Garcia Wilburn’s bill to keep kids in DCS safe heads to governor’s desk

Submitted by Office of State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn

Last Thursday, Feb. 19, House Bill 1036 cleared its final steps in the Indiana General Assembly and is headed to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), the legislation requires Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) caseworkers to see a child in person within 30 days before a case closure or discharge.

This legislation was drafted in response to tragedies like the death of Kinsleigh Welty, a five-year-old who died of starvation, and is aimed at ensuring children are safe before investigations and cases by DCS are closed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement after the Indiana House of Representatives’ unanimous concurrence with a minor Senate amendment to the bill:

“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. House Bill 1036 is a crucial step to ensure each child is prioritized individually. It is my hope that requiring an in-person visit by a DCS caseworker before a case closure will help avoid tragedies of neglect like the story of five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty.

“I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming support on this legislation. I want to thank my co-authors Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire for their work on this bill, and I want to thank the House and Senate for their unanimous support. Together, we can continue to pursue policy that protects the health and safety of all Hoosier children. I am hopeful Gov. Braun will sign this legislation and get this bill across the finish line.”