STATEHOUSE (Feb. 12, 2025) – The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee supported State Rep. Ryan Lauer's (R-Columbus) bill requiring the Department of Child Services to release more information on child fatalities and near fatalities.
Lauer said through his bill, DCS would release information to the public about child fatalities or near fatalities, including information about the perpetrator, any previous abuse reports and any actions the department took in any previous abuse cases.
"It is a tragedy whenever a child is in danger or killed, and this bill would offer more transparency on these cases," Lauer said. "Children are among our most vulnerable, and by gathering and detailing this information, we can educate and hopefully help prevent more child deaths."
Lauer said the report would be required within 90 days of the case opening for a child fatality or near fatality. According to DCS, over 56 child fatalities occurred in the state in 2023 from child abuse or neglect, with 68% of victims aged 3 and younger.
"Every one of these cases is a tragedy, we must focus on protecting innocent, defenseless children severely hurt as a result of abuse and honor the lives lost where it is too late," Lauer said. "The more we shed light on these cases, the better we can advocate and legislate, with the goal of ending child abuse in Indiana."
Lauer said by adding new public details to these reports, officials and concerned Hoosiers can work to identify more solutions to prevent child abuse and deaths in Indiana.
House Bill 1152 now moves to the House for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and follow session, 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.
