our mission

The IDAG Foster and Adoption Care ministry will activate and equip Indiana churches to engage with vulnerable families in their communities and around the state.

psalm 68:6


GOD MAKES A HOME FOR THE LONELY


what we do

Our strategy is to work with churches to help them connect to foster care and adoption services and organizations, train churches how to create an effective and sustainable foster care and adoption ministry within their local church, and finally to be a constant resource for churches as they work to make a difference in the lives of kids in the system through a growing library of online resources, coaching relationships, and conferences. 

  • connect


    THE IDAG Foster and Adoption Care ministry HELPS CONNECT THE CHURCH WITH NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES and resources. THESE PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE BEDROCK FOR A STRONG FOSTER CARE/ADOPTION MINISTRY WITHIN THE LOCAL CHURCH. We ALSO CONNECT CHURCHES AND INDIVIDUALS TO RESOURCES AND TOOLS THAT EQUIPS THEM TO GET INVOLVED IN CARING FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN and families. 

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  • train


    THE IDAG Foster and Adoption Ministry in partnership with the Home Initiative, OFFERS A CHURCH WORKSHOP TO EDUCATE, TRAIN, PLAN, AND IMPLEMENT A FORMALIZED FOSTER CARE/ADOPTION MINISTRY WITHIN THE LOCAL CHURCH. THIS WORKSHOP WILL EQUIP THE LOCAL CHURCH TO BUILD A MINISTRY THAT IS BOTH EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE.

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  • equip


    AS CHURCHES GET INVOLVED IN CARING FOR THE VULNERABLE CHILDREN and families IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, the IDAG Foster and Adoption ministry IS AVAILABLE FOR ON-GOING SUPPORT, RESOURCES, TRAINING AND COLLABORATION.

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changing indiana, one child at a time


resources

  • county numbers


    To see your county's numbers click the picture above. 

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  • survey report

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  • training


    receive training to formalize a foster care support ministry within your church


    online through

    HANDS OF HOPE


    in-person through

    THE HOME INITIATIVE

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  • care portal


    Care Portal is an amazing tool to help your church connect with at risk families in your community. Click the picture above to learn more. 

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  • royal family kids camp


    Royal Family KIDS Camp fosters resiliency, self-esteem, hope and positive memories. To learn more click the picture above. 

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  • foster/adoptive family camp


    coming spring 2024


    Our IDAG Foster and Adoption Care team will be running a weekend for the whole family to come and be refreshed and renewed.

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  • leadership conference


    coming summer 2024


    A one-day conference for pastors and leaders who serve vulnerable and at-risk families. This one-day event will help to encourage and equip those current leaders and those who may be interested in leading a ministry in this mission field.

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  • shauna whidden

    THE HOME INITIATIVE  |   roundedemail 


    Shauna has spent years in the world of social services. She began her work in caring for vulnerable children as a missionary's kid in Africa. As an adult she has worked in children's residential facilities, worked as an adoption case worker for a private adoption agency, and spent time working as the program director for a foster care church training organization. Along with being the director of the Home Initiative, Shauna also serves the Indiana District Assemblies of God as the District Foster Care and Adoption Ministry Director. She and her husband, Nathan, serve their local church and are raising six children.