CHAPTER 4. CHILD VIDEOTAPE TESTIMONY

IC 31-35-4
    Chapter 4. Child Videotape Testimony

IC 31-35-4-1
Application of chapter
    Sec. 1. This chapter applies to an action initiated to terminate aparent-child relationship under:
        (1) IC 31-35-2; or
        (2) IC 31-35-3.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.

IC 31-35-4-2
Admissibility of statements or videotapes
    Sec. 2. A statement or videotape that:
        (1) is made by a child who at the time of the statement orvideotape:
            (A) is less than fourteen (14) years of age; or
            (B) is at least fourteen (14) years of age but less thaneighteen (18) years of age and has a disability attributable toan impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptivebehavior that:
                (i) is likely to continue indefinitely;
                (ii) constitutes a substantial disability to the child's abilityto function normally in society; and
                (iii) reflects the child's need for a combination andsequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care,treatment, or other services that are of lifelong or extendedduration and are individually planned and coordinated;
        (2) concerns an act that is a material element in determiningwhether a parent-child relationship should be terminated; and
        (3) is not otherwise admissible in evidence under statute orcourt rule;
is admissible in evidence in an action described in section 1 of thischapter if the requirements of section 3 of this chapter are met.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.

IC 31-35-4-3
Requirements for admissibility of statements or videotapes
    Sec. 3. A statement or videotape described in section 2 of thischapter is admissible in evidence in an action to determine whetherthe parent-child relationship should be terminated if, after notice tothe parties of a hearing and of their right to be present:
        (1) the court finds that the time, content, and circumstances ofthe statement or videotape and any other evidence providesufficient indications of reliability; and
        (2) the child:
            (A) testifies at the proceeding to determine whether theparent-child relationship should be terminated;
            (B) was available for face-to-face cross-examination whenthe statement or videotape was made; or            (C) is found by the court to be unavailable as a witnessbecause:
                (i) a psychiatrist, physician, or psychologist has certifiedthat the child's participation in the proceeding creates asubstantial likelihood of emotional or mental harm to thechild;
                (ii) a physician has certified that the child cannotparticipate in the proceeding for medical reasons; or
                (iii) the court has determined that the child is incapable ofunderstanding the nature and obligation of an oath.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.

IC 31-35-4-4
Informing parties of intention to introduce and contents ofstatements and videotapes
    Sec. 4. A statement or videotape may not be admitted in evidenceunder this chapter unless the attorney for the department informs theparties of:
        (1) an intention to introduce the statement or videotape inevidence; and
        (2) the content of the statement or videotape;
at least seven (7) days before the proceedings to give the parties afair opportunity to prepare a response to the statement or videotapebefore the proceeding.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.145-2006,SEC.331; P.L.146-2008, SEC.620.