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Hoosier Care Connect to replace Care Select for foster kids

We have been notified that a new Medicaid program will be rolled out to replace Care Select. The new program is called “Hoosier Care Connect,” and is being rolled out for eligible foster children by DCS’s Medicaid Enrollment Unit.

Foster parents will receive a letter outlining these changes (also available here). Some key details are provided below. As always, contact us with any questions you may have.

Highlights of the change

  • Hoosier Care Connect is a new Medicaid program for DCS youth that will replace Care Select
  • As of July 1, 2015, the Care Select program will be going away
  • DCS’s Medicaid Enrollment Unit is responsible for enrolling eligible children on Hoosier Care Connect
  • Initially, only children and youth currently on Care Select that are eligible will be enrolled in Hoosier Care Connect.  DCS is still identifying the best approach for identifying children in out-of-home care that are appropriate for opting in to Hoosier Care Connect.  The immediate focus is on children currently enrolled in Care Select, focusing on those children with multiple needs or special conditions such as asthma or heart problems.

The role of foster parents

  • If the child is enrolled in Hoosier Care Connect, the foster parents will be responsible for assisting in completion of an initial health assessment upon entry into the Hoosier Care Connect program.  This is a questionnaire that may require coordination with the child’s FCM to complete.
  • The Managed Care Entity may also contact foster parents regarding selecting a primary medical provider.

Judge Moores Raises Awareness Around Importance of Foster Homes

Thank you, Judge Moores for bringing awareness to the critical need for more foster homes!

Know someone who is considering fostering? Please have them call 317-893-0207, or email .

Adult and Child Center offers monthly training opportunities for individuals interested in fostering. Our next training is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

TOP Spring Bash is April 22

The Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is hosting a FREE Spring Bash at Garfield Park on April 22, 4:30 – 7 p.m. The evening includes a DJ, free raffle, food, games, prizes, and a service learning opportunity. It will be lots of fun, and is open to students/youth ages 12 – 19.

Learn more here, or call Amanda Reuter at 317-946-9465 or Freddie King at 317-430-6278.

Spring Break Programming for Teens

Adult and Child Center is leading “Be Proud, Be Responsible” – a program for teens ages 15-18. This program explores sexual relationships, teen pregnancy prevention, and STD education. It focuses on values, relationships, communication, influence, goal-setting, decision-making, and comprehensive sexuality education.

Youth will also be given incentives for their participation and provided with links to community resources.

Have your teen join us for a 3-day “Be Proud Be Responsible” group!

What: “Be Proud Be Responsible” is an evidence-based intervention that reduces the risk of HIV, STDs and teen pregnancy.
Who: Youth ages 15-18
Where: Salvation Army Fountain Square, 1337 Shelby St. 46203
When: March 30-April 1
Time: 10am-2pm (per day) Lunch and snacks provided.
How: Registration required; email or call 317-632-6140.

CAFE Indy Offers Activities for Girls, Ages 8-18

CAFE Indy, a resource for families on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis, is offering activities for girls ages 8-18, including:

  • The Talks: this group meets for 18 weekly sessions, with goals to: empower girls to live their dreams; provide girls with positive role-models; educate girls in a safe environment (Self-Image, Self-Respect, Self-Worth, Safe Date, Talks, Bullying, college readiness); build girls’ knowledge and self-esteem; have fun.
    When: Mondays, from 5-7pm /  This program follows the IPS school calendar – if school is in session, they will be meeting as well.
  • Ladies Under Construction: a mentoring program addressing self-image, bullying, manners & etiquette, educational goals, and healthy lifestyles
    When: Tuesdays, from 6-7:30pm.  This program follows the IPS school calendar – if school is in session, they will be meeting as well.

 

Community Alliance of the Far Eastside, Inc. (CAFE) is located at 8902 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226.

Learn more at: http://www.cafeindy.org/youth-programs, or call Lisa Curran at 890-3288 ext.115 for more information.

State Announces Per Diem Increase

We are happy to share that The Indiana Department of Child Services has announced a cost of living increase in per diem amounts for our foster families. The daily increase amounts are: Ages 0 – 4 years: increase of $0.28 per day; Ages 5 – 13 years: increase of $0.30 per day; Ages 14 – 18: increase of $0.35 per day.

This increase is effective beginning January 1, 2015, and will be reflected in your February 2015 deposit/check.

RSVP for Our Holiday Party!

This holiday season, we’re celebrating with our foster families!
In lieu of gift cards this year, we are holding a Foster Family Holiday Party on Saturday, December 6, from 2-5 p.m.

Hosted by Englewood Christian Church, located at 57 N. Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN

Make plans to bring your family!
RSVP by December 1: 317-893-0207 or ; Please give the total number of children and the total number of adults attending.

Please note: This invitation is for all foster families and household members.We cannot accommodate extended family members.

Mark Davy, Foster Care Licensing

I am honored to work with foster families as the foster home licensing specialist for Adult and Child Center. Prior to joining Adult and Child, I worked with the Indiana Department of Child Services for 6 years. In addition to working as a Family Case Manager in Morgan County, I worked as a Foster Care Specialist licensing foster homes and a Foster Care Consultant providing broad foster care program guidance.

It takes a special person and family to foster a child; I have continually been amazed at the resiliency and dedication shown by foster families. I have no doubt this will only continue as I get to know all of those who foster in the Adult and Child family.

About me: I live on the south side of Indianapolis with my wife Jenny, our 2 year old son Caleb and our two Basset Hounds, George and Bo. In my spare time I enjoy doing almost anything outdoors: camping, backpacking, kayaking (my wife not so much).

– Mark Davy

Mark Davy Joins WFYI “No Limits” Panel

If you missed today’s episode of No Limits on WFYI, don’t worry! It’s available online to listen to anytime.

The guests did a wonderful job explaining the challenges that foster youth face, as well as the types of supports that are most helpful.