Foster care (also known as out-of-home care) is a temporary service provided by each state for children who cannot live with their families. Children in foster care may live with relatives or with unrelated foster parents. Foster care can also refer to placement settings such as group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living.
In Indiana, foster care is regulated by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). This service is designed for children who are unable to live with their families due to safety concerns, abuse, neglect, or other issues. Foster care provides a temporary home where children can live with either relatives, known as kinship care, or with unrelated licensed foster parents. The state also utilizes other types of placements such as group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living for older youth. The goal of foster care in Indiana is to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children while working towards family reunification, adoption, or independence for older youth. The DCS oversees the licensing of foster homes, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, and provides support and training for foster parents.