Providing a safe, nurturing environment for Hoosier children is important to legislators as they work to protect and educate the next generation of Hoosiers.
Child abuse and neglect is on the rise, with the Indiana Department of Child Services handling thousands of reports each month.
District 48 State Senator Mark Messmer of Jasper says this past session, the Indiana General Assembly passed several laws that will help protect children from abuse and neglect…..
Messmer says other laws include House Enrolled Act 1069 which allows a foster family to obtain a protective or restraining order against a person who is threatening the well-being of a child. HEA 1069 also increases the penalties for battery against members of a foster family from a Class B to Class A misdemeanor.
House Enrolled Act 1271 requires DCS to notify the Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program if a child of an active-duty military member is the subject of a substantiated investigation of abuse or neglect.
Messmer says the Department of Child Services could also seek assistance from the program when providing services.
If you have any questions, comments or concernes contact Messmer’s office directly by email at Senator.Messmer@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
