If this is an emergency
- Call 911 for a police, fire or medical emergency.
- Call or text 988 for a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Indiana FSSA DMHA: 988 Indiana says: “911 remains available for police, fire, and medical emergencies.” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana FSSA DMHA: 988 Indiana says: “a mental health or substance use crisis, please call or text 9-8-8” (checked 2026-10-12)
To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Indiana, call 1-800-800-5556.
- Indiana DCS: DCS Home says: “Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Call 1-800-800-5556” (checked 2026-10-12)
Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.
A child moved in and you need kinship help in Indiana
Ask Kinship Indiana Support Services about caring for a relative or a child with a kinship bond.
Step 1: Clarify the caregiving arrangement
If DCS placed the child with you, ask the family case manager to explain your role and responsibilities. Tell them what you still need to understand.
- Indiana DCS: Kinship Indiana Support Services FAQs says: “The family case manager will explain your caregiving role and responsibilities.” (checked 2026-10-12)
Step 2: Ask the state kinship program for help
The state lists DCS.KinshipCare@dcs.IN.gov for Kinship Indiana Support Services. Ask about the help that fits your arrangement. For resource referrals, call 2-1-1.
- Indiana DCS: Kinship Indiana Support Services says: “please email DCS.KinshipCare@dcs.IN.gov” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana FSSA: Indiana 211 says: “they know they can dial 2-1-1 or visit our website” (checked 2026-10-12)
Step 3: Ask about medical care papers
For a DCS placement, ask the family case manager about the authorization for care and placement letter. Ask what is needed before arranging care.
- Indiana DCS: Kinship Indiana Support Services FAQs says: “You will be provided with an authorization for care and a placement letter” (checked 2026-10-12)
Step 4: Ask DFR about food and health benefits
Tell DFR a child moved in. Ask which changes to report and which application path fits. DFR manages SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. Call 800-403-0864.
- Indiana FSSA DFR: Contact DFR says: “Apply for or manage benefits : SNAP (food assistance), TANF (cash assistance), Medicaid (health coverage), Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana FSSA DFR: Contact DFR says: “Benefits information: toll free 800-403-0864” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana DCS: Kinship Indiana Support Services FAQs says: “If you are already receiving SNAP, you can add the child to your case.” (checked 2026-10-12)
Keep these ready if you have them
- Placement papers or messages you already have
- Questions about food, health care and the caregiving arrangement
Status unknown, call to confirm. Call 2-1-1 before you make plans.
- Indiana FSSA: Indiana 211 says: “they know they can dial 2-1-1 or visit our website” (checked 2026-10-12)
Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.