STATEHOUSE (May 14, 2026) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) aimed at strengthening child safety and accountability within Indiana’s child welfare system.
House Enrolled Act 1357 enhances child safety by strengthening background check requirements for employees working in child welfare and placement settings. The new law requires staff at child caring institutions, group homes, child placing agencies and related service providers to undergo federally required background checks every four years, ensuring ongoing monitoring, accountability and protection for vulnerable children in state-regulated care.
"Families deserve confidence that children placed in state-regulated care are surrounded by qualified and trustworthy adults," Rowray said. "These enhanced background check requirements help strengthen accountability and reinforce protections for children across Indiana."
The legislation also prevents redundant background checks within four years of an employee’s most recent federal screening to support qualified, trustworthy care for at-risk youth.
Rowray said strengthening protections for children in welfare settings remains a priority as the state works to support safe and stable care environments for vulnerable youth.
To learn more about these and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) (right) joins Gov. Mike Braun (left) for a ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1357 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Rowray authored the new law to strengthen child safety by enhancing background check requirements for child service providers.
