Protecting Hoosier Kids - Judah's Law

Protecting Hoosier Kids - Judah's Law

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

No child should be put in an abusive or potentially life-threatening situation.

In October 2021, 4-year-old Judah Morgan was found dead after suffering severe injuries in his birth parents' home in LaPorte County. Judah's foster mother and second cousin said she was aware of the abuse Judah suffered and warned the Department of Child Services (DCS) about the situation on multiple occasions.

Unfortunately, DCS allowed Judah to return to his birth parents, ultimately resulting in his tragic death.

Senate Enrolled Act 410 creates a pathway for an unlicensed caregiver to intervene on a child's behalf in a juvenile court proceeding to terminate a parent-child relationship if that relative believes a certain outcome will pose a threat to a child's safety.

An unlicensed caregiver is defined as a relative who is not licensed as a foster and provides care and supervision to a child.

SEA 410 will help prevent more cases like Judah's from occurring by giving extended family the opportunity to intervene and protect a child from further abuse.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected should call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.

To read more about SEA 410 and other legislation passed this session, click here.