Many families who feel called to foster children do not know where to begin. Two primary options are available to Indiana residents when it comes to fostering. You can foster through the State Department of Child Services (DCS) or through a Licensed Child Placing Agency (LCPA). Here is some guidance to help you determine the best path for you and your family.
1. Department Child Services
A family that pursues licensing directly through DCS completes all training and licensing requirements through DCS
The DCS Family Case Manager is the main support resource for the family when children are placed in the home..The Family Case Manager also conducts a monthly visit with the family throughout the placement period.
Every Child Indiana is a collaboration of more than 30 organizations of all sizes with one goal: to uplift children and families impacted by foster care.
Each year, thousands of Hoosier kids who’ve experienced abuse or neglect need a safe place to go. The Indiana community is strong, and we can change the the lives of kids and families together. Every Child Indiana is here to make it easier than ever for you to get involved!
2. Private Child Placing Agencies
- A family can opt to pursue licensing through an agency rather than directly through DCS in which case all training and licensing requirements are provided via the agency’s licensing worker.
- The agency case manager serves as the primary support resource for the family when children are placed in the home, in addition to the DCS family case manager doing visits once a month
- Agency case manager does home visits on a monthly, bi-monthly, weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the child’s needs.
- Weekly contact with agency case manager
- 24/7/365 on-call crisis support