How to Become a Foster Parent in Indiana

According to the Child Welfare Outcomes report, the state of Indiana has over 11,000 kids in foster care. This shows the need for foster parents in Indiana who have open hearts and minds to lead children in foster care toward a better life.

Bill Ewolt, a foster parent, puts it beautifully:

"Together, we will navigate this journey called life, and I am honored to be a part of your story." 

If you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent in Indiana, it helps to understand the process and the role foster parents play in supporting children in foster care.

Requirements to Foster in Indiana

All U.S. states have a set of requirements to become a foster parent. 

Indiana’s basic requirements to foster include:

• Indiana foster parents must be at least 21 years old.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident card.
• At least one person in your home must be able to read, write, and speak English, and communicate effectively with a child in foster care and any organizations involved.
• You can be single or married — all orientations are welcome. If living with a partner you are not married to, the live-in relationship must have been in place for at least one year. 
• All religions are accepted and welcome. 
• Must provide personal reference statements and contact details for those references.
• Must have enough income to cover your household’s expenses without the stipend.
• Owning a home isn't necessary, but enough space must be provided for a child and all of their belongings.
• Every child needs their own bed.
• Separate bedrooms are required for boys and girls over age five.
• All household members must be free of health issues that could potentially cause harm or make it difficult to care for a child.
• Foster parents must provide a statement from a medical professional that confirms the health of everyone in the household.
• Everyone in the home must pass criminal and child abuse/neglect checks. 
• You must have a driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.

Physical and Mental Health Requirements

In Indiana, foster parents – and any other household members – need to be in good physical, emotional, and mental health. 

That’s why Indiana requires a health statement from a licensed medical professional for all household members. This could be a doctor, a physician’s assistant, a nurse practitioner, or another qualified healthcare provider.

The health check ensures you're healthy enough to meet the demands of caring for a child in foster care and to protect their well-being when placed in your home.

People with manageable health conditions are usually able to become foster parents. Just like biological parents, no one is perfect: What matters most is that your health allows you to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for a child.

References and Background Checks

In Indiana, all potential foster parents must provide references and agree to background checks. This helps ensure that children in foster care are placed in safe, loving homes.

Contact information is required for personal references, and background checks must be submitted for everyone 18 and older living in your home.

The background check process includes fingerprinting, checking for any history with child protective services, verifying no one is on the sex offender registry, and reviewing any local criminal court records.

Here are some important things to know:

• If someone new (18 or older) plans to live in your home for 21 days or more, they'll need background checks before moving in.
• When household members turn 14 or 18, they'll need to complete certain checks, respectively, within 30 days of their birthday.
• If you have employees or regular visitors in your home, they will also need background checks.

Foster parent Tacole Robinson emphasizes that the process of background checks and references is worth it for including a child in foster care in your home and family.

Income Requirements 

Demonstrating financial stability is required to become a foster parent in Indiana. Though there’s no minimum income stipulated, you must show that you earn enough income to meet your own basic living costs.

A foster care stipend is provided to cover the cost of any children you foster. However, it is not considered a “salary,” and can only be used for the child in foster care. 

Home Requirements for Foster Parents in Indiana

Every foster home needs to be a safe and nurturing environment. When placing a child into a new adult’s home, Indiana has standards in place to ensure your home is child-friendly. 

Key home requirements for foster parents in Indiana include:

• Your home must be clean, safe, and free from hazardous conditions (such as exposed wires) both inside and outside.
• You need to have a working telephone 
• All foster parents must have access to reliable transportation.
• The home must have working utilities, including heat, electricity, and water.
• There should be at least one smoke detector within 10 feet of each bedroom door and on each level of the home.
• A fire extinguisher (2 ½ pounds or larger, A-B-C type) must be on each floor of the home.
• If you use gas for heating or cooking, a carbon monoxide detector is required.
• All household chemicals and medications must be stored safely out of children's reach.
• If you have firearms, they must be unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition.
• Pets in the home must have required vaccinations and be safe around children.
• If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, it must be secured to prevent unsupervised access.

If you need to make any upgrades to meet these requirements — such as adding an additional smoke alarm — don’t worry, you have time! In the same way biological parents might baby-proof a home before giving birth, foster parents have the opportunity to meet these safety requirements. 

Bedroom Requirements for Children in Foster Care in Indiana

Bedrooms should be a comfortable and secure space for children in foster care. Kids coming into your home may not have had their own personal space for a while — particularly if coming from residential care — and it is an important space for them. 

Here are some important bedroom requirements for foster homes in Indiana:

• Each child needs their own bed that is off the floor and the proper size.
• Cribs for children under 2 must meet current federal safety standards.
• Children over 6 who share a room must be of the same sex.
• Children over 12 months shouldn't share a bedroom with adults (except in special circumstances with approval).
• Bedrooms must have adequate ventilation.
• Each child should have space to store their belongings, like a closet or wardrobe.
• Living rooms, dining areas, halls, and basements aren't typically allowed for bedroom use.
• Appropriate bed linens should be provided for each child's comfort.

Indiana Foster Parent Licensing Requirements

If you’re ready to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care in Indiana, here are the steps to take to move forward.

1. Locating a Foster Care Organization Near You

The first step is to select a foster care organization to partner with near you. 

Working with a foster care organization offers benefits and support in every stage of foster parenting. 

For example, Mentor Foster Care helps prospective foster parents in Indiana with the application process and along the journey to becoming foster parents. 

Therapeutic foster care services are provided in several cities across the state:

• Indianapolis - 1630 North Meridian Street Suite 150 Indianapolis, IN 46202
  • (317)-581-2378
• Merrillville - 8488 Georgia Street Merrillville, IN 46410
  • (219)-736-9884
• Terre Haute - 500 E. Springhill Drive Suite F Terre Haute, IN 47802
  • (812)-814-4903
    
    

2. Resource and Adoptive Parent Training (RAPT) Preservice Sessions

Preservice sessions provide you with information and training to help you deliver the best possible care as a foster parent. These sessions are required by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS)  to become a licensed foster parent. Indiana’s curriculum is known as Resource and Adoptive Parent Training (RAPT) program. 

The RAPT program is broken into four sessions, the first three of which are required: 

RAPT I: An Introduction to DCS

Length: 3 hours 

In addition to providing an overview of DCS, RAPT 1 explains licensing process, the role of resource parents, and the impact of fostering and adoption on children.

RAPT II: Child Abuse and Neglect

Length: 3 hours 

RAPT II teaches the basics of child maltreatment while helping foster parents understand how to recognize signs of abuse. It also encourages empathy for children in foster care and their biological families. 

RAPT III: Attachment, Discipline and the Effects of Caregiving on the Family

Length: 4 hours 

The third level of RAPT focuses on understanding attachment and its role in child development, supporting children who have experienced trauma, and helping resource families navigate the emotional impact of caregiving.

RAPT IV: Adoption

Length: 6 hours 

Rapt IV is only required for those who are considering adoption. It introduces the adoption process, outlines key considerations during the pre-adoption phase, and addresses common challenges that may arise for adopted children and their families.

Additional hours might be required depending on the type of foster care you provide. For example, if providing therapeutic foster care, parents need to take a class on Trauma Informed Care (TIC).

Many organizations offer training at various times, including evenings and weekends. Some sessions can also be done online. 

3. Home Study

Every state in the U.S. requires a home study — including Indiana.

During a home study, a social worker will ensure that your home is safe for a child in foster care. They will also discuss your reasons for wanting to be a foster parent and other aspects of your family life. 

The Initial Home Licensing Visits include a minimum of three visits. Examples of activities of the licensing social worker include: 

• Collect all completed forms and ensure required documentation is submitted
• Review and sign the Resource Parent Role Acknowledgement form
• Discuss your family’s Child Care Plan and determine if background checks are needed for childcare providers
• Assess the physical environment of the home, and, when applicable, talk through any concerns that could affect licensure
• Verify the identity of everyone in your home
• If applicable, confirm marriage and divorce status
• Ensure background checks are completed for all household members

This step is not just a requirement but also an opportunity for you to further discuss what is required when you become a foster parent.

4. The Matching Process 

Once you've completed all the steps to become a licensed foster parent in Indiana, the exciting matching process begins! 

Your foster care organization will carefully consider your preferences and family dynamics to find the best match for both you and the child in foster care.

In Indiana, the goal is to place children in homes where they can thrive both emotionally and physically. You'll work closely with your licensed organization to ensure the child placed with you aligns with your family's capabilities and home environment.

This includes factors such as:

• Your family's strengths and experience
• The needs of the child
• The child's age and any gender preferences specified
• Your home's capacity and sleeping arrangements
• The location of your home in relation to the child's school and family

The matching process is about creating the best possible environment for everyone involved. Don't hesitate to ask questions and express your thoughts during this time!

5. Placement of a Child in Your Home

When placement day arrives, a child is welcomed into your foster home! This is an exciting and important time for both you and the child in your care.

When a child is placed with you, your chosen foster care organization will provide you with essential information that typically includes:

• The child's background and family situation
• Any specific medical or emotional needs
• Educational information and school details
• Important appointments or upcoming court dates

6. Continuing Preservice Sessions 

Even after you are matched with a child in foster care, you’ll need to continue with your preservice sessions.

The state of Indiana requires foster parents to do 30 hours of sessions every two years, and 45 hours for special care. 

The Role of a Foster Parent in Indiana

Many of the characteristics that make a great foster parent are the same as those expected of a biological parent. Yet, there are some additional aspects that come with the unique role of foster parents.

Before you begin your foster care application, it’s important to understand the responsibilities, expectations, and daily experience of your foster parent role. 

Providing a Safe and Nurturing Environment

A child in foster care who feels secure and happy is one who will flourish and grow.

Just like birth parents, foster parents need to create a home environment that is safe and full of love. 

They also need to provide the basics, such as:

• Nutrition
• Emotional support
• A safe and comfortable home to sleep, study, and play
• Chances to participate in fun activities and hobbies

A foster home offers many simple things beyond shelter to help a child in foster care live a normal, stable life and grow up healthy.

Elizabeth Murrell, a foster parent with Mentor Foster Care, outlines this perfectly 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."

TIP: Want to know what it’s really like to be a foster parent? Get your free copy of Letters Written with Love, a compilation of letters written by foster parents to the children in their care. 

Building Positive Relationships

Teaching and building positive relationships are particularly important for a child in foster care. 

For many children in foster care, especially those in therapeutic foster care, building relationships with people can be hard at first. Many kids in foster care struggle with trust. Some believe that all it takes is one mistake, and they’ll be asked to leave. But foster parents have a unique opportunity to help kids see what love means – being there for the ups and downs. 

According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, foster parents must make a conscious decision to psychologically commit to the child’s well-being.

To help kids form healthy attachments, the study emphasizes the importance of being emotionally available for kids in foster care: “This requires knowing the child as an individual and providing for the child’s need to be loved and valued, such that the child feels safe psychologically and physically.”

Addressing Emotional Needs

Understandably, kids in foster care may have more complex emotional needs. According to a study in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, the most common diagnoses for kids going into foster care are around attention-deficit/hyperactivity and mood. 

Some kids receive a diagnosis once they are in foster care. In this case, the most common diagnosis (52%) was an adjustment disorder. 

Change is hard for anyone – even us adults. By helping kids cope with big adjustments in life, foster parents have the unique opportunity to make a lifelong positive impact. 

Foster parents complete courses and develop skills to help address and support these needs. By providing a sense of safety, love, and inclusion, foster parents help children heal, unlocking a world of hope and possibility. 

Tacole Robinson, a foster parent with Mentor Foster Care, highlights these sentiments beautifully: 

"I just love to see how wonders can happen and how we can be in awe of what can happen when children are nurtured, when they're supported, where they're loved."

Supporting Educational Needs

Unfortunately, children in foster care are one of the groups most at risk in terms of high school completion rates. According to the Indiana Government, children in foster care across the state are twice as likely to require a graduation waiver. 

Foster parents can make all the difference during those important developmental years in education when a child needs support to achieve academic success.

Collaboration with teachers and other professionals helps foster parents address each child’s unique needs and overcome any school-related challenges.

As a foster parent, you’ll also help kids in your care learn responsibility and habits that support them beyond their education. 

For example, you might:

• Make sure homework is completed
• Assist with schoolwork when needed
• Check your child’s grades, identifying if extra support is needed in any subjects
• Know when tests are coming up, then help with studying when needed. 
• Provide a quiet space with minimal distractions for schoolwork and studying 

Preparing Indiana Youth and Teens in Foster Care for Adulthood

One of the goals of a foster parent is to prepare adolescents and teens in foster care for adulthood. 

Foster parents play a big role in the lives of teenagers in foster care by facilitating this growth into a successful adult through:

• Providing emotional support
• Teaching important life skills, such as time management and budgeting
• Showing kids how to save money
• Applying for scholarships (should they wish to go to college) 
• Supporting habits around cleaning, laundry, and cooking 
• Demonstrating how to access resources and receive support in the future

Over 18,500 children aged out of the U.S. foster care system in 2022, many without the emotional and financial support that help young adults thrive. In fact, many youth in foster care want to attend college (70%), but only 3-4% go on to receive a four-year college degree, while 2-6% get a two-year degree.

And with or without a degree, studies have shown that, by the age of 24, only half of kids who age out of foster care will have gainful employment. 

Whether the child in your home wants a college education or to start their career in the workforce, you can help prepare them. Life lessons on responsibility, habits, and the benefits of hard work help build the foundation for success as an adult. 

Foster Care Services and Support  in Indiana

When you open your heart and home as a foster parent in Indiana, you're not alone on this journey. There are various services and support systems to ensure you can provide the best care for children in your home.

Financial Support

Foster parents receive a stipend from the state of Indiana to help cover the cost of caring for a child. 

The amount varies based on the child's age and needs, and the funds are intended for everyday expenses like food, clothing, and transportation.

Higher rates may be available for children with special needs or those in therapeutic care.

Child Care Assistance

Foster parents may be eligible for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program to help cover the cost of child care services.

This assistance makes it easier to manage caregiving duties along with personal lives and professional responsibilities.

Medical Assistance

Health care for children in foster care in Indiana is comprehensive. All children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid in this state.

Medicaid covers a wide range of services, including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Prescriptions
• Mental health services
• Dental care
• Vision care

Foster parents are encouraged to find medical providers who accept Medicaid.

Additional Support

Indiana goes the extra mile to support foster parents with:

• Preservice sessions and education opportunities to help you better care for children.
• Support groups where you can connect with other foster parents.
• Substitute, often referred to as respite, care services to give you a break when needed.
• Access to resources and specialists to help with specific needs or challenges.

FAQs on Becoming a Foster Parent in Indiana

What's the foster care stipend in Indiana?

Foster parents in Indiana receive a per diem, which typically ranges from $20 to $40 per day. The amount varies based on the child’s age and needs, and is designed to help cover the costs of their care. 

For children with special needs or those in therapeutic care, the rates may be higher. 

It's important to remember that this stipend isn't a salary. It is financial support to help meet the child's needs and cover everyday expenses.

How long does it take to become a foster parent in Indiana?

The process of becoming a foster parent in Indiana typically takes about three to six months, though it can vary depending on individual circumstances. 

This time frame includes completing the required preservice sessions, undergoing background checks, participating in home studies, and finalizing the licensing process. 

This ensures that you and your home are ready to provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child in need. 

Can single individuals apply to become foster parents in Indiana?

Yes, single individuals can become foster parents in Indiana. What matters most is your ability to meet the needs of a child in foster care. 

As a single foster parent, you'll need to demonstrate that you have a strong support system and resources to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. 

Can you adopt children in care in Indiana?

Yes, you can foster to adopt in Indiana. This means fostering a child with the hopes of adopting if they can’t reunite with their biological parents. It’s an incredible way to provide a forever home to a child in need. 

What types of children are in need of foster care in Indiana?

Indiana has children of all ages who need foster homes, from infants to teenagers. 

There's a particular need for foster parents willing to care for sibling groups (to keep brothers and sisters together), teenagers, and children with special needs. Some children may have experienced trauma or have behavioral challenges that require extra patience and understanding. 

The state also needs foster parents who can provide emergency or short-term placements, as well as those open to long-term fostering or even adoption if reunification with the biological family isn't possible.

How does fostering impact my own family?

Fostering can have a significant impact on your family, often in very positive ways. It can teach your children empathy, sharing, and the value of helping others. 

It's important to prepare your family for the changes that come with fostering. This might include sharing bedrooms, adjusting schedules, and dealing with emotional challenges that can come with caring for children who have experienced trauma. 

It's crucial to involve your whole family in the decision to foster and maintain open communication throughout the process. Many families find that fostering enriches their lives in unexpected and rewarding ways!

Can I choose the age or gender of a child placed with me?

You can express preferences about the age range or gender of children you feel best suited to care for. However, being open to a wider range of placements can increase your opportunities to foster. Many foster parents are surprised to discover how much they love fostering older children and teens. 

During the home study process, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your family's strengths and potential limitations with your caseworker. This helps ensure that any placements made are a good fit for both your family and the child in foster care. 

Want Answers to Your Questions about Becoming a Foster Parent in Indiana?

Taking the first steps toward becoming a foster parent in Indiana is an exciting time. And, while the process can feel complicated, you never have to navigate it alone. 

If you have more questions about becoming a foster parent in Indiana, you’re demonstrating the care and responsibility of a great foster parent. 

And, you can get answers with 1:1 advice from a foster parent expert. 

Reserve your free phone call now: It’s commitment-free, and you’ll get answers you can trust, tailored to you and your family.  

When it comes to fostering, no question is too big or too small. Ready to get your questions answered?