As any foster parent will tell you, the best things in life are never easy.
But thankfully, becoming a foster parent means you have plenty of people — and companies — to help in your journey.Just take it from Amy Kelley, a family evaluation specialist, explaining the level of support you’ll have:
“We have 24 hour services. So if there's ever a crisis or an emergency, and you need to get in touch with somebody right then and there you will always have access to somebody that's going to be able to support you.”
Nearly every city has support services for foster parents — for those fostering in Indianapolis, we have a list of options for you.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been fostering for years, it’s important to know that there are organizations in Indianapolis ready to assist you.
From childcare and mentorship programs to health services, resources are there to help foster families thrive, ensuring that you and the children in your care are supported every step of the way.
Foster parents often need reliable childcare and programs to enrich the lives of children in their care. These organizations offer a safe, engaging environment for kids in care while providing foster parents with peace of mind.
The YMCA understands the importance of balancing responsibilities for foster parents, which is why they offer discounted memberships to foster families.
With access to after-school programs, camps, and recreational activities, the YMCA gives children in care a space to explore new interests, build friendships, and stay active.
For foster parents, the YMCA is more than just a gym — it’s a community that supports their well-being and the well-being of the children in their care.
With 10 different locations across the city, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis has served more than 7,300 youth and provide after-school programs that are specially designed to support youth development.
With 50% of Club households having an income of $25,000 or less, and 90% of Club members eligible for free or reduced lunch, the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis provides resources and support kids might otherwise not have, including:
These clubs are a place to build self-esteem, develop social skills, and receive academic support.
Foster parents can rely on Boys & Girls Clubs for safe, structured environments where their children in care can grow emotionally and socially, all while having fun and learning new things.
Early Learning Indiana’s mission is “To ensure children throughout Indiana are empowered with essential skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.” As such, it provides high-quality early childhood education and childcare for families, including foster families.
They focus on preparing young children for success by offering enriching growth and development programs. Their network of centers provides safe, nurturing environments that support the needs of all children in care.
Anthem Blue Cross provides tutoring services for kids aged 4-21. The best part? It’s free of charge for children in care!
To get access to this tutoring, you’ll have to get in contact with Anthem. The case manager’s name is Misty Parks, and there are two numbers you can call: 1-317-287-5233 and 1-866-902-1690.
If your child in care is struggling with learning, Anthem’s free tutoring could be the answer you need!
Having access to good health care is an important part of being a foster parent — luckily, there are many support options available.
Children in care often require specialized health care, both physically and emotionally — especially those in therapeutic care.
These organizations help foster parents navigate medical and mental health services.
Community Health Network offers a wide range of mental health and counseling services that are vital to foster families.
Their programs help children in care manage emotional and behavioral challenges, often caused by past trauma. Additionally, the Community Health Network provides general medical services, ensuring foster parents have access to all the care they need for the health of their children in care.
CareSource partners with Indiana Medicaid to provide comprehensive health care services for children in care.
Foster parents can turn to CareSource for help with everything from routine check-ups to specialized mental health care. They offer health coverage that ensures these children get the care they need, and foster parents have support.
Eskenazi Health is a leading provider of medical services for foster families in Indianapolis.
With services ranging from medical and dental care to mental health support, Eskenazi Health ensures that children receive high-quality, compassionate care. They offer programs to meet the unique physical and emotional health needs of children in care, providing crucial support to foster parents.
Fairbanks provides addiction treatment and recovery programs, including services for youth in care who may be struggling with substance abuse.
Unfortunately, children in care are often at a higher risk for substance abuse due to the trauma, instability, or neglect they may have experienced before entering care.
Substance abuse can become a coping mechanism for managing emotional pain or stress, making access to treatment critical for their well-being.
Fairbanks is a place to turn if a child in care needs help with addiction, ensuring that families receive the support they need to navigate these difficult situations and work toward healing and recovery.
Children in care can greatly benefit from positive mentorship and additional support. These organizations offer mentorship programs and resources to help children in care thrive while giving foster parents extra assistance.
Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs children in care with adult mentors who provide friendship, guidance, and emotional support.
These relationships help children build self-confidence and develop life skills. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great resource to ensure that a child in care has strong role models who can offer additional support.
The Indiana Parenting Institute (IPI) offers training and workshops for foster parents to help them navigate the unique challenges of the fostering journey.
IPI’s programs provide tools parents need to manage behavioral issues, improve communication, and offer emotional support. By participating in these programs, foster parents are better equipped to create a nurturing environment for their children in care.
Navigating the foster care system can be legally complex, and foster parents often need help understanding their rights and responsibilities.
These organizations offer foster parents access to legal assistance and educational programs, ensuring that both children and their caregivers have the support they need to succeed.
The Indianapolis Legal Aid Society provides foster parents with free or low-cost legal services, helping them navigate the complexities of the foster care system.
Whether a foster family needs help with custody arrangements, guardianship, adoption processes, or disputes, the legal professionals at Indianapolis Legal Aid Society are there to provide expert guidance.
For many foster parents, legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially when they involve complex family dynamics or state requirements. The Legal Aid Society ensures that foster families receive the proper representation and advice, protecting their rights and those of the children in their care.
Foster parents can turn to the organization for help resolving legal disputes, handling guardianship paperwork, or securing long-term custody arrangements for the children they foster.
Having affordable legal support can make a significant difference in the lives of foster parents, giving them confidence and clarity in their legal responsibilities.
The Indianapolis Public Library offers foster families access to educational resources, workshops, and activities.
Whether it’s story time for younger children or homework help for older kids, the library provides a welcoming space for children in care to learn and explore. Foster parents can also benefit from parenting resources, making the library a hub of support for the entire family.
Foster parents take on significant responsibilities when caring for children, and it’s important that they have the resources and material support to meet their families’ basic needs.
The Salvation Army has a long-standing history of supporting families in need, including foster families.
They provide essential items such as clothing, household goods, and food, which can make a world of difference when welcoming a child in care into the home. Whether a family needs warm clothes for the winter or extra groceries, the Salvation Army can step in and provide much-needed assistance.
Beyond material support, the Salvation Army also offers services such as housing assistance and emergency financial aid. Foster families facing unexpected financial challenges, such as medical bills or home repairs, can turn to the Salvation Army for help.
The wide array of resources available from the Salvation Army makes it a reliable support network for foster parents looking to meet the needs of their growing families.
Goodwill offers much more than just discounted household goods and clothing.
It’s a resource that provides foster families with access to affordable necessities, while also helping them build long-term stability through job training and employment services.
Foster parents can visit Goodwill locations to find essential items for their homes, such as furniture, kitchen supplies, or clothing for growing children, all at lower prices than traditional retail stores.
In addition to its retail stores, Goodwill provides foster parents with access to career development programs, which are especially helpful for those looking to improve their financial situation.
Through job training and educational programs, Goodwill helps individuals gain the skills needed to secure stable employment, further benefiting foster families!
Foster parents need more than just child care and health services — they need community support.
These organizations provide essential services that help foster families thrive, from placement to training and ongoing support.
Indiana Youth Group offers support for LGBTQ+ youth, including those in care.
Their programs focus on creating safe spaces where children can express themselves, gain confidence, and receive emotional support. IYG also offers foster parents resources and guidance on supporting LGBTQ+ youth in their care.
The Mustard Seed of Central Indiana is a nonprofit furniture bank that provides families in need, including foster families, with free furniture to help create a comfortable home environment.
When foster parents welcome a new child into their home, they often need extra furniture — such as beds, dressers, and other essential household items. The Mustard Seed steps in to fill that gap, ensuring that no child goes without a proper place to sleep or store their belongings.
This support allows foster families to focus on what really matters: nurturing the children in their care and making their house feel like a home.
Are you looking for more information about foster care in Indiana?
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!