Resources
- Foster Care
- Licensed Foster Parent Resources
- Current: Resources
Foster Parent Bill of Rights, Relevant Statutes and Policy Manual
Grievance Filing Process and Contact Information:
- Policy 8.46 - Resource Parent Complaint Resolution Process
- Contact information:
- DCS Ombudsman
Click here to download a copy of this information.
Foster Friendly App
We're excited to announce the launch of the Foster Friendly app! Our friends at Indiana Kids Belong designed the app to be a free resource that connects foster families with businesses and organizations that offer discounts, free items or other resources that are exclusive for foster parents. You’ll find restaurants, entertainment options, foster closets and everything in between on the app.
Don’t worry if you don’t see anything in your area. You can visit the Indiana Kids Belong website to nominate your favorite businesses, and IKB will reach out to them!
Check out the Foster Friendly website here. And don’t forget to get your Foster Parent ID Card!
Foster care panel discussions
The Department of Child Services' Community Engagement team has hosted a variety of panel discussions related to foster care. Below are links to some of those discussions, with some of the topics included with each.
Region 3 - What is reunification, why reunification, preparing the children
Region 3 - Hair care demonstration for parents
Region 4 - Why foster care, meeting the bio parents, advice for foster parents
Region 6 - Residential placements: what leads to this, treatments, challenges
Region 7 - Placement disruptions, effects, preventing disruptions
Region 7 - Fostering healthy communication, identifying barriers, positive strategies
Region 11 - Who are our youth in foster care, older youth need you
Region 12 - Maintaining family ties, supporting placement changes, preventing disruptions
Region 4 & 12 - "Busting Teen Barriers"
RAPT Super Saturday Training
RAPT Super Saturday consists of a voluntary, three-hour session with recurring and new speaker/topics. Super Saturday provides additional opportunities for information, learning and resources for those fostering/adopting, as well as those who are considering fostering/adopting. Find out more here.
Training
Prior to licensing, you are required to complete 10 hours of pre-service training as well as medical training. Once licensed, you are required to continue with annual training and re-certification. Find out more at Training Requirements.
Claims and Invoicing
Several forms are available for claims and invoice submission. Find out more about guidelines and the forms required for reimbursement at Claims and Invoicing.
Insurance
DCS offers insurance that covers personal property damage caused by a foster child during their time in the foster home, as well as accidental damage to others' property. It also covers legal defense costs for foster parents who face legal action for conduct of their foster child.
Car Insurance Information for Foster Youth
| Provider | Offer | Annual Price |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | Offers policies for drivers as young as 16 for learners permits | None provided |
| Indiana Farmers | Offers a separate policy if the parents are also insured | $1,700-$3,800 |
| USAA | Offers the children of current members to have their own policies without have the parent listed | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Travelers | Valid license required | None provided |
| Nationwide | Requires driving experience | None provided |
| AmFam | Offers 565 policies nationally for 16-18 year olds | None provided |
Click here to download a copy of car insurance information for foster youth.
Education
The DCS Education Services Resource Toolkit for Parents/Caregivers is designed to provide resources and suggestions for foster parents and caregivers on how to support the educational success of children in foster care. DCS provides education liaisons who work directly with Family Case Managers (FCMs), families, children and schools to ensure the educational needs and best interests of DCS children are met, as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). More information about education services can be found at Education Services (including ESSA, Academic, Behavioral, and Special Education needs).
Licensing Reviews
Each year the Regional Foster Care Specialist (RFCS) will visit your home to update household information, complete background checks and determine if the family continues to meet the requirements for licensure. Ongoing processes include annual reviews and re-licensure.
Support
Virtual and limited in-person Foster Parent Support Groups are available. These support groups cover various training topics and often provide in-service training credit. All DCS and LCPA Foster & Kinship parents are welcome. The support groups not only provide connections to other foster parents, but they offer various educational topics, and in-service training hours. Talk to your Regional Foster Care Specialist or LCPA staff about getting information on available support groups and registration information.
Call 2-1-1 or check out Indiana 2-1-1 for information and referrals to human services including food, shelter, employment, counseling, and much more.
