Sec. 4. (a) If consistent with the safety and best interest of the child and the community, the probation officer preparing the report shall recommend care, treatment, rehabilitation, or placement that: (1) is based on the results of a validated risk and needs assessment tool; (2) is: (A) in the least restrictive (most family like) and most appropriate setting available; and (B) close to the parents' home, consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child; (3) least interferes with family autonomy; (4) is least disruptive of family life; (5) imposes the least restraint on the freedom of the child and the child's parent, guardian, or custodian; and (6) provides a reasonable opportunity for participation by the child's parent, guardian, or custodian. (b) If the report recommends a placement or services for which the department will be
responsible for payment under IC 31-40-1, the report must include a risk assessment and needs assessment for the child. The probation officer shall submit to the department a copy of the report and the financial report prepared by the probation officer. (c) If the report does not include the: (1) risk assessment and needs assessment required in subsection (b); or (2) information required to be provided under section 1(a)(3) of this chapter; the department shall file a notice with the office of judicial administration. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-4-15(d) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.55-1997, SEC.29; P.L.146-2008, SEC.642; P.L.48-2012, SEC.71; P.L.161-2018, SEC.41; P.L.101-2022, SEC.24.