STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2025) – The Indiana House passed State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray's (R-Yorktown) legislation to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program and offer additional support for foster families.
House Bill 1248 would make households with a foster parent eligible for CCDF assistance, regardless of the number of biological children in the home, if they meet income eligibility requirements.
"I'm proud to see the House support this bill as it would be a big step forward to ensure foster families receive needed assistance,” Rowray said. “By expanding CCDF eligibility, we are helping to ease the financial burden of child care and allow foster parents to focus more on providing a stable and loving environment for the children in their care.”
According to a report by Sevita, there are over 11,000 Hoosier children available for adoption but only 4,500 foster homes currently available. Additionally, with inflation affecting child care costs, many families are struggling to afford these services for their biological children, leaving less ability for them to provide foster children a loving home. Rowray said her legislation would exempt foster families from additional eligibility requirements for CCDF vouchers that apply to non-foster families to give them equal access.
Rowray encourages all constituents to share their thoughts and input on this legislation by visiting her website at in.gov/h35 or calling 317-232-9748.
House Bill 1248 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. 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.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) presents her legislation to expand child care assistance for foster families on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse. House Bill 1248 would expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program and offer additional support for foster families.
