(INDIANAPOLIS) - Governor Mike Braun is expanding Indiana's paid New Parent Leave policy for state employees to include foster parents.
The announcement was made during Foster Care Awareness Month.
Under the updated policy, eligible state employees who welcome a child into their home through foster care placement will now qualify for paid leave.
Indiana's existing New Parent Leave policy already provides paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child.
Governor Braun said the change is intended to support families who provide foster homes for children in need.
According to the governor's office, the expanded leave policy is part of Braun's "Family First Workplace" initiative aimed at making Indiana more supportive for working families.
The administration says foster parents often need time to help children adjust to a new home, attend appointments, and establish stability during the transition.
The governor's office also pointed to other recent family-related initiatives, including expanded parental leave through Executive Order 25-34, a $200 million investment in child care expansion, and changes to Indiana's employer child care tax credit.