STATEHOUSE (March 19, 2013) — A measure authored by State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) to improve child services in Indiana passed the House of Representatives today by a unanimous vote. Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) is the sponsor of Senate Bill 164.

SB 164 permits prosecuting attorneys to file a child in need of services (CHINS) petition with a juvenile court, beginning legal action that allows the state to intervene to protect a child. Prosecutors previously had this ability, but since July 2009, only the Department of Child Services (DCS) has been able to file a CHINS petition.

“Allowing prosecutors to file CHINS petitions expedites the process to get children the help they need,” Holdman said. “Prosecutors sometimes have a better look at a child’s situation than a DCS caseworker, but currently, they don’t have the tools to initiate legal intervention if they believe the child to be in danger. This legislation keeps cases from potentially falling through the cracks.”

The structure of the bill originated from the General Assembly’s DCS Interim Study Committee, which Holdman chaired.

SB 164 now returns to the Senate for concurrence or the establishment of a conference committee.