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The Indiana Youth Institute recently reported that more than 18,000 children experienced foster care in the state last year, an increase after several years of decline. To encourage more Hoosier families to open their homes to these children, I supported legislation that would make foster parent households eligible for Child Care and Development Fund assistance, regardless of the number of biological children in the home, if they meet income eligibility requirements.
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CCDF is a federal program to help low-income families pay for child care so parents can work or attend school and training.
According to a report by Sevita, there are over 11,000 Hoosier children available for adoption but only 4,500 foster homes currently available. Expanding CCDF eligibility would ease the financial burden of child care and allow more foster parents to provide a stable and loving environment for children in need of their care. Additionally, the bill would require the Family and Social Services Administration to hold 200 CCDF vouchers in reserve specifically for children placed with licensed foster parents. This provision ensures that there are enough resources available to support foster children as they transition into loving homes. House Enrolled Act 1248 passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration as a new law. |
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I’ll keep you updated on its progress, but in the meantime, you can learn more about this bill and stay informed by visiting iga.in.gov. Thank you for your continued support as we work to expand resources for foster families and ensure every child in Indiana has the chance to grow up in a stable, loving environment.
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