1. (a) Except as provided in sections 1.5 and 1.6 of this chapter and IC 31-33-18.5 , the following are confidential:

   1. (1) Reports made under this article (or IC 31-6-11 before its repeal).

   2. (2) Any other information, documents, reports, pictures, videos, images, or recordings obtained, possessed, produced, or created by:

      1. (A) the division of family resources;
      2. (B) the local office;
      3. (C) the department; or

      4. (D) the department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3 ;

         concerning a child or family with whom the department has received a report or referral or has been involved with during any stage of the department's investigation, including post-assessment or post-adoption activity.

2. (b) Except as provided in sections 1.5 and 1.6 of this chapter and IC 31-33-18.5 , all records held by:

   1. (1) the division of family resources;
   2. (2) a local office;
   3. (3) the department;
   4. (4) a local child fatality review team established under IC 16-49-2 ;
   5. (5) the statewide child fatality review committee established under IC 16-49-4 ; or

   6. (6) the department of child services ombudsman established by IC 4-13-19-3 ;

      regarding the death of a child determined to be a result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect are confidential and may not be disclosed.

      [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-18(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.70-2004, SEC.14; P.L.234-2005, SEC.153; P.L.145-2006, SEC.283; P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.378; P.L.128-2012, SEC.153; P.L.119-2013, SEC.10; P.L.77-2023, SEC.8; P.L.84-2026, SEC.9.