How to Become a Foster Parent in Indiana

The state of Indiana has around 8,600 kids in foster care — for this reason, our state always has a need for loving foster parents with an open heart and mind. 

That said, to become a foster parent in Indiana, there’s a process to follow — just like there is in any other state.

If you’re wondering how to become a foster parent in Indiana, we can provide you with guidance. First, it helps to know a little bit more about whether the role of a foster parent is the right fit for you.

The Role of a Foster Parent in Indiana

Before you go through any of the paperwork, you’ll want to know your responsibilities and your role as a foster parent. You may also be curious about what being a foster parent is like day to day.

Many of the features that make a great foster parent are the same that would be expected of any parent doing a great job of taking care of kids — but many kids in care have been through trauma, so there are some additional aspects of the role that are unique to foster parents.

Providing a Safe and Nurturing Environment

A child in care who feels safe and happy is one that will thrive 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: food to eat, a comfortable place to lay their heads, and chances to participate in fun activities and hobbies. 

It’s more than just shelter — a foster home offers many of the simple things that help a child in care live a normal, stable life and grow up healthy!

Building Positive Relationships

Teaching children about positive relationships can be a tough job, but it's particularly important for a child in care.

• Foster parents should help a child in care not only connect with them but also, if they can, reconnect with their birth parents. 
• For many children in care, especially those in therapeutic foster care, building relationships with people can be hard at first.

However, you can help kids in care foster these long-lasting relationships when you approach from a place of love. 

Addressing Emotional Needs

Kids in care may have more complex emotional needs — and that’s okay, as a foster parent, your role is as an ally who has the training and skills to help with the healing process.

• By providing a sense of safety, love, and inclusion in the family, foster parents help children heal.
• Children in care often require additional patience and support to manage their emotions, especially if they have been through trauma.
• For some kids in care, additional treatment services are part of their care plan — as their foster parent, you help them get to these appointments as well.

Solving Educational Needs

Unfortunately, children in care are one of the groups most at risk in terms of high school completion rates. Getting into college as they become adults can also be a challenge. 

Foster parents can make all the difference during those crucial developmental years when a child in care needs help the most!

• Children in care need help with their education like any other kid to be successful.
• By collaborating with teachers and other professionals, foster parents can best support the education of a child in care.
• This collaboration helps address a child’s unique needs and overcome any school-related challenges.

Preparing Them For Adulthood

One of the main priorities of being a foster parent is helping to prepare a child in care for adulthood! 

Foster parents play a big role in helping a child in care grow into a successful adult.

• They provide emotional support and teach important life skills.
• They show foster teens how to manage money, save, and understand the support they can get if they leave foster care when they're older.

Unfortunately, children in Indiana (and elsewhere in the US) age out of foster care — a large percentage of them aren’t prepared for what’s out there after becoming an adult. 

As a foster parent, you can help be the change needed to help a child in care live a fulfilling life beyond their teenage years!

The Process of Becoming a Foster Parent in Indiana

Do you feel like you can successfully meet the needs of a child in care?

If so, then you’re ready to start the process of becoming a foster parent in Indiana!

Here’s how to get started with the application process:

Basic Requirements

To become a foster parent, there are a set of requirements that you’ll need to meet in every state. 

Indiana’s basic requirements for foster parents are:

• You need to be at least 18-21 years old, depending on the type of fostering you choose.
• 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 age 5.
• 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. 

Filling Out an Application

Are you able to provide everything listed above?

If so, then you’re ready to start the process of becoming a foster parent in Indiana!

Here’s how to get started with the application process:

• You can start the process on your own — in Indiana, it starts by locating an agency on the Indiana Foster, Adoption, & Kinship Care website.
• Mentor Foster Care, a part of the Sevita family, helps prospective foster parents in Indiana with the application process and to become foster parents. We can also answer any questions you might have about fostering along the way.
• In most cases, the process of becoming a foster parent with support from our experts tends to be much faster than trying to complete the process alone!

Preservice Sessions

Across the US, becoming a foster parent involves taking part in preservice sessions to help you provide the best possible care for a child in need. These sessions are also required in Indiana to become a licensed foster parent. Additional hours might be required depending on the type of foster care.

• The first session takes 24 hours and teaches you about foster care, adoption, and the rules for independently operating foster parents.
• Preservice sessions help you learn how to care for kids who have been abused or neglected and explain how the child welfare system works.

Different places offer this training at different times, including evenings and weekends. It's good to attend all the parts of the training at once so you can meet other foster families and make friends!

Continuing Preservice Sessions

• Even after you begin looking after a child in 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 or 45 hours for special care. 

Home Study

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

• During a home study, a social worker will ensure that your home is a safe and nurturing environment for a child.
• They will also discuss your family life, lifestyle, and reasons for wanting to be a foster parent. 

This step is not just a requirement; it's also an opportunity for you to reflect deeply on the decision to become a foster parent.

Join Mentor Foster Care's Upcoming Webinar For Potential Foster Parents in Indiana

Ready to become a foster parent? If so, our upcoming webinar can help point you in the right direction.

By attending a Foster Parent Information Session Webinar and learning more about the fostering process, you can take the first step toward becoming a foster parent and providing a safe, loving, and supportive home for a child in need. 

Sign up for our webinar today, or call our local office to get started!