1. (a) All files and records pertaining to the adoption proceedings in:

   1. (1) the local office;
   2. (2) the department; or

   3. (3) any of the licensed child placing agencies;

      are confidential and open to inspection only as provided in IC 31-19-13-2 (2), IC 31-19-17 , this chapter, or IC 31-19-20 through IC 31-19-25.5 .

2. (b) The files and records described in subsection (a), including investigation records under IC 31-19-8-5 (or IC 31-3-1-4 before its repeal):

   1. (1) are open to the inspection of the court hearing the petition for adoption; and

   2. (2) on order of the court, may be:

      1. (A) introduced into evidence; and

      2. (B) made a part of the record;

         in the adoption proceeding.

         [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-5.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.25; P.L.100-2005, SEC.6; P.L.145-2006, SEC.254; P.L.191-2011, SEC.20; P.L.128-2012, SEC.63.