By State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper)
Throughout my career as a legislator, I have worked hard to keep children safe.
This year, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law to ensure the safety of Hoosier children by prioritizing permanency plans for children and families.
House Enrolled Act 1310 enforces the practice of concurrent planning at the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) by operating in a minor's best interest and providing them with access to proper living arrangements.
House Enrolled Act 1310 asserts that if a child has been removed from their parents' home for at least 12 of the most recent 22 months, DCS must begin developing an alternative plan for the child other than automatic reunification with the parents or guardians.
This plan establishes long-term arrangements for the custody and care of the child. The goal of a permanency plan is to increase the likelihood for children to move out of substitute care and into a permanent home as quickly as possible.
This legislation helps DCS operate more efficiently as the practice of developing multiple permanency plans for individual children becomes the common practice in Indiana.
House Enrolled Act 1310 passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law by the governor on March 11 and became effective immediately.
As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at Senator.Messmer@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which
includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
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