Annual Report

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.

Legislative Session 2025

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 at the end of the 2025 session. For more information on chamber and committee activities, visit www.iga.in.gov.

Day of the Child Events 2025

The Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana was proud to partner with the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI), and VOICES Corporation to facilitate its annual Day of the Child Events. Thanks to those who joined us at the Statehouse on Monday (Feb 17) and the Strategic Sharing Academy on Tuesday (Feb 18). Watch the State of the Child Recording and access the 2025 Kids Count Data Book.

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.

January Meeting

At its January meeting, the Children's Commission welcomed new members and heard updates on the BEST Youth Initiative, Youth/Family/Caregiver Engagement efforts, and the current status of the Youth Justice Oversight Committee (YJOC). It also heard presentations on two bills that the Commission assisted in authoring, a recap of the Strategic Sharing Summit, and future plans for Day of the Child events. Lastly, members heard updates from the co-chairs of each task force and committee, who shared areas of focus and future needs. To access the recording and more information, visit the January meeting page.

Stories of Our Lives: Strategic Sharing Summit

In the fall of 2024, The Children’s Commission hosted a 3-part virtual summit, focused on the power of personal storytelling, the significance of lived experiences, and practical strategies for harnessing stories to drive meaningful change and systemic transformation. The summit featured a keynote speaker, training on strategic sharing, and a peer-led young adult panel discussion. To watch the recorded sessions, visit the Summit Playlist.