DCS settles for $750K with family in child removal case
The parents of a child who was removed by the Department of Child Services for three months as an infant reached a $750,000 settlement with the agency earlier this month.
Indiana Department of Child Services
Articles
Mom loses bid to expunge DCS records about ‘deplorable’ conditions that led to kids’ removal
A mother whose children were removed and eventually adopted after living in “deplorable” conditions under her care has failed to convince the Court of Appeals of Indiana that the underlying child welfare reports about her should be expunged.
DCS settles for $1.375M with couple who claimed children were wrongfully removed from home
The Indiana Department of Child Services has reached a $1.375 million settlement with an Indianapolis couple who said the department violated their constitutional rights when it wrongfully took their two children from their home.
2 counties piloting framework focused on child welfare
LaPorte and Tippecanoe counties are piloting a National Center for State Courts project called “Upstream,” a framework which aims to prevent child maltreatment and out-of-home placement, reduce court involvement, and support safe and healthy families.
Divided COA reverses CHINS adjudications
A split appellate panel has reversed two child in need of services adjudications, finding a trial court’s decision was clearly erroneous. However, a lone judge dissented, opining that the Department of Child Services met its burden of proof.
Indiana denied fees in foster care litigation
In denying Indiana’s request for an award of costs for successfully defending a lawsuit that had challenged the state’s foster care system, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals highlighted the appellate procedure rule that limits who can be held responsible for reimbursements.
Food and fun part of reunification celebration: 3rd annual event gives families sustenance, emotional boost
By midmorning on a sunny June 24, the tents were pitched around the parking lot located on the east side of Indianapolis, the folding tables were overloaded with food and household items, and dance music was thumping from the DJ’s sound system. The work was being done as part of the Reunification Month Community Event in Indianapolis, which celebrates the parents who have been able to overcome their struggles and regain custody of their children.
COA rules for DCS in negligence complaint after dad wasn’t notified of injury reports
An Indiana father who wasn’t notified that the Indiana Department of Child Services assessed allegations of abuse and neglect until two years after his twins were injured couldn’t convince the Court of Appeals of Indiana that the agency should be found negligent.
Family sues state over DCS case manager’s criminal conduct, wants $2.75M settlement approved
A Wabash couple who had reached a $2.75 million settlement after an Indiana Department of Child Services family case manager was found to have made false allegations of abuse and neglect is now suing the state for not approving the settlement agreement.
COA affirms for mom in false reporting child abuse case brought against father, girlfriend
The Court of Appeals of Indiana has upheld a nearly $300,000 judgment in favor of a mother who sued her ex-husband and his new girlfriend for making a false claim of child abuse against her.
COA finds unavailability of ‘essential witnesses’ key to delay in CHINS case
The Court of Appeals of Indiana has found a juvenile court that reset four times a factfinding hearing for a CHINS petition and, consequently, exceeded the 120-day statutory deadline did not abuse its discretion because the Indiana Department of Child Services needed extra time to procure the testimony of two physicians.
DCS attorneys, deputy prosecutors now covered under amended temporary admission rule
An amended rule granting temporary licenses to out-of-state attorneys who are waiting for admission to the Indiana bar will now include lawyers working as deputy prosecutors and some attorneys working at the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Confusion, dismay over decision to close Family Recovery Court
The Marion Superior Court Executive Committee has announced the family recovery court, which started in 2010, will be closing at the end of the month. Dwindling participation along with concerns about how the program was being operated have been cited as among the reasons for the decision to stop. But stakeholders and graduates say the closure will have a devastating impact, rippling beyond the participants to their children and extended family members.
Bonaventura to temporarily fill Marion Superior vacancy
Senior judge and former head of the Indiana Department of Child Services Mary Beth Bonaventura has been appointed judge pro tempore to fill a vacancy in Marion Superior Court 15, starting Feb. 7 and continuing until further order from the Indiana Supreme Court.
State prevails against fired DCS supervisor, but 14th Amendment claim will proceed
A former Indiana Department of Child Services supervisor who alleged he was fired in retaliation for complaints he made about race and sex discrimination will not be able to proceed with his complaint after a federal judge granted summary judgment to the state. However, one 14th Amendment claim survived the ruling.
Ex-Indiana DCS case manager allegedly falsified records
A former family case manager for Indiana’s child welfare agency allegedly falsified records involving child abuse or neglect and falsely documented contact with four families.
Parents of SW Indiana girl sue city after she drowns in pool
The parents of a 5-year-old girl who drowned last summer in a southwest Indiana city’s swimming pool are suing the city and the child’s foster parent, accusing them of negligence in her death.
DCS wins dismissal against grandmother alleging misconduct in child’s placement
Indiana’s child welfare agency has won a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a grandmother alleging her criminal history was intentionally altered to prevent her grandson from living in her home.
Indiana asking 7th Circuit to review challenge to foster care system
In a case that even the district court acknowledged tested the limits of federal interference in state court matters, the Indiana Department of Child Services and Gov. Eric Holcomb are asking the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to review the denial of their motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by children in the foster care system.
DCS wins judgment following allegations of caseworker taking unpermitted photos
The Indiana Department of Child Services won a judgment from the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Indiana on Friday following allegations from a man who claimed a caseworker entered his home to take photos without permission, resulting in the removal of his children.