STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2017) – The Indiana Senate this week unanimously passed State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) bill that would require grandparents to be notified of an impending adoption of their grandchildren.
Karickhoff’s proposal would allow grandparents of a child sought for adoption to be notified of adoption proceedings. The grandparents must have an existing right to petition for visitation, which will not be terminated after the adoption, and the child must not be in the care of the Department of Child Services.
“It’s vital to notify grandparents of an impending adoption,” Karickhoff said. “If they do not petition for visitation they could potentially lose their rights. With a simple notification, the grandparents can then take steps to ensure they will continue to have contact with the child.”
In 2016, DCS completed approximately 1,500 adoptions. Under this proposal, a maximum of 6,000 additional notices could be sent out each year to grandparents.
The bill has been passed by both chambers and is on its way to the governor’s desk. For more information on Karickhoff’s bill, visit iga.in.gov.
“Sadly, more and more children are ending up in the care of the state, being removed from dangerous situations due to increased illegal drug use and neglect,” Karickhoff said. “These children deserve safe and nurturing homes, and hopefully their biological grandparents can continue being involved in their lives and provide them much-needed love and support.”
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
A high-resolution photo of Karickhoff can be downloaded by clicking here.
