Sec. 7.5. (a) This section does not apply to a petitioner for adoption who 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 petition is filed.

     (b) Every petitioner for adoption shall submit the necessary information, forms, or consents for:

(1) a licensed child placing agency; or

(2) the local office;

that conducts the inspection and investigation required for adoption of a child under IC 31-19-8-5 to conduct a criminal history check (as defined in IC 31-9-2-22.5) of the petitioner as part of its investigation.

     (c) Except as provided in subsection (d), the petitioner for adoption shall pay the fees and other costs of the criminal history check required under this section.

     (d) If the petitioner for adoption seeks to adopt a child who is under the care and supervision of the department at the time of or any time after the filing of the petition for adoption, the department may pay the fees and other costs of the criminal history check required under this section.

As added by P.L.200-1999, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.92; P.L.128-2012, SEC.45; P.L.183-2017, SEC.8.