What Is Foster Care?
Summary
What is foster care? Indiana’s Foster Care Program provides 24-hour placement of children
and youth when they can no longer safely remain in their own homes due to the risk of abuse or
neglect, or due to behaviors which may result in danger to themselves or others. When possible,
a child is placed in close proximity to the child’s family, particularly when reunification with the
family is the case plan goal. Placement may occur until reunification with the child’s family takes
place or another permanent placement is established. The goal is to provide substitute family life
in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
Source: Indiana Department of Child Services (n.d.) What is Foster Care?.