DCS: Record number of foster children found permanent homes in 2011

The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) announced Tuesday a record number of foster children were adopted in 2011. 

DCS said 1,787 children found permanent homes, with the highest number of children being adopted in December. 

“All these wonderful adoptions were the result of countless child welfare professionals all over Indiana working together,” said James W. Payne, director of DCS, in a news release. “Without the dedication and commitment of our own staff as well as family court judges, community-based care partners, and Guardians ad Litem/CASAs, these children would not have ‘forever homes’ today.  Most of all, this is the result of so many families giving a child a home and making them a part of their heart and family.  To all that helped to make these adoptions possible, a heartfelt ‘thank you.’”

In 2011, DCS said they stepped up their efforts to reunite foster children with their families or find new families for those children who could not return safely to their original home.  DCS said teams focused on “hard-to-place” children, who are typically older, in sibling groups or have special needs. 

The DCS credits Indiana judges in the record number of adoptions in 2011.  Several judges held special court dates in November and December to finalize adoptions in light of National Adoption Awareness Month.  DCS said 598 adoptions were finalized in the last two months of the year.  

The Indiana Heart Gallery also contributed to the success of the DCS in finding permanent homes.  The traveling exhibit featured approximately 40 pictures of foster children with a short biography.

According to the DCS, children who stay in welfare programs for an extended time or do not find a permanent family, have problems adjusting to adulthood.  They said many tend to end up homeless, incarcerated or have unplanned pregnancies. 

Although the DCS experienced success in 2011, they said there are still approximately 300 children in Indiana that need a permanent home. 

Biographies and photos of foster children still seeking a home can be viewed on the DCS website.