Annual Report

Legislative Session 2026

The Children's Commission tracks legislation affecting children and child-serving professionals and systems. Here is a list of Commission related bills and their status as of 2/9/2026. For more information on chamber and committee activities, visit www.iga.in.gov.

December Meeting

At its December meeting, the Children's Commission approved its Strategic Plan for the next three years, which clarified lived-experience integration, the Youth Justice Oversight Committee's role, and the objectives of the Multi-System Youth Task Force. Next, its Executive Director outlined the approved items for legislative engagement, which included foster youth bill of rights, minimum standards for visitation in detention, and support for problem solving courts. Last, its Engagement Coordinator outlined the 2026 Day of the Child plans, where the Children's Commission partners with the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) and the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) to host a civic engagement opportunity for young Hoosiers. To access the recording and more information, visit the December meeting page.

October Meeting

At its October meeting, the Children's Commission heard a follow-up presentation from the Indiana Juvenile Detention Association President on the family access recommendation. Next, Forum for Youth Investment consultant recapped the strategic planning session and its highlights and main themes. Last, CISC Executive Director outlined strategic planning next steps and reminded members of its legislative affairs guiding principles. To access the recording and more information, visit the October meeting page.

August Meeting

At its August meeting, the Children's Commission heard introductions of the newest youth representative cohort and other recent appointees. The Juvenile Justice and Cross-System Youth Task Force presented a recommendation regarding minimum standards for family access for youth in secure detention. The Commission also endorsed a position statement on chronic absenteeism, agreed to support the newly created Child Welfare Task Force, and heard the next steps for strategic planning. To access the recording and more information, visit the August meeting page.

June Meeting

At its June meeting, the Children's Commission heard presentations from the Indiana Youth Institute which covered highlights from their 2025 Kids Count Data Book and the Court Improvement Program's data set involving time to permanency and cross agency collaboratives. The CISC's executive director updated the group on the on the filling of a new engagement coordinator position in accordance with HB 1098 and the upcoming strategic planning activities for 2026. To access the recording and more information, visit the June meeting page.

April Meeting

At its April meeting, the Children's Commission heard an acknowledgment from Director Krupp on Child Abuse Prevention month and a presentation on the Court Improvement Program's listening sessions. Also, the CISC's two interns presented their work on chronic absenteeism in relation to the needs of people with disabilities and an update on the many youth, family, and caregiver engagement activities underway. Last, the Commission heard updates on relevant bills and their status. To access the recording and more information, visit the April meeting page.

February Meeting

At its February meeting, the Children's Commission heard updates on the BEST Youth Initiative's discovery report and next steps, a presentation on the City Connects program from Marian University, and legislative updates on issues of chronic absenteeism, juvenile justice, youth advocacy, and time to permanency. To access the recording and more information, visit the February meeting page.