# Ind. Code § 31-36-3-3: Notification to department; investigation of a child; notification to parents

> Indiana · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T31_A36_C3_S31-36-3-3

## Section

- **Citation:** Ind. Code § 31-36-3-3
- **Heading:** Notification to department; investigation of a child; notification to parents
- **Jurisdiction:** Indiana
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Indiana Code / Title 31 / Article 36 / Chapter 3 / Section 31-36-3-3

## Text

Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (d), if a child voluntarily enters an emergency shelter or a shelter care facility, the shelter or facility shall notify the department, not later than twenty-four (24) hours after the child enters the shelter or facility, of the following:

(1) The name of the child.

(2) The location of the shelter or facility.

(3) Whether the child alleges that the child is the subject of abuse or neglect.

(b) The department shall conduct an investigation concerning the child not later than forty-eight (48) hours after receiving notification from the emergency shelter or shelter care facility under subsection (a).

(c) The department shall notify the child's parent, guardian, or custodian that the child is in an emergency shelter or a shelter care facility not later than seventy-two (72) hours after the child enters the shelter or facility. However, if the department has reason to believe that the child is a victim of child abuse or neglect, the department may not notify the child's parent, guardian, or custodian as to the specific shelter or facility the child has entered.

(d) An emergency shelter or a shelter care facility is not required to notify the department of a child who is an emancipated minor.

As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.11.

## Nearby sections

- [Ind. Code § 31-36-3-1 "Services or items"](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T31_A36_C3_S31-36-3-1.md)
- [Ind. Code § 31-36-3-2 Shelter or services and items provided to children](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T31_A36_C3_S31-36-3-2.md)
- [Ind. Code § 31-36-3-3 Notification to department; investigation of a child; notification to parents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T31_A36_C3_S31-36-3-3.md)
- [Ind. Code § 31-36-3-4 Authorization of representative to access documentation and education services on behalf of homeless youth](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T31_A36_C3_S31-36-3-4.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T31_A36_C3_S31-36-3-3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.