Agency report and recommendation; filing requirements; waiver of report

Sec. 5. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), not more than sixty (60) days from the date of reference of a petition for adoption to each appropriate agency: (1) each licensed child placing agency, for a child who is not adjudicated to be a child in need of services; or (2) if the child is the subject of an open child in need of services action, each local office; shall submit to the court a written report of the investigation and recommendation as to the advisability of the adoption. (b) The report and recommendation: (1) shall be filed with the adoption proceedings; and (2) become a part of the proceedings. (c) A court hearing a petition for adoption of a child may waive the report required under subsection (a) if one (1) of the petitioners is a stepparent or grandparent of the child and the court waives the period of supervision. (d) If the court waives the reports required under subsection (a), the court shall require the licensed child placing agency for a child who is not adjudicated to be a child in need of services or, if the child is the subject of an open child in need of services action, each local office to: (1) ensure a criminal history check is conducted under IC 31-19-2-7.5; and (2) report to the court the results of the criminal history check.