Indiana House Supports Ziemke's Bill To Update Child Abuse Reporting

Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 9:41 AM

In 2016, DCS reported 59 child deaths resulting from abuse or neglect.

State Rep. Cindy Ziemke (R-Batesville) presents her legislation that would better protect children from abuse Monday, March 25, 2019, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Photo provided.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A bill to better protect Hoosier children from abuse is one step closer to becoming law.

The House of Representatives passed State Rep. Cindy Ziemke’s (R-Batesville) legislation that would require the state to keep a more detailed summary of child fatalities, including if the death occurred while the child was in foster care or after the child was returned to their biological parents.

Currently, the Indiana Department of Child Services files an annual report about the number of child deaths caused by neglect or abuse, but the report lacks information about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

In 2016, DCS reported 59 child deaths resulting from abuse or neglect.

“This startlingly high number of child deaths is unacceptable, and we currently do not have pertinent information to combat the issue,” Ziemke said. “This simple, but imperative legislation would ensure the state keeps a more detailed summary of events surrounding child fatalities. This would help DCS and law enforcement better approach these situations and protect children.”

Due to an added amendment in the House, Ziemke’s bill now heads back to the Senate for further consideration.

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