CHAPTER 5. FOSTER CARE SIBLING VISITATION

IC 31-28-5
     Chapter 5. Foster Care Sibling Visitation

IC 31-28-5-1
Application
    
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to:
        (1) a child who receives foster care that is funded by the department or a county office; and
        (2) a sibling of a child described in subdivision (1).
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.

IC 31-28-5-2
Promotion of sibling visitation
    
Sec. 2. The department shall make reasonable efforts to promote sibling visitation for every child who receives foster care, including visitation when one (1) sibling receives foster care and another sibling does not.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.

IC 31-28-5-3
Persons who may request sibling visitation; department establishment of sibling visitation
    
Sec. 3. A child, a child's foster parent, a child's guardian ad litem, a court appointed special advocate, or an agency that has the legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise a child may request the department to permit the child to have visitation with the child's sibling if the child or the child's sibling, or both, receive foster care. If the department finds that the sibling visitation is in the best interests of each child who receives foster care, the department shall permit the sibling visitation and establish a sibling visitation schedule.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.

IC 31-28-5-4
Department denial of sibling visitation; petitions to juvenile courts; juvenile court orders
    
Sec. 4. (a) If the department denies a request for sibling visitation under section 3 of this chapter, the child's guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate may petition the juvenile court with jurisdiction in the county in which the child receiving foster care is located for an order requiring sibling visitation.
    (b) If the juvenile court determines it is in the best interests of the child receiving foster care to have sibling visitation, the juvenile court shall order sibling visitation and establish a schedule for the sibling visitation.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.

IC 31-28-5-5
Appointment of guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate      Sec. 5. (a) The juvenile court may appoint a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate if a child receiving foster care requests sibling visitation.
    (b) The provisions of IC 31-17-6 apply to a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate appointed under this section.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.10.