Ind. Code ch. 12-20-17

Ind. Code § 12-20-17-1 Investigations; temporary aid necessity

Sec. 1. If a township trustee determines by investigation that a township assistance applicant or a township assistance applicant's household requires assistance, the township trustee shall, after determining that an emergency exists, furnish to the applicant or household the temporary aid necessary for the relief of immediate suffering. However, before any further final or permanent relief is given, the township trustee shall consider whether the applicant's or household's need can be relieved by means other than an expenditure of township money. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 12-2-1-8.] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.51-1996, SEC.63; P.L.73-2005, SEC.81.

Ind. Code § 12-20-17-2 Shelter; expenditure limitations; combination of resources; referral to appropriate agency; ability to contract with private agency

Sec. 2. (a) As used in this section, "shelter" means a facility that provides temporary emergency assistance. (b) A township trustee may establish, purchase, acquire, maintain, or operate a shelter for eligible township assistance households needing temporary housing assistance. (c) A township having a population of less than eight thousand (8,000) may not expend more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to implement this section without the approval of the county executive. (d) A township having a population of at least eight thousand (8,000) may not expend more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to implement this section without the approval of the county executive. (e) In counties where the implementation of this section can be more efficiently and expeditiously handled in units larger than a single township, a township trustee may combine resources with other townships within a county to: (1) establish one (1) or more household shelter units; and (2) pay a pro rata share of all administrative and other costs incidental to the maintenance and operation of each shelter unit established in subdivision (1). IC 36-1-7-1 through IC 36-1-7-4 apply to a township electing to combine its resources with other townships under this subsection. (f) A township trustee is not required to provide shelter to an individual who at the time assistance is requested is: (1) under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or (2) incapable of self-care. The township trustee may at no cost to the township refer an individual described in this subsection to an appropriate agency or facility located in the county or in an adjoining county that has a program or charter specifically addressing the problems of substance abuse, mental illness, or self-care. (g) A township trustee may contract with a private agency offering a shelter program in order to comply with this section if the applicant or the applicant's household is not mandated by the private agency to participate, as a condition of eligibility, in religious services. (h) A township trustee is not obligated to: (1) enter into a contract with; or (2) pay shelter costs to; a shelter that is supported by federal or state funds. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 12-2-1-8.5.] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.51-1996, SEC.64; P.L.73-2005, SEC.82.

Ind. Code § 12-20-17-3 Temporary relief to sick and needy persons

Sec. 3. Upon complaint that an individual within the township is: (1) sick; (2) in need; (3) without necessary financial resources; and (4) likely to suffer; the township trustee, as administrator of township assistance, shall investigate and grant the temporary relief required. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 12-2-1-20(a) part.] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.51-1996, SEC.65; P.L.73-2005, SEC.83.

Ind. Code § 12-20-17-4 Homeless nonresidents; temporary county home commitment or temporary township assistance

Sec. 4. If an individual who is determined to be eligible for township assistance and entitled to temporary relief is in a township in which the individual does not have legal residence and is homeless, the township trustee, as administrator of township assistance, may, if the trustee considers advisable: (1) place the individual temporarily in the county home, if any, where the individual, if capable, is to be employed; or (2) provide temporary township assistance under this article. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 12-2-1-21.] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.51-1996, SEC.66; P.L.73-2005, SEC.84; P.L.75-2021, SEC.2.