STATEHOUSE (July 12, 2017) – Gov. Eric Holcomb today ceremonially signed into law State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) legislation ensuring grandparents of children going through the adoption process receive notice of pending proceedings.
Karickhoff, who authored the new law, said the policy works to help biological grandparents remain involved with their grandchildren’s lives, giving the children better support systems. He said grandparents in these situations 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.
“The new law will better ensure grandparents who are involved in the lives of their grandchildren are aware of impending adoptions and confirms visitations can continue,” Karickhoff said. “A simple notification can help grandparents continue being involved in their loved-one’s life. Just because some grandparents may not be in the position to adopt their grandchildren it doesn’t mean they can’t continue having a relationship once these children are placed in their forever homes.”
-30-
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.
Suggested photo cutline/caption below.
HELPING GRANDPARENTS: (Standing left to right) Howard County Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray, Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Margret G. Robb, State Rep. Ed Delaney (R-Indianapolis) join (seated, left to right) State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) at a bill signing ceremony for a new law guaranteeing grandparents will be notified of an impending adoption of their grandchildren.
