Indiana Code Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law § 31-26-3.5-3

Sec. 3. (a) An application to establish a new child welfare program, or to continue or modify an existing child welfare program, may be submitted by a court, county executive, private nonprofit agency or organization, or an interested person based on guidelines and instructions issued by the department.  Except as provided in subsection (b), the application shall be transmitted to the regional services council or councils for the county, region, or geographic area of Indiana that the applicant proposes to serve.  Each regional services council must review and submit its recommendations to the director in conformity with procedures established by the department.

(b) An application to establish, continue, or modify a program that will operate on a statewide basis shall be submitted directly to the director of the department for review and evaluation.