Foster Care Agencies in Indiana [A Full Guide]

Many different kinds of adoption are available to those looking to start or grow their family. For some families, working with foster care agencies could be the best option.

This guide will help you weigh your options, consider which path forward is right for you and find foster care agencies near you.

We provide free information about all forms of adoption. For more information or assistance with understanding your adoption options, contact us today.

Once you understand your options and choose which type of adoption is right for you, you’ll be well on your way to welcoming your child into their new home.

What are Foster Care Agencies?

Foster care agencies in Indiana are organizations which help the state government facilitate foster care and adoption. These agencies act on behalf of the state government to assist with placing children with suitable families.

Foster agencies in Indiana exist to bridge the gap between a family seeking adoption through foster care and the child in the foster care system (often represented by their case worker).

Foster Care Agencies Near Me

If you feel working with a foster care agency is the right decision for your family, there are many high quality agencies in Indiana available to you. The state government maintains a list of trustworthy agencies, listed with their services and fees, which you can find here.

Foster Agencies vs Private Adoption Agencies

Foster agencies and adoption agencies are similar in their goal, but the services they provide and the children they work with can be very different. Here are some of the significant differences between foster care adoption agency and a private adoption agency:

Child’s Age

Foster Care Agency: 0 – 18 years old

Private Adoption Agency: Infant

Indiana foster care agencies can place children from less than one years old all the way up to 18 years old with a family. In comparison, private adoption exclusively works with birth mothers who haven’t given birth yet. This empowers adoptive families to choose their ideal path to family building, and helps keep children from “waiting” for adoption.

Wait Times

Foster Care Agency: 0 – 8 years, conditionally

Private Adoption Agency: 12 months

Foster care in most situations is a drastically longer process. This is due in part to foster care’s focus being on reunification, not adoption.

Costs

Foster Care Agency: $2,000 - $8,000

Private Adoption Agency: $50,000 - $70,000

Every family’s path to adoption is different, and cost is often a large factor in their decision making. For adoptive parents seeking Infant adoptions, several financial aid programs are available, including charitable grants.

Foster parents in Indiana have limited costs associated with adoption. You typically pay out-of-pocket for your home study, though depending on the county, this cost can be reimbursed. Some Indiana foster agencies and adoption attorneys have fees for their services as well.

Certainty

Foster Care Agency: Roughly 10% permanent placement

Private Adoption Agency: 100% permanent placement (with American Adoptions of Indianan)

As mentioned, foster care is primarily a means to help families reunify, not a means of adoption. About 10% of children in foster care in Indiana are adopted permanently, with about 25% of those adoptions being placed with biological family members.

In contrast, private adoption agencies exist to facilitate adoptions, and have a much higher permanent placement success rate. At American Adoptions of Indiana, we have a 100% placement record for families who stay active.

While foster care is a great option for some, there are significant drawbacks to consider. For more information on adoption and the paths forward available to you, reach out to us.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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