Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
Sec. 2. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section and subject to:
(1) this chapter; and
(2) any other provisions of IC 31-34, IC 31-37, or other applicable law relating to the particular program, activity, or service for which payment is made by or through the department;
the department shall pay the cost of any child services provided by or through the department for any child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
(b) The department shall pay the cost of returning a child under IC 31-37-23 or IC 11-13-4.5-1.5.
(c) Except as provided under section 2.5 of this chapter, the department is not responsible for payment of any costs of secure detention.
(d) The department is not responsible for the payment of any costs or expenses for child services for a child placed in a child caring institution, a group home, or a private secure facility if the entity does not have an executed contract with the department, unless the child services to be provided by the entity are recommended or approved by the director of the department or the director's designee in writing prior to the placement.
(e) The department is not responsible for payment of any costs or expenses for housing or services provided to or for the benefit of a child placed by a juvenile court in a home or facility located outside Indiana, if the placement is not recommended or approved by the director of the department or the director's designee.
(f) If a county is responsible for the payment of:
(1) any costs or expenses of services for or the placement of a child in need of services; or
(2) the costs or expenses of services for or the placement of a delinquent child;
the court may order the parents to reimburse the county as set forth in section 3.8 of this chapter.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Indiana Code Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law § 31-40-1-2 - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-31-family-law-and-juvenile-law/in-code-sect-31-40-1-2/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)