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IC 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 therapeutic certificate, 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 parent, stepparent, guardian,
custodian, or other relative, 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, including
emergency rules under IC 4-22-2-37.1, 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.
IC 31-27-4-3
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.48-2012, SEC.29.)
IC 31-27-4-4
Consultation with fire prevention and building safety commission
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.
IC 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
IC 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 an act listed in
section 13(a) of this chapter 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 felony described in IC 31-27-4-13(a).
(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 an act listed in section 13(a) of
this chapter 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 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.
IC 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) five (5) 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
parent, stepparent, guardian, custodian, or other relative, receive care
and supervision at the facility at the same time.
(b) Not more than four (4) of the five (5) 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; or
(3) 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.
IC 31-27-4-9
Licensing of applicants providing care and supervision by relatives
Sec. 9. (a) A person may operate a foster family home without a
license issued under this article if the person is providing care and
supervision only for one (1) or more individuals related to the
person, as defined in IC 31-9-2-106.5.
(b) An applicant may apply for a foster family home license even
if the applicant will be providing care and supervision under an order
of a juvenile court to a related person.
(c) If an applicant described in subsection (b) otherwise qualifies
for a foster family home license, the department may issue a foster
family home license to the applicant.
As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273. Amended by P.L.48-2012,
SEC.31.
IC 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.
IC 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.
IC 31-27-4-13
IC 31-27-4-14
IC 31-27-4-15
IC 31-27-4-17
IC 31-27-4-18
IC 31-27-4-20
IC 31-27-4-21
IC 31-27-4-22
IC 31-27-4-24
IC 31-27-4-25
IC 31-27-4-30
IC 31-27-4-33
convicted of a felony that is not described in section 13(a) of this
chapter and for other reasons set forth in rules adopted by the
department.
IC 31-27-4-34
IC 31-27-4-35
IC 31-27-4-36
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 any of
the following felonies:
(1) Murder (IC 35-42-1-1).
(2) Causing suicide (IC 35-42-1-2).
(3) Assisting suicide (IC 35-42-1-2.5).
(4) Voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3).
(5) Reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5).
(6) Battery (IC 35-42-2-1) within the past five (5) years.
(7) Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3).
(8) Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5).
(9) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2).
(10) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3) within the past five
(5) years.
(11) A felony sex offense under IC 35-42-4.
(12) Carjacking (IC 35-42-5-2) within the past five (5) years.
(13) Arson (IC 35-43-1-1) within the past five (5) years.
(14) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3).
(15) Neglect of a dependent (IC 35-46-1-4(a)(1) and
IC 35-46-1-4(a)(2)).
(16) Child selling (IC 35-46-1-4(d)).
(17) A felony involving a weapon under IC 35-47 or IC 35-47.5
within the past five (5) years.
(18) A felony relating to controlled substances under IC 35-48-4
within the past five (5) years.
(19) An offense relating to material or a performance that is
harmful to minors or obscene under IC 35-49-3.
(20) A felony under IC 9-30-5.
(21) A felony that is substantially equivalent to a felony listed
in subdivisions (1) through (20) for which the conviction was
entered in another state.
(b) The department may deny a license to an applicant who:
(1) has been convicted of a felony that is not listed in subsection
(a); or
(2) has had a juvenile adjudication for an act listed 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.
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.
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.
IC 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.
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.
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.
IC 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.
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.
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 parents or 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.
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.
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.
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.
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.128-2012, SEC.113.)
IC 31-27-4-26
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.146-2006, SEC.60.)
IC 31-27-4-27
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.146-2006, SEC.60.)
IC 31-27-4-28
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.146-2006, SEC.60.)
IC 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.
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.
IC 31-27-4-31
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.128-2012, SEC.114.)
IC 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 an act listed in
section 13(a) of this chapter 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 felony described in section 13(a) of this
chapter.
(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 an act listed in section 13(a) of
this chapter 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.
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
felonies described in section 13(a) of this chapter. The department
may permanently revoke the license of a person who has been
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.
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.
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.
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.