Indianapolis, Indiana, January 30, 2026
In response to the tragic death of five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty, Indiana lawmakers are pushing for reforms within the Department of Child Services. House Bill 1036, introduced by Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn, aims to require in-person assessments before closing investigations into allegations of child abuse or neglect. This bill seeks to improve child welfare and prevent future tragedies by ensuring a thorough understanding of children’s living conditions. With strong bipartisan support, the bill is set for consideration by the full House, marking a significant step towards enhancing child protection protocols in Indiana.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Legislative Action Following Child’s Death
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – In the wake of the heartbreaking death of five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty due to malnourishment and neglect, Indiana lawmakers are advocating for much-needed reforms within the Department of Child Services (DCS). The newly proposed legislation seeks to mandate that DCS caseworkers conduct in-person assessments prior to closing investigations into credible allegations of child abuse or neglect, marking a significant stride towards enhancing child welfare in the state.
House Bill 1036, introduced by Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn, aims to enforce a protocol that requires in-person evaluations to be completed within 30 days before a case is closed. The intention behind this legislation is to ensure a comprehensive understanding of children’s living conditions and to identify any new risks or signs of maltreatment. The bill has gained bipartisan support, passing unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee on January 27, 2026, and is now on the agenda for consideration by the full House.
Background on Kinsleigh Welty’s Case
The tragic death of Kinsleigh Welty has shone a stark light on the critical gaps in child safety oversight within the DCS. Allegations from her grandparents indicate that DCS prematurely closed multiple reports of abuse without conducting necessary in-person assessments. They contend that if such evaluations had taken place, Kinsleigh’s tragic fate could have been avoided. This heartbreaking case underscores the urgency of establishing more robust procedures to protect vulnerable children across Indiana.
Implications for Child Welfare in Indiana
The introduction of House Bill 1036 represents an important step in addressing systemic issues within the DCS. By necessitating direct contact with children before closing investigations, this legislation aims to bolster child protection protocols, reducing the likelihood of future tragedies and ensuring the safety and well-being of children under DCS supervision. These reforms reflect a commitment to safeguarding Indiana’s youth, which is paramount to sustainable community growth and strength.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
With strong bipartisan backing, House Bill 1036 is gaining momentum in the Indiana legislative process. If passed, this bill will not only establish mandatory in-person assessments but will also signify a broader commitment to reform within state child welfare services. By prioritizing the safety and protection of children, Indiana has the potential to create a more responsive and accountable child services system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is House Bill 1036?
House Bill 1036 is proposed legislation in Indiana that requires the Department of Child Services (DCS) to conduct in-person assessments within 30 days before closing investigations into credible allegations of child abuse or neglect. This measure aims to ensure accurate understanding of children’s living conditions and detect any new risks or signs of maltreatment.
Why was House Bill 1036 introduced?
The bill was introduced in response to the death of five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty, who died from malnourishment and neglect. Her grandparents allege that DCS prematurely closed multiple reports of abuse without conducting in-person assessments, leading to the tragedy.
What are the next steps for House Bill 1036?
After passing unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee on January 27, 2026, House Bill 1036 is set to be considered by the full House. If enacted, it will require DCS to implement in-person assessments before closing cases, aiming to strengthen child protection protocols in Indiana.
Key Features of House Bill 1036
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| In-Person Assessments | Requires DCS caseworkers to conduct in-person evaluations within 30 days before closing a case involving credible allegations of child abuse or neglect. |
| Legislative Process | The bill passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee on January 27, 2026, and is now set to be considered by the full House. |
| Purpose | Aims to close gaps in child safety oversight and prevent future tragedies by ensuring that children’s living conditions are accurately understood and that any new risks or signs of maltreatment are detected. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
