Procedures for notices to adult relatives and siblings; content

Sec. 4.5. (a) If a child is removed from the child's parents under this chapter, within thirty (30) days after the removal of the child from the parents the department shall exercise due diligence to identify and provide notice of the removal to:

(1) all adult relatives (as defined in IC 31-9-2.1-207) of the child, including relatives suggested by either parent as required under 42 U.S.C. 671(a)(29); and

(2) all the child's siblings who are at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(b) The department may not provide notice to a person under subsection (a) if the department knows or suspects that the person has caused family or domestic violence.

(c) A notice under subsection (a) must:

(1) state that the child has been removed from the parents by the department;

(2) set forth the options the relative may have under federal, state, or local laws, including the care and placement of the child and other options that may be lost if the relative fails to respond to the notice;

(3) describe the requirements for the relative to become a foster parent;

(4) describe additional services available to the child placed in foster care; and

(5) describe how a relative guardian of a child may subsequently enter into an agreement with the department to receive financial assistance through the adoption assistance program or guardianship assistance program.

As added by P.L.131-2009, SEC.59. Amended by P.L.104-2015, SEC.32; P.L.145-2026, SEC.203.