In November, we recognize National Adoption Month to raise awareness of the need for adoptive families. Currently, there are more than 1,200 children looking for forever homes in Indiana.
In recognition of this month, the Indiana Adoption Program, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) and the Indiana Supreme Court are working together to share stories of children who have found their families and home through adoption.
DCS will be sharing photos, videos, and testimonials from adoption events across the state on their Stories of DCS website.
Every child deserves to have a loving home, a family that cares for them, and the confidence that there is always someone in their corner. It is up to our community to protect these children and support the adoption care system that welcomes these children into families and gives them a chance to experience the love and care they deserve.
Indiana's Waiting Children
Every child deserves to have a loving home, a family that cares for them, and the confidence that there is always someone in their corner. It is up to our community to protect these children and support the adoption care system that welcomes these children into families and gives them a chance to experience the love and care they deserve
You can learn about each child, including their strengths, interests, and needs for an adoptive home, through their individual profile pages here. Many also have videos where they share about themselves in their own words. Inquiries can be submitted on each profile page.
Indiana's Waiting Children
DCS gets a lot of questions about the children and youth in the Indiana Adoption Program.
- Who are they?
- Where are they currently living?
- How old are they?
- What type of challenges have they overcome, and what might they still be struggling with?
We understand the desire to have as much information as possible before inquiring about a waiting child. We also have a responsibility to maintain a child’s privacy and to allow them to tell their own stories, in their own time. All of Indiana’s waiting children have this in common: they come from “hard places.” Many have endured neglect or abuse, and all have experienced the trauma of having to leave their home. Children who endure neglect, abuse, or trauma can face many emotional or medical challenges. All of them need parents who will support them in overcoming these challenges throughout their life.
All of Indiana’s waiting children also have this in common: they are children, with hopes and dreams, favorite foods and sports teams, and unique talents, and personalities. Though they may struggle to trust adults, they are loving and resilient, and courageous. Their laughter can be contagious, and they can bring incredible joy to those around them. They are all in need of love and guidance. They all need to belong, and to know that they are part of a family that will not give up on them.
Nearly all of the children and youth in Indiana Adoption Program are over the age of 8. The majority are between 11-16 and are male. Many are part of sibling groups, so families who want and can provide for multiple children are especially needed. They come from various ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Most are residing in foster homes around the state, although some are in residential facilities or group living situations. None of them asked to be in the situation they are currently in, but all of them have a need for a permanent family.
Common Challenges
Every child in foster care has experienced some form of trauma. Many of them face unique challenges that will require committed parents to support them in overcoming these challenges throughout their life. Although children and youth in foster care may struggle more than those who have not experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma, with the proper support, unwavering commitment, and guidance, many will thrive in a permanent adoptive family.
The information outlined here is meant only to provide definitions of some of the more common challenges that children in foster care may face. Each child has a unique story, of which these challenges are only a part – but none of the waiting children in Indiana should be defined solely by their life experiences to this point.
