Indiana Code Title 12. Human Services § 12-20-15-5

Sec. 5. The appellant must be present at a hearing conducted by the board of commissioners or a hearing officer.  The township trustee, as administrator of township assistance, or the trustee's representative shall be notified in writing of the hearing date and time, but the failure of the township trustee or the trustee's representative to be present is not a cause for postponement of the hearing unless the trustee requests and is granted a continuance.  A continuance requested by the township trustee does not reduce the period required for a decision under section 6(b)(2) of this chapter.