HB 1345

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Provides that when the department of child services (department) takes custody of a child who is voluntarily left with an emergency services provider or in a newborn safety device, the department shall: (1) not later than 72 hours after the department takes custody of the child, contact each licensed child placing agency in Indiana and request that the licensed child placing agency inform the department of any suitable prospective adoptive parent for the child known to the licensed child placing agency; (2) collaborate with licensed child placing agencies to identify a prospective adoptive parent for the child; (3) request that the state department of health conduct one or more searches of the putative child registry on behalf of the child before a petition is filed to terminate parental rights with regard to the child, with at least one request being made not earlier than 30 days after the estimated date of birth of the child; and (4) notify an individual identified as a potential father by the registry search that the individual's consent to termination of the parent-child relationship will be irrevocably implied if the individual does not file a paternity action with regard to the child. Provides that when considering an out-of-home placement for the child during child in need of services proceedings, if a court or the department is unable to locate a suitable and willing relative (or de facto custodian, if applicable) with whom to place the child, the court or the department shall consider placing the child with a prospective adoptive parent before considering any other placement for the child.