Sec. 6. The domestic relations counseling bureau shall perform the following duties in domestic relations cases and such other duties as the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter, the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter, or a magistrate assigns to the domestic relations counseling bureau:

(1) The domestic relations counseling bureau shall promptly receive all requests for counseling services for the purpose of disposing of the requests under this chapter.

(2) Whenever a proceeding is initiated and either party requests counseling or mediation, the domestic relations counseling bureau shall, in the bureau's discretion, interview and counsel each party or confer with both parties jointly for the purpose of reconciling the differences between the parties and making recommendations to the judge of any court upon referral.

(3) In each case assigned to the bureau in which the custody, support, or welfare of a child is involved, to protect and conserve the interest of the child, the domestic relations counseling bureau shall investigate and report upon:

(A) the status and condition of the parties to the cause;

(B) the status and condition of the child;

(C) the provisions made or to be made for the protection of the welfare of the child; and

(D) any other matter pertaining to the marriage that may affect the welfare of the child.

(4) Upon order of the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter or the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter, the domestic relations counseling bureau shall:

(A) make post-divorce studies of problems arising in connection with child custody, support, and parenting time;

(B) provide assistance to the parties in the enforcement of support orders; and

(C) cause reports to be made and statistics to be compiled, which records and reports shall be kept as the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter or the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter directs.

(5) The domestic relations counseling bureau shall provide supervision in connection with referred cases or other cases as the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter or the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter may order.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-5 part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.10.