§ 31-19-7-1 — Prior written approval of placements; criminal history checks

(a) A child may not be placed in a proposed
adoptive home without the prior written approval of a licensed child
placing agency or the local office approved for that purpose by the
department.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (d), before giving prior written
approval for placement in a proposed adoptive home of a child, a
licensed child placing agency or the department of child services shall
conduct a criminal history check (as defined in IC 31-9-2-22.5)
concerning the proposed adoptive parent and any other person who is
currently residing in the proposed adoptive home.
(c) The prospective adoptive parent shall pay the fees and other
costs of the criminal history check required under this section.
(d) A licensed child placing agency or the department of child
services is not required to conduct a criminal history check (as defined
in IC 31-9-2-22.5) if a prospective adoptive parent provides the
licensed child placing agency or the local office with the results of a
criminal history check conducted:
(1) in accordance with IC 31-9-2-22.5; and
(2) not more than one (1) year before the date on which the
licensed child placing agency or the local office provides written
approval for the placement.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-3 part.]

Legislative History

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.93; P.L.145-2006, SEC.247; P.L.138-2007, SEC.37; P.L.128-2012, SEC.48.