INDIANA – The Indiana Senate Family and Children Services Committee has unanimously passed House Bill 1099, which clarifies the age limit for safe haven infants and updates definitions related to foster youth.
Sponsored by Senator Stacey Donato and authored by Representative Dale DeVon, HB 1099 addresses several key aspects of child welfare law.
The bill establishes that the maximum age for a safe haven infant, a child surrendered under Indiana’s Safe Haven Law, is 60 days. It also repeals the definition of “abandoned child” and amends the definition of “foster youth” to provide greater clarity. Conforming changes are included to ensure consistency throughout the relevant statutes.
The Indiana Department of Child Services testified in support of the bill, emphasizing its importance in streamlining procedures and providing clear guidelines for those working within the child welfare system.
Following the hearing, the committee voted 7-0 to advance HB 1099. The full text of the bill can be found at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1099
.png)
.JPG)
