Bill contemplated pilot representation program for unlicensed caregivers
In 2024, the Indiana Senate introduced SB 40, which would have required the circuit or superior court exercising jurisdiction over a Child In Need of Services (CHINS) case in certain counties to establish a caregiver counsel pilot program to appoint counsel for indigent “unlicensed caregivers” in CHINS matters. The law would have applied to the following counties: LaPorte, Marshall, and Starke. The bill states, “The Court shall appoint counsel under this section through the caregiver counsel pilot program to represent an unlicensed caregiver (as defined in IC 31-9-2-131.7) in every permanency hearing held in the child in need of services case under IC 31-34-21-7.”
The bill died in the House Committee on Appropriations and will not carry over to 2025.
Last action (on 03/14/2024): Committee report: amend do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations
