For more than a decade, Indiana’s Department of Child Services has promised reform — better staffing, trauma-informed care, and smarter investigations. But families still experience high-stress investigations, caseworker turnover, and fast-moving decisions that can change their lives overnight. By comparing DCS reports from 2010, 2014, and 2024, this article reveals how the system has evolved, where it continues to struggle, and why early legal guidance matters more than ever for Indiana parents.

When the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) substantiates an allegation of abuse or neglect, the findings can follow a parent or caregiver for years—even when those allegations turn out to be wrong. DCS substantiations can affect employment, volunteering, and future investigations.

Indiana expungement is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A recent Indiana Court of Appeals decision shows what can happen if you forget to include a case in your expungement petition—and why filing too early can permanently cost you relief. This article explains the law, the risks, and how to protect yourself before you file.

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Shaken Baby Syndrome testimony based on shaking alone is not scientifically reliable. Learn what this means for families.

Learn how infant brain injuries can involve trauma or medical causes. Two Indiana cases show why expert review matters in DCS and CHINS investigations.

When a mother calls 911 for help because her partner attacks her and their newborn, most people would assume the State would protect her—not punish her. But the person who made that call may soon find out that the Indiana, the Department of Child Services (DCS) often removes children from the very parents who seek protection.

When the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) substantiates an allegation of abuse or neglect, the findings can follow a parent or caregiver for years—even when those allegations turn out to be wrong. DCS substantiations can affect employment, volunteering, and future investigations.

For many Hoosiers with past felony convictions, one of the most pressing questions is whether clearing their record through expungement also restores their Second Amendment rights. The Indiana Attorney General addressed this exact issue in an official opinion, clarifying how state and federal law interact when it comes to firearm rights after expungement.

Have you recently tried to renew your nursing license in Indiana, only to be notified that the Board has requested you appear in person? This type of personal appearance is the Board’s opportunity to question you directly about issues that may have occurred during your last licensing period. These could include criminal charges, an OWI arrest, or other conduct that raises concerns about your ability to practice safely and ethically.

When you walk out of a family courtroom with a decision you don’t agree with, it’s natural to wonder: Can I appeal this? Family law appeals in Indiana—whether over divorce, custody, parenting time, or support—are possible, but they are not easy to win. Appeals are not a chance to retry your case. Instead, the appellate court reviews the trial court’s decision for legal error.

If your child has been referred to a children's hospital and you're suddenly facing questions about abuse, you are not alone—and you must act quickly. Many parents don’t realize that a diagnosis like “Shaken Baby Syndrome” (SBS) or “Abusive Head Trauma” (AHT) is not a medical certainty. It’s a hypothesis—and one with a deeply troubled history.

If you’ve been through a custody or divorce trial and walked away feeling the judge got it wrong, you’re not alone. Many people feel disheartened after a final order in family court. In some cases, the law gives you an opportunity to challenge that outcome through a family law appeal.

But appealing a family law decision in Indiana is not easy. Most people don’t realize how narrow the path to a successful appeal really is. The appellate courts won’t hear new evidence, and they won’t re-try your case. So how do you win—and when is an appeal even worth pursuing?

If the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has contacted you, you may feel pressure to cooperate—especially when they ask you to take a drug test. But agreeing to a drug screen without legal advice is one of the most dangerous decisions you can make during a DCS investigation.

This article explains why you have the right to refuse a drug screen, how DCS uses screening results against parents, what constitutional protections apply, and why you should never agree to a screen without speaking to an attorney first.

If you’re a parent who’s just experienced domestic violence and now find yourself under investigation by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), you may be shocked when things take a turn: instead of helping you, DCS removes your children. This happens more often than you think—and it’s not just unfair, it can be deeply traumatic to both you and your children.

When the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) contacts you, it’s tempting to believe that cooperating will make them go away faster. They may tell you that they just want to “check things out,” “make sure the children are safe,” or that “you don’t need a lawyer.”

Losing in family court can feel devastating. Whether it's an unfavorable custody ruling, a divorce judgment you believe is unfair, or a child support order that doesn't reflect your reality, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. The good news is: you have options.

When the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) shows up at your door, your first instinct may be to let them in. After all, they say they're just "checking in" or "making sure everything is okay." But before you invite a government investigator into your home, you need to know this: you have the right to say no.

Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and the last thing most families want to worry about is a confusing court process like probate—especially when they're unsure about the legal costs involved. For many people, one of the first questions is, "How much does a probate lawyer cost in Indiana?

Have you recently received a final divorce decree or child custody order in Indiana and feel that the outcome simply isn't right? You're not alone. Many people walk away from court feeling disappointed, confused, or even outraged by the judge’s decision. Fortunately, Indiana law does offer a way to challenge certain decisions through an appeal—when specific legal or factual errors are present.

The loss of a loved one brings immense grief, and navigating the legal complexities of probate can feel like an added burden during an already emotionally challenging time. If you've been appointed as the executor or administrator of an estate in Indiana, securing the right legal guidance is paramount to ensuring the process is handled accurately and efficiently. Discovering the best probate lawyer in Indiana tailored to your unique situation is a critical step towards a smoother estate administration.