Sec. 9.6. “Assessment”, for purposes of IC 31-25 and IC 31-33, means an initial and ongoing investigation or evaluation that includes:

(1) a review and determination of the safety issues that affect a child and:

(A) a child’s parents, guardians, or custodians; or

(B) another individual residing in the residence where the child resides or is likely to reside;

(2) an identification of the underlying causes of the safety issues described in subdivision (1);

(3) a determination whether child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment occurred; and

(4) a determination of the needs of a child’s family in order for the child to:

(A) remain in the home safely;

(B) be returned to the home safely; or

(C) be placed in an alternative living arrangement.

As added by P.L.131-2009, SEC.6.