A bill authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, a Democrat representing part of Fishers, that would require Indiana Department of Child Services caseworkers to see a child in person before closing or discharging a case advanced unanimously Monday.

House Bill 1036 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 26 and now moves to the full House for consideration.

The legislation would require DCS caseworkers to conduct an in-person visit with a child within 30 days prior to closing or discharging a case. Supporters say the requirement would help ensure a child’s safety and that case decisions are based on current information.

Garcia Wilburn, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said the bill was written in memory of Kinsleigh Welty, a 5-year-old Indianapolis girl who died of starvation. Welty’s grandfather, Brian, shared her story through written testimony presented to the committee.

“This legislation aims to close a dangerous gap in child safety oversight with codifying one simple protection — the necessity of an in-person visit by a DCS caseworker before a case closure,” Garcia Wilburn said in a statement following the vote.

She said the measure is intended to ensure that decisions to close cases are based on a child’s current condition, noting that a caseworker’s final visit may be the only physical verification of a child’s well-being.

“Children deserve more than assumptions. They deserve to be seen,” Garcia Wilburn said, adding that the bill is a step toward a more accountable child protection system.

Garcia Wilburn thanked the Judiciary Committee for its unanimous support and acknowledged the bill’s co-authors, Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire. She also recognized Braelynn Yerington, a former foster parent and founder of Champions for Children, who testified in support of the bill.

House Bill 1036 now heads to the House floor, where it will be considered by the full chamber.