"Assessment"

Sec. 21. "Assessment", for purposes of IC 31-25 and IC 31-33, means an initial and ongoing investigation or evaluation that includes: (1) a review and determination of the safety issues that affect a child and: (A) a child's parents, guardians, or custodians; or (B) another individual residing in the residence where the child resides or is likely to reside; (2) an identification of the underlying causes of the safety issues described in subdivision (1); (3) a determination whether child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment occurred; and (4) a determination of the needs of a child's family in order for the child to: (A) remain in the home safely; (B) be returned to the home safely; or (C) be placed in an alternative living arrangement. As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.