If you’ve been researching “Indiana foster care adoption” or wondering what it means to foster to adopt in Indiana, you’re not alone. Many individuals and families feel called to provide a safe, loving home to a child in need. While Tapestry Adoption does not facilitate foster care adoptions, we believe in educating and empowering families to explore all the paths to adoption—including this one.

What Is Foster Care Adoption?

Foster care adoption refers to adopting a child who is currently in the state’s foster care system and has been legally cleared for adoption. These children may have entered care due to abuse, neglect, or other unsafe circumstances and are unable to reunite with their biological families.

In Indiana, foster care adoption is overseen by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) and often supported by licensed child placement agencies that partner with the state.

How Does Fostering to Adopt Work in Indiana?

Fostering to adopt typically begins with becoming a licensed foster parent. Some families foster with the intention of eventual adoption if the child becomes eligible. Others may be matched directly with a child who is already legally available for adoption.

The steps usually include:

1. Orientation and training – Foster parents complete state-required training, including PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education).
2. Home study and background checks – A licensed worker evaluates your home, background, and readiness to care for a child.
3. Licensing and placement – Once licensed, you may be placed with a child who needs foster care or who may become eligible for adoption.
4. Legal adoption – If reunification is not possible and parental rights are terminated, you may proceed with adoption through the court.

Who Can Foster to Adopt in Indiana?

Indiana welcomes a wide range of foster and adoptive families. You may be eligible if you:

• Are at least 21 years old
• Are single, married, or in a committed relationship
• Can provide a safe, stable, and loving home
• Pass background checks and complete required training

You do not need to be wealthy, own a home, or have parenting experience to begin the process.

Benefits of Foster Care Adoption

• Low to no cost – Most foster care adoptions are free or have minimal expenses.
• Ongoing support – Families often receive monthly subsidies, Medicaid for the child, and post-adoption resources.
• High need – Indiana has hundreds of children waiting for adoptive families—particularly older children, sibling groups, and teens.
• Life-changing impact – Adoption through foster care gives children permanency, safety, and hope.

Important Foster Care Adoption Considerations

Fostering to adopt can be incredibly rewarding—but it’s also complex. It may involve uncertainty, emotional challenges, and a deep understanding of trauma-informed care. Some placements may not lead to adoption, and families must be prepared for the possibility of reunification with birth families, which is always the first goal of foster care.

For those open to flexibility and committed to offering love and stability, this path can lead to life-changing relationships.

Where to Learn More About Foster Care Adoption or Get Started

If you’re interested in Indiana foster care adoption, here are some trusted resources to explore:

• Indiana Adoption Program – https://www.indianaadoptionprogram.org
• Indiana Department of Child Services – https://www.in.gov/dcs/
• AdoptUSKids – A national resource with listings for Indiana children waiting to be adopted.

Tapestry Adoption Is Here to Educate and Support

Although Tapestry Adoption does not directly facilitate foster care placements or adoptions, our mission is to support, educate, and walk with families exploring all forms of adoption. If you’re still considering your options—including infant adoption or open adoption—we’re here to help you understand every step.

📞 Contact us for guidance or
📩 Explore our services to see which path is right for your family

No matter what journey you’re on, we’re honored to be part of your story.