STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signed State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation into law Tuesday increasing transparency for prospective adoptive and foster parents.
According to Burton, this new law requires adoption agencies to provide prospective adoptive and foster parents with a report containing contact information of agency employees. Burton said he hopes this report will provide applicants multiple avenues to voice concerns, ask questions and receive feedback during the adoption or fostering process.
“Ensuring children have a safe and loving place to call home is an issue near and dear to my heart,” Burton said. “The Department of Child Services says there are nearly 150 children up for adoption in Indiana at any given time. It is my hope more Hoosiers will consider opening their home to a child in need. By providing contact information and guidelines to prospective parents, those wishing to adopt or foster a child will have a clear path to ask questions and provide feedback to adoption agencies.”
Burton said this law stems from meetings he hosted throughout the fall with local families and organizations to find ways to improve transparency and streamline the adoption and foster care processes.
House Enrolled Act 1091 will go into effect July 1. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
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State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents a portion of Johnson County.
PICTURED: Gov. Eric Holcomb signs State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation giving prospective parents a clear path to voice concerns or ask questions during the adoption or foster process into law at the Statehouse on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Burton has been working with local families and organizations to streamline the adoption and foster care processes. Pictured left to right seated: State Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel), Holcomb and Burton. Standing: State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) (center) and State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) (far right) with adoption and foster care advocates.
