State Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) will serve as chair of the Interim Study Committee on Child Services during the summer and fall to help prepare lawmakers for the 2022 legislative session.
This committee was created by Senate Enrolled Act 301, authored by Houchin, in order for legislators to gather necessary information about child fatalities and to help the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) make more informed policy decisions.
“As chair of this committee, I am dedicated to protecting the children in our communities. It is vitally important for the legislature to have the opportunity to review the records from each local child fatality review team, the statewide child fatality review committee and DCS, allowing us to better serve and protect the children of our state.”
Prior to her service in the Indiana General Assembly, Houchin served as a Family Case Manager for DCS, bringing a unique perspective to her role on the committee and a wealth of relevant experience. Houchin also serves as a member of the standing Senate Committee on Family and Child Services and was previously the chair of the Indiana Commission on Improving the Status of Children.
In addition to her role as chair of the Interim Study Committee on Child Services, she will also serve on the Interim Study Committee on Elections and the Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications.
“These study committees are an important part of my service as a legislator, and I look forward to spending the next few months continuing to research and learn more about issues facing Hoosiers around the state,” Houchin said.
Legislators will meet over the summer and fall months to discuss topics approved by the bipartisan Legislative Council, which is comprised of 16 voting members – eight from the Senate and eight from the House of Representatives.
To view study committee agendas and stream hearings online, visit iga.in.gov. To view a list of topics that will be examined, click here.
