Ind. Code ch. 31-32-2

Ind. Code ch. 31-32-2
in effect

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-1 Rights of child

Sec. 1. Except when a child may be excluded from a hearing under IC 31-32-6, a child is entitled to: (1) cross-examine witnesses; (2) obtain witnesses or tangible evidence by compulsory process; and (3) introduce evidence on the child's own behalf. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-1(a).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-2 Additional rights of child charged with delinquent act

Sec. 2. In addition to the rights described in section 1 of this chapter, a child charged with a delinquent act is also entitled to: (1) be represented by counsel under IC 31-32-4; (2) refrain from testifying against the child; and (3) confront witnesses. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-1(b) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-2.5 Privileged statements made to a mental health evaluator; exceptions

Sec. 2.5. (a) This section applies only to a court ordered or voluntary mental health: (1) screening; (2) assessment; (3) evaluation; or (4) treatment; provided by or under the direction of an evaluator, as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-90, in conjunction with proceedings under this article. (b) Except as provided in subsection (d) and except for purposes of: (1) a probation revocation proceeding; or (2) a modification of a dispositional decree under IC 31-37-22; a statement communicated to an evaluator in the evaluator's official capacity may not be admitted as evidence against the child on the issue of whether the child committed a delinquent act or a crime. (c) This section does not affect the admissibility of evidence when a juvenile interposes the defense of insanity. (d) This section does not affect a disclosure or reporting requirement in effect on July 1, 2007, under statute or in case law regarding a statement that: (1) relates directly to the facts or immediate circumstances of a homicide; or (2) reveals that the child may intend to commit a crime. As added by P.L.120-2007, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.191.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-3 Rights of parent, guardian, or custodian

Sec. 3. (a) This section applies to the following proceedings: (1) Proceedings to determine whether a child is a child in need of services. (2) Proceedings to determine whether the parent, guardian, or custodian of a child should participate in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child. (3) Proceedings to determine whether the parent or guardian of the estate of a child should be held financially responsible for any services provided to the parent or guardian or the child of the parent or guardian. (4) Proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship. (b) A parent, guardian, or custodian is entitled: (1) to cross-examine witnesses; (2) to obtain witnesses or tangible evidence by compulsory process; and (3) to introduce evidence on behalf of the parent, guardian, or custodian. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-2(a), (b).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-3.5 Right of attendance at hearings

Sec. 3.5. An individual with whom a child is placed, or a representative of a licensed child placing agency (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-46) that is providing services to a child, during child in need of services proceedings regarding the child is entitled to attend, in its entirety, any hearing conducted as part of: (1) the child in need of services proceedings; or (2) proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship resulting from a petition filed with regard to the child under IC 31-35-2-4 during the child in need of services proceedings. As added by P.L.179-2025, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.145-2026, SEC.192.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-4 Waiver to court having criminal jurisdiction; requirement for criminal charge or conviction

Sec. 4. A child may not be charged with or convicted of a crime, except a crime excluded by IC 31-30-1, unless the child has been waived to a court having criminal jurisdiction. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-5(a).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-5 Parent's right to representation by counsel

Sec. 5. A parent is entitled to representation by counsel in proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-2(c) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-6 Adjudication not considered criminal conviction; civil disability not imposed

Sec. 6. (a) A child may not be considered a criminal as the result of an adjudication in a juvenile court, nor may an adjudication in juvenile court be considered a conviction of a crime. (b) An adjudication in juvenile court does not impose any civil disability imposed by conviction of a crime. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-5(b).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 31-32-2-7 Contact with juvenile justice system not disqualification from governmental application, examination, or appointment

Sec. 7. A child's contact with the juvenile justice system does not disqualify the child from any governmental application, examination, or appointment. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-3-5(c).] As added by P.L.1-1997, 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