Child Welfare

‘Money on the table’: One in five counties abstain from federal payback for child welfare defense

A state agency estimates counties could take in $1.5 million annually at 100% participation. Some locals aren’t sure it’s worth the trouble.

In health, Indiana is worse than the national average for infant mortality, preventive medical care received and vaccinations.

Hoosier babies and toddlers worse off in key factors, compared to other states

Brandon Smith

Indiana is worse for infant mortality, vaccinations and other preventive medical care, according to a recent report from Zero To Three, a young child advocacy organization.

Experts say staffing facilities has become increasingly difficult throughout the pandemic.

Child welfare cases, nursing home workers, pollution | Indiana Newsdesk

Joe Hren

Children involved in welfare cases are not guaranteed legal representation. Nursing home workers are turning to staffing agencies to find better jobs. And Indiana has the most polluted rivers and streams in the nation.

Department of Child Services Director Terry Stigdon, at lectern, testified at the first meeting of the newly-created Study Committee on Child Services.

Child Services Oversight Committee Digs Into How Child Deaths Are Reviewed

Brandon Smith

Lawmakers and child services stakeholders want to improve how Indiana reviews and reports on child deaths. A newly-formed oversight committee, created by the General Assembly, met for the first time Thursday.