Section 17: Assistance for a Family’s Basic Needs

POLICY [NEW] The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) believes that families should be financially responsible for ensuring their children’s basic needs are met. In situations where the parents need assistance providing for the basic needs of their children, DCS has determined that the following assistance is available for applicable children:1 1. One (1) month of rent and a one (1) security deposit of up to $750 each. These each have a lifetime cap of $750 each per family; 2. Collective one-time payment for gas, electric, water & sewage utilities assistance of up to $1000 per family; Note: For families in need of mortgage assistance, an additional $750 can be made available for utility assistance in certain circumstances (see Practice Guidance). 3. Up to $200 per lifetime for Pest Control services per family; 4. Up to $400 per lifetime, per child for children’s bed and bedding; and 5. Up to $50 per month per family to cover the cost of parent, guardian and custodian travel (gas card, bus tickets, etc. See Practice Guidance). Note: Questions regarding a family’s use of payments should be directed to the loca