STATEHOUSE (April 22, 2024) – As April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month in Indiana, State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) successfully helped push for a pair of new laws to protect abused children and reduce long foster care stays.
A new law co-authored by Goss-Reaves will help ensure child safety is the most important factor for judges considering reunifying families. The law also gives the Indiana Department of Child Services and courts more tools and concise guidelines when planning for permanency and stability for the child. Goss-Reaves said the need for legislation was recently highlighted when an Indianapolis mother was charged with murder, criminal confinement, and battery in the horrific death of 5-year-old Kinsleigh who was severely malnourished and forced to spend most of her time in a closet. The mother was previously convicted of neglect and the child was removed from her home at 3 weeks old.
"I'm heartbroken to hear about the loss of another precious young life to child abuse and neglect," Goss-Reaves said. "This recent tragedy reinforces the importance of recently passed legislation to strengthen our child protection laws. We must continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of children in Indiana and prevent situations like these at all costs."
Another new law co-authored by Goss-Reaves will help abused and neglected children who are waiting in foster care sometimes for a year or more for their child in need of services or CHINS case to be resolved. If reunification isn't possible, the child continues to wait as the state develops a new plan to place them in a permanent home. To help reduce children's time in foster care, DCS will develop an alternative plan alongside the reunification plan to make sure the child can either be reunited with their family or placed in a permanent home once their case is decided.
In 2023, the Indiana Department of Child Services received more than 200,000 reports of abuse and neglect. The state also investigated 308 child deaths and determined 61 were a result of abuse or neglect during 2022.
Goss-Reaves said Child Abuse Awareness Month is a good reminder to speak up if neglect or abuse is suspected, and spread the word about resources that are available to help. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. Families can talk to a trained professional for parenting advice, support, referrals for legal matters, or other resources through Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, which can be reached at 1-800-Children (1-800-244-5373).
To help support those fighting child abuse and raise awareness, the Grant County DCS & PCA Superhero Walk starts at 5:30 p.m. on April 28 at the Matter Park Gardens in Marion. Participants can dress as their favorite superhero. Capes and masks will be provided to the first 100 children in attendance. For more information about other events across Indiana, visit in.gov/dcs/preventchildabuse.
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State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
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