Indiana statute
Ind. Code § 35-46-1-21 — Unauthorized adoption advertising
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 1: Offenses Against the Family, Indiana Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Ind. Code § 35-46-1-21
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Indiana.
Sec. 21. (a) As used in this section, "advertisement" means any communication by any medium within the borders of Indiana, including print advertisements, digital advertisements, radio, television, and outdoor advertising signs. (b) Except as provided in subsection (d), only a person that is an attorney licensed to practice law in Indiana or a child placing agency licensed under the laws of Indiana may place an advertisement that: (1) a child is offered or wanted for adoption; or (2) the person is able to place, locate, or receive a child for adoption. (c) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates subsection (b) commits unauthorized adoption advertising, a Level 6 felony. (d) Subsection (b) may not be enforced against: (1) a federal agency; (2) the Indiana department of child services; or (3) an Indiana resident seeking to adopt a child on the resident's own behalf.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is unauthorized adoption advertising a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
Unauthorized adoption advertising is a Level 6 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-46-1-21.
Which Indiana statute covers unauthorized adoption advertising?
Unauthorized adoption advertising is governed by Ind. Code § 35-46-1-21 (Unauthorized adoption advertising).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.