May is National Foster Care Month

Date: 05/11/19

May is National Foster Care Month. There are more than 440,000 kids in foster care across the country. More than 30,000 children are in foster care right here in Indiana. This month, we take the time to learn more about the foster care system.

Every year in Indiana, there are thousands of kids added to the foster care system. There were 31,042 children in foster care in 2017. That is a 38.1% increase since 2012.

What is foster care?

Foster care is a safe, temporary place for kids to go when their own home isn’t safe. Kids in foster care may enter because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents. The goal is to reunite them with their family when the time is right.

Who are foster kids?

Kids in foster care come from all backgrounds. They are as young as infants and as old as 18 years. Some may have special needs. They may have siblings, they may be an only child.

Who can be a foster parent?

A foster parent has a duty to act in the best interest of kids who are wards of the state. They will provide supervision and stability during a tough time. All foster parents are trained and licensed.

For more information on foster care, visit https://www.in.gov/dcs/fostercare.htm.

To learn more about National Foster Care Month, visit https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/about/.