Bethany Christian Services
Being a foster parent is so much more than loving a child in your home. It’s also showing kindness to a family when they need it most.
It’s giving a child a safe place to land during a hard, scary time when they’re away from home. And it’s showing compassion to a parent who is likely overwhelmed, scared, and without a lot of support.
It’s helping a child stay connected to the only home they’ve ever known, in whatever way it’s safe to do so, and cheering on a family that’s living out a comeback story.
At Bethany, our heart beats for family. We want to see families strong, supported, and together. But we know there are times when families face challenges—and children need care.
That’s why we’re seeking foster parents who believe in families too.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
Foster parents in Indiana have access to a variety of services and support. These services include:
Support Payments
As a foster parent, you will receive a daily payment from DCS to help cover the costs of caring for a foster child. The amount varies depending on the age and needs of the child, but payments start at $18.88/day.
Foster parents are also eligible for an initial clothing expense payment of up to $200.00 and an Annual Personal Allowance of up to $300.00 per child per year. This payment becomes available when the child has been in placement for at least eight days.
Additionally, DCS provides a Special Occasion Allowance of up to $50.00 on
child’s birthday and during the December holidays.
Medical and Dental Coverage
In Indiana, children in foster care are entitled to receive Medicaid coverage for their medical and dental needs.
However, it is the responsibility of the foster parents to schedule and attend all medical and dental appointments for the child. This means that foster parents must make sure that the child receives proper medical care and attends all necessary appointments to maintain their health and well-being.
Training and Support Groups
Foster parents have access to ongoing training and support groups to help them navigate the challenges of fostering. Support groups provide a space for foster parents to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of fostering.
Indiana Foster Care Statistics and Outcomes
Understanding the statistics and outcomes of foster care in Indiana can help you better understand the need for foster parents in the state.
As of 2021, there were over 13,000 children in foster care in Indiana. However, there are only 6,200 licensed foster parents. Most children in Indiana foster care are between ages 8 and 16. On average, they stayed an average of 14.3 months in foster care.
Sadly, children who exit foster care have a higher likelihood of experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration than their peers who did not experience foster care.
As a foster parent, you can help break this cycle. You could inspire troubled child to excel and reach their true potential.
Ratings and Reviews
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Aug 19, 2019
We used Bethany for domestic infant adoption. The staff that we worked with was continually supportive, offering solid advice and prayer support when needed. We knew that at any time, they were just a phone call or text away. Adoption can be quite the roller coaster ride, but they were with us every step of the way. We are still so very grateful for all the love and support they gave us in the adoption of our son. We are planning to adopt again, but will not be able to use Bethany as the state that we moved to does not have a BCS office. Otherwise, we would have adopted a second time through Bethany! We highly recommend Bethany every chance we get!
Aug 19, 2019
We had a fantastic experience with Bethany Christian Services. Our social worker was fantastic - she was with us through the entire process. Most importantly, she offered and provided post-adoption support as we needed. Bethany has monthly meetings that include educational opportunities for adoptive/foster parents. I would highly recommend Bethany Christian Services.
Aug 19, 2019
Seeking to adopt, we talked with a few agencies and law firms. We landed with Bethany because of their resources as well as their desire to honor Christ through their words and actions. We have loved each and every person we interacted through the adoption journey, and have gained a lot through their classes. Having recently adopted the most beautiful baby boy, we are looking forward to their continuing support, community, and educational resources. Thank you so much, Bethany! May God continue to bless your work and ministry.