New data shows entries into Indiana's foster care system increased by 30%, from just more than 6,000 children to nearly 7,900 children, between 2023 and 2024 as the national average fell from 2%.

The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System defines an entry as a child who “began an out-of-home care episode” during the time period, which follows the federal fiscal year from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.

Between 2023 and 2024, the overall number of children in foster care, measured by those children in care on the last day of the fiscal year, grew from 10,500 children to nearly 12,000 children – a 13% increase.

Nationally, the number of children in foster care during the time fell 3%.

Indiana Department of Child Services Director Adam Krupp called the statistic a “snapshot in time,

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