Expanding support for foster families

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Dear Editor:

According to a report by Sevita, there are over 11,000 Hoosier children available for adoption but only 4,500 foster homes currently available.

To encourage more Hoosier families to open their homes to these children, a new law I supported will make foster parent households eligible for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) assistance, regardless of the number of biological children in the home, if they meet income eligibility requirements.

CCDF is a federal program to help low-income families pay for child care so parents can work or attend school and training. Expanding CCDF eligibility will 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 law requires 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.

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. To learn more about HEA 1248 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.

State Rep. Danny Lopez
R-Carmel