Ind. Code § 31-41-2-5 (2026)

     Sec. 5. The dual status assessment team shall consider the child's best interests and well-being, including:

(1) the child's mental health, including any diagnosis;

(2) the child's school records, including attendance and achievement level;

(3) the child's statements;

(4) the statements of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(5) the impact of the child's behavior on any victim;

(6) the safety of the community;

(7) the child's needs, strengths, and risks;

(8) the need for a parent participation plan;

(9) the efficacy and availability of services and community providers;

(10) whether appropriate supervision of the child can be achieved by the dismissal of a delinquency adjudication in deference to a child in need of services adjudication;

(11) whether appropriate supervision of the child can be achieved by combining a delinquency adjudication or informal adjustment with a child in need of services petition;

(12) the child's placement needs;

(13) restorative justice practices that may be appropriate;

(14) whether a child in need of services petition or informal adjustment should be filed or dismissed;

(15) whether a delinquency petition or informal adjustment should be filed or dismissed;

(16) the availability of coordinated services regardless of whether the child is adjudicated to be a child in need of services or a delinquent child;

(17) whether the team recommends the exercise of dual adjudication and the lead agency to provide supervision of the child; and

(18) any other information considered appropriate by the team.

As added by P.L.66-2015, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.149-2016, SEC.84.