The DCS Policy Team is in the process of converting each child welfare policy to a new template, to better align with the DCS mission, vision, and Practice Model. During this conversion process, the format of the policies may differ as policies are developed or revised.

The information provided in this manual is intended for the use and convenience of staff and interested persons. References contained in DCS policies that pertain to other State policies, Indiana Administrative Code, Indiana Code, and/or Federal Law should not be considered a substitute for the actual documents or legal counsel.

Questions or comments on individual policies should be directed to your local supervisor, work unit manager, or DCS.Policy@dcs.in.gov. Please contact our webmaster if you have any problems using the site.

Policy Changes Implemented Via Admin Letters

• Screen-Out Reports (Effective 6/1/21)
• COVID-19 Vaccinations for Youth 12 and Older (Effective 5/20/21)
• Assessment Staffing Guide (Effective 4/12/21)
• SafeACT (Effective 4/12/21)
• Travel Authorization (Effective 4/9/21)
• Assessment to Permanency Case Transfer Process (Effective 4/1/21)
• Definition of and Possession of Child Pornography by DCS Employees (Effective 3/15/21)
• Residential Treatment Changes (Effective 3/1/21)
• Professional Service Request (Effective 3/1/21)
• Temporary Modification to Foster Care Licensing Requirements (Effective 4/15/20)
• Revised Background Check Documentation (Effective 8/1/2019)
• Terminating Parent-Child Relationship due to an "Act of Rape" (Effective 7/1/2016)
• Withdrawn/Screen-out Options in MaGIK (Effective 8/1/2015)
• Interviewing Alleged Child/Youth Perpetrators (Effective 4/1/2015)
• Family Impact Statement (Effective July 2013)
• Legislative Changes: Legal Guardianship (Effective 9/1/2011)

Indiana Child Welfare Policy Manual  

Click here for the complete policy manual, last updated on May 11, 2021: Indiana Child Welfare Policy Manual.

For more recent updates, see the individual policies at the links below, or contact DCS.Policy@dcs.in.gov.

• Chapter 1 -  Introduction to the DCS Child Welfare Manual
• Chapter 2 -  Administration of Child Welfare
• Chapter 3 -  Hotline
• Chapter 4 -  Assessment 
• Chapter 5 -  General Case Management
• Chapter 6 -  Court 
• Chapter 7 -   In-Home Services
• Chapter 8 -  Out-of-Home Services
• Chapter 9 -   Interstate Compact (ICPC)
• Chapter 10 - Adoption and Guardianship
• Chapter 11 - Older Youth Services
• Chapter 12 - Foster Family Home Licensing
• Chapter 13 - Background Checks
• Chapter 14 - Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP)
• Chapter 15 - Eligibility
• Chapter 16 - Financial Services/Assistance
• Questions on any Archive Policies please contact us at DCS.Policy@dcs.in.gov