Ind. Code ch. 31-34-7

in effect

Ind. Code § 31-34-7-1 Preliminary inquiry

Sec. 1. A person may give an intake officer written information indicating that a child is a child in need of services. If the intake officer completing the preliminary inquiry has reason to believe that the child is a child in need of services, the intake officer shall: (1) make a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the interests of the child require further action; and (2) complete the dual status screening tool on the child, as described in IC 31-41-1-3. Whenever practicable, the preliminary inquiry should include information on the child's background, current status, and school performance. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-8(a), (b) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.66-2015, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 31-34-7-2 Provision of preliminary inquiry and recommendation to attorney for department

Sec. 2. The intake officer shall send to the attorney for the department a copy of the preliminary inquiry. The intake officer shall recommend whether to: (1) file a petition; (2) file a petition and recommend that the child be referred for an assessment by a dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5; (3) informally adjust the case; (4) informally adjust the case and recommend that the child be referred for an assessment by the dual status assessment team as described in IC 31-41-1-5; (5) refer the child to another agency; or (6) dismiss the case. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-8(c).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.293; P.L.146-2008, SEC.583; P.L.66-2015, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 31-34-7-3 Decision whether to request authorization to file petition

Sec. 3. The person representing the interests of the state and receiving the preliminary inquiry and recommendations shall decide whether to request authorization to file a petition. This decision is final only as to the office of the person making the decision. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-8(d).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17.

Ind. Code § 31-34-7-4 Access by accused to report

Sec. 4. A person who is accused of committing child abuse or neglect is entitled under IC 31-33-18-2(14) to access to a report relevant to an alleged accusation. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-18(a) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.46-2016, SEC.9; P.L.84-2026, SEC.15.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/31Fetched: 10/17/2026