STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2025) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, offering additional support for foster families. was recently approved by the Senate.
The Indiana Youth Institute recently reported that more than 18,000 children experienced foster care in the state last year, an increase after several years of decline. To support Hoosier foster families, House Enrolled Act 1248 would make foster parent households eligible for CCDF assistance, regardless of the number of biological children in the home, if they meet income eligibility requirements.
"By expanding eligibility for child care assistance, we can ensure that these foster families have more financial resources to care for both their biological and foster children," Rowray said. "I'm proud to see this bill move forward with strong support from my colleagues to expand foster care assistance."
According to a report by Sevita, there are over 11,000 Hoosier children available for adoption but only 4,500 foster homes currently available. Expanding CCDF eligibility would ease the financial burden of child care and allow more foster parents to provide a stable and loving environment for children in need of their care.
The bill would also require the FSSA to hold 200 CCDF vouchers in reserve to be used for a child who is placed with a licensed foster parent.
House Enrolled Act 1248 passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
