State law mandates the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) to release information in cases where children have died or nearly died as a result of abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian or caregiver.
DCS may only release information on a death or near death if it has been determined that it was caused by abuse or neglect following a substantiated finding linking the allegations of abuse or neglect to the death or near death. If the posting is on a near death, a medical professional must determine that the child was in serious or critical condition.
If sharing is warranted, state law requires the following preliminary information be included within 20 days following the determination:
- The name of the child who has suffered a death.
- The age, gender and county of residence of the child who has suffered a death or near death.
- Prior report history, including screen outs.
- A summary of prior assessments including any risk and safety information.
- Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petition history, including the name of any judge who released the child at a detention hearing.
- Criminal charges resulting from the death, including court information.
- Actions taken by DCS in response to the death or near death of the child.
The preliminary information will be updated and expanded at 90 days following the determination in the summary report.
| Preliminary Report Date | Summary Report Date | Name | Ribbon | Preliminary Report | Summary Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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