Bill > HB1443

This bill modifies Indiana law to establish eligibility for maintenance payments for unlicensed kinship caregivers, who are relatives providing care to children under a court order without being licensed foster parents. The bill defines a "maintenance payment" as a comprehensive financial support that covers essential needs such as food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, personal incidentals, liability insurance, and travel expenses for child visitation and school continuity. Under the new provisions, unlicensed kinship caregivers will be entitled to receive maintenance payments calculated in the same manner as licensed foster parents, with the Department of Child Services having the discretion to require foster care training as a condition for receiving these payments. Currently, foster family homes must be licensed for the department to recommend placement or pay for placement costs, but this bill creates an exception for unlicensed kinship caregivers, recognizing the important role relatives can play in providing stable care for children in the child welfare system. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving the state time to prepare for implementing these new provisions.

Education

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1443/details