Emergency Foster Care in Indiana: How Does It Work?

Every day in Indiana, children face unexpected situations that leave them needing a safe place to stay.

Becoming a foster parent helps these children. 

However, sometimes, they face situations where care is needed right away. 

Whether it's due to a family emergency, a crisis at home, or other urgent circumstances, these kids need caring adults ready to open their hearts and homes at a moment's notice.

That's where emergency foster care comes in. 

Right now, Indiana has over 30,000 children in foster care, and sometimes these children need placement immediately. Emergency foster parents are everyday heroes who provide a caring home when kids need it most.

What is Emergency Foster Care in Indiana?

Emergency foster care is exactly what it sounds like – foster care that's needed right away, even in the middle of the night or on holidays. When a child in Indiana needs immediate help, the state's Department of Child Services (DCS) springs into action. 

Think of emergency foster parents as first responders for children in crisis. They provide a safe, caring home for kids who can't stay in their current situation, often with just a few hours' notice. 

While regular foster care placements might be planned days or weeks ahead, emergency placements happen quickly — sometimes within hours!

How Long Do Emergency Placements Last? 

In Indiana, emergency foster care is meant to be short-term. Most placements last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. During this time, DCS works hard to either:

• Find family members who can take care of the child
• Set up a longer-term foster care placement
• Work on a plan to safely return the child home

What Kinds of Situations Need Emergency Foster Care? 

There are many reasons why a child might need emergency placement:

• A family crisis or medical emergency
• An unsafe home situation
• Parents who are unable to care for their children temporarily

Every situation is different, and every child who comes into emergency care has a unique story. What they all have in common is the need for a safe, caring place to stay while things get sorted out.

It’s just like Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland foster parent, puts it in her letter to her child in care:

"We want you to feel safe and loved in our home. We understand that this may be a new and unfamiliar environment for you, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way."

Although emergency foster care may only last briefly, the premise is the same.

Who is Eligible to Become an Emergency Foster Care Provider in Indiana?

At a high level, to become an emergency foster parent, you must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks, and be in good enough health to care for a child.

However, there’s a little more to it than that!

Becoming an emergency foster parent in Indiana means being ready to open your home and heart anytime. 

You don't need to be perfect. 

Emergency foster care requirements are the same as becoming a traditional foster parent in Indiana:

• You need to be at least 21 years old.
• At least one person in your home must be able to read, write, and speak English or communicate effectively with a child in care and any organizations involved.
• You can be single or married — all orientations are welcome.
• All religions are accepted and welcomed. 
• You need to provide contact details for references.
• Your household should have enough income for basic needs and shelter costs.
• Owning a home isn't necessary, but you’ll need enough space for a child in care and all of their belongings.
• Every child needs their own bed.
• Separate bedrooms are required for boys and girls over five.
• You and your household members must not have any health issues that could harm a child or make it difficult to care for them.
• A medical professional must confirm the health of everyone in your household.
• Everyone aged 18 and over in the home must pass criminal and child abuse/neglect checks. 

If you’re looking after a child with therapeutic needs, you may need additional preservice sessions to ensure that you’re qualified to care for them. 

The Emergency Foster Placement Process: What to Expect

As an emergency foster parent in Indiana, you'll learn that things can change quickly. 

That phone call could come at any hour — whether it's the middle of a workday or 2 AM on a Sunday.

How the Call Works

When that call comes in (whether from a DCS caseworker, your foster care agency, or the emergency placement hotline), they'll give you important details about the child, including their age and any immediate needs they have. 

If brothers and sisters are involved, they'll let you know since keeping siblings together is important.

What Happens After Taking in a Child

When you say yes to taking in a child, things start moving quickly. DCS will bring the child to your home and share their information about the situation. 

You’ll learn about any medical needs and discuss next steps. 

The First 24 Hours with a Child in Your Home

Those first 24 hours are really important for helping a child feel safe and comfortable. 

While you're focused on welcoming children into your home, DCS works to get everything in order behind the scenes. They'll help gather the child's supplies, like clothes or personal items. They'll also start planning for any doctor visits or other appointments.

Support During Your Emergency Placement

The most important thing to remember is that you're never alone in this process. Indiana ensures emergency foster parents have plenty of support. 

You'll have a caseworker you can call anytime, day or night. You'll get emergency contact numbers and access to medical care for the child. Your foster care organization will support you along the way.

Every emergency placement tells a different story. Some children might stay for a few days, while others might need a safe place for a few weeks. 

Learn More About Emergency Foster Care and How You Can Help

Navigating your foster care journey can sometimes feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. 

Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care.

You’ll gain an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips for connecting with children in care, and much more.