CHAPTER 5. FOSTER CARE SIBLING VISITATION
IC 31-28-5
Chapter 5. Foster Care Sibling Visitation
IC 31-28-5-1
Application
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to:
(1) a child who receives foster care that is funded by the
department or a county office; and
(2) a sibling of a child described in subdivision (1).
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.
IC 31-28-5-2
Promotion of sibling visitation
Sec. 2. The department shall make reasonable efforts to promote
sibling visitation for every child who receives foster care, including
visitation when one (1) sibling receives foster care and another
sibling does not.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.
IC 31-28-5-3
Persons who may request sibling visitation; department
establishment of sibling visitation
Sec. 3. A child, a child's foster parent, a child's guardian ad litem,
a court appointed special advocate, or an agency that has the legal
responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise a child
may request the department to permit the child to have visitation with
the child's sibling if the child or the child's sibling, or both, receive
foster care. If the department finds that the sibling visitation is in the
best interests of each child who receives foster care, the department
shall permit the sibling visitation and establish a sibling visitation
schedule.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.
IC 31-28-5-4
Department denial of sibling visitation; petitions to juvenile courts;
juvenile court orders
Sec. 4. (a) If the department denies a request for sibling visitation
under section 3 of this chapter, the child's guardian ad litem or court
appointed special advocate may petition the juvenile court with
jurisdiction in the county in which the child receiving foster care is
located for an order requiring sibling visitation.
(b) If the juvenile court determines it is in the best interests of the
child receiving foster care to have sibling visitation, the juvenile
court shall order sibling visitation and establish a schedule for the
sibling visitation.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.
IC 31-28-5-5
Appointment of guardian ad litem or court appointed special
advocate
Sec. 5. (a) The juvenile court may appoint a guardian ad litem or
court appointed special advocate if a child receiving foster care
requests sibling visitation.
(b) The provisions of IC 31-17-6 apply to a guardian ad litem or
court appointed special advocate appointed under this section.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.