House advances Rep. Lauer's bill to create safe baby courts in Indiana

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives Thursday unanimously advanced State Rep. Ryan Lauer's (R-Columbus) bill to create a new problem-solving court in Indiana to help abused or neglected children up to age three and their families who need state intervention.

According to Court Appointed Special Advocates, about one-third of children in foster care nationally are younger than 5, and babies are least likely among all age groups to exit foster care within a six-month period. Lauer said his bill could expedite the process by establishing a new problem-solving court focusing on finding permanent homes for children in child in need of services or CHINS cases, which are brought forward by the Indiana Department of Child Services. These types of cases involve those who have experienced abuse or neglect from their guardians.

"In these cases, it takes time and effort from all parties to reach the best decision for the child," said Lauer, a member of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. "By taking these proceedings through a problem-solving court focused on these issues, a permanency decision can be made more quickly and judges can also work closely with the guardians to help ensure they're on the right track."

Lauer said problem solving courts allow more focus on these cases, which can help expedite cases to reduce the long-term effects of children being in foster care and engage parents to reduce the chances of repeat offenses. These safe baby courts would also bring together families, foster families, DCS and other concerned parties for regular meetings.

Through House Bill 1101, courts overseeing a CHINS case could use the problem-solving court to litigate the case but would not be required to do so.

"Safe baby courts bring all the parties to the table to focus on achieving the best outcomes for these vulnerable children – a loving, safe and permanent forever home," Lauer said. "At such a young age, this is so important because one year to a toddler is a lifetime. They deserve stability and permanency as quickly as possible."

Lauer said Indiana already allows local courts to hold different problem-solving courts, including drug court, mental health court, veterans court and others, and his bill would add safe baby courts to the list.

House Bill 1101 now moves to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.

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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes a portion of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) presents House Bill 1101 to the Indiana House of Representatives Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at the Statehouse. Lauer's bill would create a new problem-solving court focusing on child in need of services cases for children up to age 3.