For foster care assistance in Indiana, there are resources available for prospective foster parents, current foster families, and youth in the foster care system. Below is a comprehensive list: --- ### **1. Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS)** The primary state agency overseeing foster care services in Indiana. - **Services**: - Foster care licensing and training. - Support and resources for foster parents. - Placement of children in foster homes. - Assistance for foster youth transitioning out of care. - **Contact**: - Foster Care Information Line: 1-888-631-9510 - General DCS Hotline (for child abuse/neglect reporting): 1-800-800-5556 - **Website**: [www.in.gov/dcs](https://www.in.gov/dcs) --- ### **2. Foster Parent Support and Advocacy** - **Indiana Association of Resources and Child Advocacy (IARCA)** - Provides resources for foster parents and agencies serving foster children. - Website: [www.iarca.org](https://www.iarca.org/) - **Indiana Foster and Adoptive Parents (IFAAP)** - Offers training, support groups, and advocacy for foster and adoptive families in Indiana. - Website: [www.ifaap.org](https://www.ifaap.org/) --- ### **3. Support Services for Youth in Foster Care** - **Independent Living Services (ILP)** - Supports youth aged 16-21 transitioning out of foster care, offering services like job training, education assistance, and life skills. - Contact: Through local DCS offices. - Website: [ILP Program Details](https://www.in.gov/dcs/fostercare/youth/) - **Foster Success** - A nonprofit organization supporting teens and young adults in foster care with resources for education, financial literacy, and housing. - Contact: (317) 821-0805 - Website: [www.fostersuccess.org](https://www.fostersuccess.org/) --- ### **4. Adoption and Permanency Resources** - **Indiana Adoption Program** - Helps foster children find permanent homes through adoption. - Contact: 1-888-25-ADOPT - Website: [Indiana Adoption Program](https://www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/) - **AdoptUSKids** - A national database for adoption, including profiles of children in Indiana foster care. - Website: [www.adoptuskids.org](https://www.adoptuskids.org/) --- ### **5. Helplines and Hotlines** - **Indiana Foster Care Helpline** - For foster parents or those interested in becoming foster parents. - Contact: 1-888-631-9510 - **Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline** - For reporting abuse or seeking advice on protecting children in foster care. - Contact: 1-800-422-4453 --- ### **6. Training and Education** - **National Foster Parent Association (NFPA)** - Provides online training and resources for foster parents nationwide, including Indiana. - Website: [www.nfpaonline.org](https://www.nfpaonline.org/) - **DCS Training for Foster Parents** - Offers training and certification required for fostering. - Contact your local DCS office for schedules. --- ### **7. Local and Regional Support Organizations** - **Villages of Indiana** - Offers foster care and adoption services, along with training and support for foster families. - Contact: 1-800-874-6880 - Website: [www.villages.org](https://www.villages.org/) - **Children's Bureau, Inc.** - Provides support for foster care placements, counseling, and family services. - Contact: (317) 634-5050 - Website: [www.childrensbureau.org](https://www.childrensbureau.org/) --- ### **8. Financial Assistance and Benefits** - **Indiana DCS Foster Care Payment Guide** - Details monthly stipends, reimbursements, and financial aid for foster parents. - Available through your local DCS office or online. - **Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program** - Financial support for post-secondary education for youth aging out of foster care. - Website: [Indiana ETV Program](https://www.fc2sprograms.org/indiana/) --- ### **9. National Foster Care Resources** - **FosterClub** - A national network providing resources, support, and advocacy for foster youth and families. - Website: [www.fosterclub.com](https://www.fosterclub.com/) - **Casey Family Programs** - A national resource offering research, advocacy, and tools to improve the foster care system. - Website: [www.casey.org](https://www.casey.org/) --- ### **10. Legal Assistance** - **Indiana Legal Services** - Offers free legal help to low-income families and foster youth, especially regarding custody, guardianship, and benefits. - Contact: 1-844-243-8570 - Website: [www.indianalegalservices.org](https://www.indianalegalservices.org/) - **Kids' Voice of Indiana** - Provides advocacy and legal assistance for children in the foster care system. - Contact: (317) 558-2870 - Website: [www.kidsvoicein.org](https://www.kidsvoicein.org/) --- If you need more specific help or guidance, let me know!