Annual Report

June Meeting

The June meeting opened with a presentation from the Indiana Youth Institute, covering highlights from their 2026 Kids Count Data Book. This was followed by the Executive Director reviewing policy considerations for the legislative session interim, specifically noting areas of the Commission’s legislative charge to consider for revision and the need to seek an extension of the Commission’s codified expiration. Fairchild concluded the meeting with an update on the integration of the Youth Justice Oversight Committee, potential roles for the Commission in supporting Safe Baby Court Teams, and upcoming staff transitions. To access the recording and more information, visit the June meeting page.

April Meeting

At its April meeting, the Children's Commission commenced with a recognition of Child Abuse Prevention month. This included a presentation by leadership of Prevent Child Abuse Indiana prevention initiatives, as well as an update from the Indiana Department of Health on the continued expansion of the Handle with Care program. This was followed by the State Attendance showcasing data visualizations for chronic absenteeism, while highlighting resources available to schools. Next, the Executive Director provided an update on the 2026 legislative session, highlighting the passage of several child welfare and juvenile justice bills, along with legislation that transitions the Kids First Trust Fund Board into the Commission in June 2027. A final update on bills related to bullying, online safety, and student mental health was then given by the Commission’s intern. To access the recording and more information, visit the April meeting page.

February Meeting

At its February meeting, the Children's Commission added researching fatherhood engagement models to its work on a statewide youth, family, and caregiver engagement plan. Next, its Executive Director provided a legislative affairs update that reviewed the status of several child welfare and juvenile justice bills. Last, the Commission's intern gave an update on legislation covering bullying, online safety, and student mental health. To access the recording and more information, visit the February meeting page.

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 at the end of the 2026 legislative session. 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.