Foster Parents

Provide High Community Impact

Thank you for your interest in fostering Central Indiana youth. Your decision to influence your community in this way will positively impact youth who are in need of a safe home, compassionate caregivers, and a new hope for the future during times of transition.

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Safe Nights Tucked in Bed from July 2021-June 2022

Adult & Child Health Improves Lives

Adult and Child Health is a not-for-profit agency which has been supporting the child welfare and health needs of Central Indiana children and families since 1949. We have built a service model that provides the highest level of comprehensive care. We now offer mental health services, primary care, therapeutic foster care, school-based services for students in need, homeless outreach, career services, substance use treatment, and more. We are an Indiana State Certified Community Behavioral Health Center, a Licensed Child Placing Agency, and a Federally Qualified Health Center (look-alike).

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

Hear what our families say about Adult & Child, and their stories along the way.

The most rewarding thing is the happiness you see in the kids’ faces, and just knowing that if they weren’t there, I think about where would they be. It makes me feel good to know it doesn’t matter, they’re here now.

Mendez Family

Foster Family

Becoming a foster parent changed my life forever. I've been so happy to have A&C by my side for all of it.

Angelita

Foster Parent

I’ve been a foster parent for 15 years. Over the last 15 years, I’ve probably taken care of 25 kids. It’s just a thing in me … I love doing it and the kids enjoy me.

Rosemary

Foster Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

We license a wide variety of foster parents because we believe this diversity will provide the best placements for kids. We encourage and support foster parents regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender.

What is required to foster a child?

Foster parents must be at least 25 years of age.
Foster parents must be able to financially support themselves without public assistance.
Foster parents may be single, divorced, married/non-married, or partnered couples.
All residents of the household, age 18 and older, must pass local, state, and national criminal background checks. All household members must have clear Child Protective Services checks.
Foster parents must have reliable, insured transportation and have a valid driver’s license.
The foster home must have sufficient bedroom space.
Foster parents must successfully complete Foster Parent Training.

What is Therapeutic Foster Care?

Therapeutic Foster Care, also known as “Treatment” foster care, is a level of foster care that provides care, nurturing, and services to children believed to have significant emotional and behavioral needs. Caregivers who foster through a Therapeutic Foster Care program receive a wide range of support.

Why do you need more foster families?

There are many reasons more families are needed. It is common for our current families to reach the state’s allowable “maximum” capacity, and not be able to take additional children. In addition, the more families available, the greater the likelihood we can place siblings together. And, the more diverse our foster family base is, the better we can match a child’s needs to a family. The more families we have dispersed throughout our services areas, the more likely we can place children in or near their own communities and avoid disrupting positive familiar connections for the child, like schools, peers, and positive role models.

What is my role as a foster parent?

Foster parents provide a safe, nurturing, and usually temporary home for children who have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. Foster parents care for children, with a goal to help them safely reunify with their families.

How long does it take to become a licensed foster parent?

The licensing process typically takes 2-3 months. It is driven by the emerging foster parent’s engagement in the process.

What should I expect after my license is approved?

Our goal is to match your home to the child whose needs and profile are the best fit. We use a specialized matching process when placing foster children. Recognizing that every child is unique, and has unique needs, we work to match the child with staff and families who are best prepared to meet those needs.