Every child deserves a safe, supportive home where they are valued and given the chance to thrive. For children and adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges, the Indiana Foster Care Mentor Program offers a unique path to healing and stability. This program, run by Indiana MENTOR, connects young people with dedicated foster parents, known as Mentors, who provide personalized care and guidance within a nurturing family environment.
The Indiana Foster Care Mentor Program is built on the understanding that each child’s journey is unique. It begins with the creation of Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), carefully developed with input from the child, their Mentor, case managers, family members, and guardians. These plans ensure that the support provided is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each young person. Exceptional Clinical Coordinators are central to this process, focusing on achieving permanency for each child, whether that means reunification with their family, adoption, or successful independent living.
The program provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to support both the child and the Mentor. These include therapy and counseling services to address emotional and mental health needs, family and community-based activities to foster connection and belonging, and advocacy within court and school systems to ensure the child’s voice is heard. Furthermore, the program offers 24-hour emergency on-call support for Mentors, case management, ongoing skill development and education for foster parents, and continuous program oversight to maintain high standards of care. Participants also benefit from access to a broader continuum of care and seamless program transfers when needed.
A teenage boy smiles gently, representing the positive impact of the Indiana Foster Care Mentor Program on youth.
The Indiana Foster Care Mentor Program is specifically designed for youth who require a higher level of support than traditional foster care can provide. It serves children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds who have experienced challenging life events such as abuse, neglect, trauma, or multiple placements. These young individuals often face mental health diagnoses and exhibit emotional and behavioral difficulties requiring specialized and ongoing therapeutic intervention.
Through the dedicated Mentors and comprehensive support system of the Indiana Foster Care Mentor Program, young people gain the stability, comfort, and self-assurance they need to build healthy relationships and reach their full potential. These positive connections with caring adults are the foundation of the program’s success, empowering youth to heal and build brighter futures within their own communities.
