Financial assistance for unlicensed relative placements is available for children under the care and supervision of the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). See guides below for more information:
Reimbursement for DCS Resource Parents
As a relative/kinship caregiver, you could be eligible for financial assistance through DCS, including allowances for clothing and personal items, special occasions, travel and child care. Your family case manager, regional foster care specialist or relative support specialist can provide additional information.
In order to receive reimbursement from the state, you must complete:
- Automated Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement
- W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
Claims for reimbursement can be submitted electronically or through paper forms.
Electronic submission is done through KidTraks, DCS’ referral and financial system. Complete the KidTraks Vendor Portal User Agreement and submit it to your relative support specialist.
Complete paper invoices using the Standard Invoice - Claim for Support of Children. Follow the Resource Parent Paper Invoicing Guidelines.
Information and forms:
- KidTraks Birthday & Holiday Allowance (aka Special Occasion Allowance)
- KidTraks Initial Clothing and Personal Items Allotment
- KidTraks Personal Allowance
- Relative Parent Travel Invoice
- Letter on School Textbook and Related Fees
- Resource parents should not pay for school textbooks or related fees.
- Guidance for Foster Parents on Common Errors on Claims/Invoices
- Attach all receipts in order to receive reimbursement for personal allowance, special occasion allowance, initial clothing allotment, etc.
Insurance
DCS offers insurance that covers personal property damage caused by a foster child during their time in the foster home, as well as accidental damage to others' property. It also covers legal defense costs for foster parents who face legal action for conduct of their foster child.
Foster Friendly App
We're excited to announce the launch of the Foster Friendly app! Our friends at Indiana Kids Belong designed the app to be a free resource that connects foster families with businesses and organizations that offer discounts, free items or other resources that are exclusive for foster parents. You’ll find restaurants, entertainment options, foster closets and everything in between on the app.
Don’t worry if you don’t see anything in your area. You can visit the Indiana Kids Belong website to nominate your favorite businesses, and IKB will reach out to them!
Check out the Foster Friendly flyer here. And don’t forget to get your Foster Parent ID Card!
Download the app on iPhone here.
Download the app on Android here.
Other Financial Resources
Food Pantries
The Indiana Department of Health provides a list of food pantries.
Housing/Utility Assistance
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority provides programs for utility assistance, weatherization, housing choice vouchers, affordable housing, foreclosure prevention and more.
Medicaid/Health Programs
Children in kinship care are generally eligible for Medicaid. The Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) administers Indiana Health Coverage Programs including traditional Medicaid, risk-based managed care and a variety of waiver services tailored to the needs of specific populations.
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps eligible families pay for food.
Social Security
The Social Security Administration provides retirement, disability and Medicare benefits.
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children under age 18.
Tax Assistance
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help to qualified individuals.
The Indiana Department of Revenue offers tax preparation assistance for low-income and senior taxpayers.
WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food assistance for eligible pregnant women and children up to age five.
Work Force Development
Indiana Career Ready provides tools to prepare for and find employment.
Indiana Department of Child Services