Sec. 15. (a) If the department classifies an assessment as unsubstantiated, the department may provide information about community service programs that provide respite care, voluntary guardianship, or other support services for families in crisis to the parent or guardian of the child who is the subject of the assessment.

     (b) If the department provides information to a parent or guardian under subsection (a), the department may not initiate an investigation or assessment or substantiate an assessment of child abuse or neglect based solely on the provision of the information.

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Terms Used In Indiana Code 31-33-8-15

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
     (c) If the department classifies an assessment as substantiated, the department may refer the parent or guardian to a community service program that provides respite care, voluntary guardianship, or other support services for families in crisis as appropriate to meet the needs of the family.

     (d) The provision of information by the department under subsection (a) does not result in, or may not be considered to result in, any obligation on the part of the department.

     (e) The department is not liable for any action arising out of having furnished the information in the manner required under subsection (a), including any delegation of powers executed under IC 29-3-9-1.

As added by P.L.74-2016, SEC.2.