CHILD WELFARE MANUAL

The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) will make diligent efforts beginning in the assessment phase to locate and engage the noncustodial parent. These efforts will continue throughout the life of the case. A noncustodial parent is a person who does not have legal or primary physical custody of the child. The Family Case Manager (FCM) will clearly document the efforts made to locate and engage the noncustodial parent, if the noncustodial parent fails to participate at any point in the life of the case. DCS will provide the Advisement of Legal Rights Form (SF 47114/CW 0010) to the noncustodial parent, and will inform the noncustodial parent of his or her rights to include: 1. Request that the child be placed with him or her; 2. Visit with the child, unless the court orders no visitation; and 3. Participate in case planning for the child through the Child and Family Team (CFT) Meeting or Case Plan Conference. If it is necessary to place a child outside of his or her home, DCS will give primary consideration to the noncustodial parent when selecting an out-of-home placement option. See separate policy, 8.1 Selecting a Placement Option. If warranted, background checks may be conducted when moving a child to the custody of the noncustodial parent. See Related Information for further details. DCS will inform noncustodial parents of their obligation to pay child support, if ordered. If not ordered, DCS will assist noncustodial parents in establishing child support responsibilities. Note: The prosecutor’s office is responsible for enforcement of all child support orders