements of subsection (c) apply to a foster child who has: (1) engaged in sexual contact (as defined in IC 25-1-9-3.5) if the foster child is less than sixteen (16) years of age; (2) been charged with or adjudicated as having committed an act that would be a crime under IC 35-42-4 if committed by an adult; or (3) been charged with or convicted of an offense under IC 35-42-4. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.

Ind. Code § 31-27-4-36 Violation of chapter

Sec. 36. A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/31Fetched: 10/17/2026

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