Rep. Jack Jordan recognizes Foster Care Awareness Month, highlights recent legislative support for foster families

Monday, May 18, 2026 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

As May marks Foster Care Awareness Month across the country, State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) is calling attention to the children, families, and advocates who make Indiana's foster care system work — and highlighting recent legislative steps taken to better support them.

"This is a time to recognize the children, families, caseworkers, and advocates working to ensure every child has the opportunity for safety, stability, and a permanent home," Jordan said in a recent release. "To those Hoosier families who've stepped up and carried our youngest citizens forward to realizing their full potential, thank you!"

Jordan pointed to meaningful progress made during the last legislative session, including the establishment of a Foster Youth Bill of Rights through Senate Enrolled Act 15 — legislation he supported. The measure is designed to ensure that young people in foster care better understand their rights and have access to clearer information, stronger support systems, and greater transparency throughout their experience in care.

"Through Senate Enrolled Act 15, which I supported, we established a Foster Youth Bill of Rights to help ensure young people in foster care understand their rights and have access to clearer information, stronger support, and greater transparency," Jordan said.

In 2025, Jordan also supported House Enrolled Act 1248, which expanded childcare assistance for foster families by reserving 200 Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers. The vouchers are intended to help Hoosier foster parents access affordable, reliable childcare — addressing one of the practical challenges that can make fostering more difficult for working families.

Adding to those efforts, the state recently announced an expansion of paid parental leave for state employees to include foster child placement, further recognizing the commitment and sacrifice that foster families make when welcoming a child into their home.

Residents interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or finding ways to support the foster care community can visit in.gov/dcs/foster-care.