FOSTER CARE FAQ.pdf

Foster care is a system of temporary care for children and adolescents, aiming to reunify families when safe. To become a foster parent, one must be at least 21, have a nurturing home, complete background checks, and undergo training. Children are placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect. Foster parents can choose the age, gender, and behavior of children they're comfortable parenting. There are no costs to become a licensed foster parent through Family Ark, a private agency. Family Ark provides support, training, and events for foster families, serving counties in Southern Indiana. Foster parents receive training, including initial and ongoing classes, and are required to earn 15 hours of training annually. Respite families provide temporary care for full-time foster parents. Medical costs for foster children are covered by Indiana Medicaid or other insurance. Foster parents can adopt children from foster care, and the process to become a licensed foster parent starts with contacting Family Ark's licensing department.