We’re Kathey and Rob Raskin of Las Vegas and we care about children in this great nation, especially in foster care. An Indiana bill could change things is their foster care system.
A bill before the Indiana Senate committee would create added requirements for the DCS when they’re looking to remove a child from long-term foster care. DCS representatives object to the bill, sighting caseloads and child safety.
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard the bill earlier this month. Its author, Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport, stated he has heard many horror stories of kids being removed from foster care without warning or reason. Frequently, the lack of explanation is because of DCS confidentiality necessities, Head stated. However, foster parents are irritated when said requirements keep them in the dark.
To that end, the bill would require DCS to file a motion with the court or other similar case before removing a child who has been with the same foster family for at least 12 months. The foster family would have the opportunity to object the motion, forcing the court to hold a hearing.
Head stated he plans to present an amendment to the bill which would clarify exceptions for emergencies, such as abuse or neglect. In those situations, foster families can still object, but the DCS wouldn’t have to file a motion prior to removing the child.
Even with that planned amendment, the DCS legislative director Parvonay Stover advised the committee to vote against the bill. Stover raised many concerns, including the influence additional mandatory hearings in CHINS cases would have on stressed court dockets. Stover stated more congestion in juvenile courts could delay a child’s path to permanent placement, which is the DCS’s goal.
Additionally, removal of a child from long-term foster care placement is typically discussed thoroughly according to Stover. The decision would only be made for an undeniable reason, such as a threat to safety or the chance to place the child with a biological relative.
However, Sen. Erin Houchin, R-Salem, stated based on her experience in the CHINS realm, those thorough discussions don’t always take place. Stover admitted that the DCS can fail to meet requirements at time but stated the department’s goal is always to act in the foster child’s best interests.
Rather than passing this bill, Stover stated the DCS would encourage the General Assembly to support SB 233, a Foster Parent Bill of Rights. Both bills will come before the Family and Children Services Committee.
If you see concerns regarding your local foster care system, report it on the Kathey and Rob Raskin Stop DHR website. Then, contact your state officials and hold them accountable for giving our foster children the resources they desperately need.