Resources for Foster and Adoptive Parents

The amount of children in the Foster Care System is at an all time high in the state of Indiana. With the rise of children in care, the need for foster and adoptive homes has also grown. Children that come into care often have urgent needs, such as new clothing, shoes, and toiletries.

I myself was a foster mom for four years, and adopted three boys out of foster care. It can be very overwhelming when receiving a new placement, to find resources and help quickly! It can be equally challenging, to find long term support systems for your adopted children. Thankfully, there are many organizations around the city, that are dedicated to serving at-risk-youth, and the families who care for them.

Resources for Clothing and Toiletries

• Lambswear is a Foster Care Closet, located on the northside of Indianapolis. On their website, you can request clothing for a foster child at no cost. They also strive to provide new undergarments, as well as shoes for children in care twice per year. They run entirely on donations, and are always accepting new or gently used clothing, as well as new undergarments and gently used shoes. You can also find them on Facebook, with hours, address, and ways to get involved.
• Second Chances Foster Closet, is a new Foster Closet also on the northside. They are taking clothing requests via email at secondchancesfostercloset@gmail.com, or you can follow them on Facebook to make a clothing request at Second Chances Foster Closet.
• Kingdoms Kloset is an outreach program, that addresses the immediate clothing needs of children in Foster Care or participants of Safe Families. They are located in Noblesville, but service the greater Indianapolis area. For information about setting up a clothing delivery, you can visit their website to start the process, or to find information about donating.
• Journey Bags of Hancock County, provides clothing and toiletries for underprivileged children in Hancock County. You can visit them on Facebook, or access their main site for a variety of adoption and foster care services.
• Hands of Hope Adoption and Orphan Ministry provides a Clothing Closet for foster and adoptive children.

“Wishes” and Toy Drives

• Foster Fairies Inc. is an amazing organization, that grants “wishes” for foster children. They also organize  a massive Christmas toy drive every year, where you can sponsor a foster child. You can find all the information on their Facebook page, or you can email them directly at fosterfairiesindiana@gmail.com.

Community Resources

• Resources of Hope Inc, is an organization that is dedicated to meeting the emotional and physical needs of children in foster care located in Johnson County, and surrounding counties. They offer opportunities for kids in foster care to connect with meet ups targeted for teenagers. They also offer trainings on a variety of topics, such as CPR/ First Aid, and Sexual Abuse prevention. To keep up-to-date on opportunities for your child in foster care, you can visit their website, or their Facebook page to stay updated. You can also email them at resourcesofhope317@gmail.com.
• Hands of Hope Adoption and Orphan Ministry, provides a variety of services and events for foster and adoptive children here in Indiana. From Colts games, to helping adoptive families access services, they offer so many resources. Hands of Hope also offers their own clothing closet, as well as Adoptive Mom’s Night Out! They have all the details on their website. If you are not a foster parent, but are looking to get involved with helping, they have an entire section on their website with volunteer opportunities.

Discounts for Foster Families

• There are multiple consignment and boutique stores that offer discounts for Foster Parents. Seven Little Monkeys Boutique offers a 20% discount on all products for Foster Parents. They are located in McCordsville, but offer all of their products online as well. Three Little Monkeyz in Pendleton, IN, is a brick and mortar consignment store that offers discounts and specials for Foster Parents. They also have an online site with their social media information, address, hours, and more!
• Did you know that Licensed foster parents in Indiana have access to a yearly membership for The Childrens Museum at no cost? Just present your license to Member Services, and they will help you activate your free membership! It has all the benefits of a traditional membership, at no cost to you! If you have an adoptive child on Medicaid, you also have the ability to utilize Medicaids Access Pass program.  The pass will allow you access at an extremely discounted rate, to multiple participating museums throughout Indiana. Indy With Kids has all the details about the program here!

Community and connection is so important, when working to serve the underprivileged children of Indiana. These organizations are wonderful, and a priceless resource for support and tangible needs. If you are looking for further community, and to connect with other foster parents, I would encourage you to attend a monthly support group in your county. There are also support groups on Facebook, to provide additional community and support, such as Indiana Foster and Adoptive Parents. The foster and adoptive community in Indiana, is lucky to have many organizations available for resources and support.