N-B Links: Wells in need of foster parents

Last fall the News-Banner published a 10-day, 12-part series on drugs in Wells County. A year later, we re-examine the continuing impact drugs have in our community.

The second part in a two-part series: Monday, Nov. 17 – Wells County Department of Child Services representatives talk about how substance abuse is playing a key role in the increasing need for foster parents in Wells County, while the Wells Circuit Court judge talks about the increasing number of children in need of services (CHINS) filings.

Also, hear from a new foster family about their decision to open their home to children who need it.


The Wells County Department of Child Services office has scheduled an open house for those interested in foster parenting. The event is slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the office – 221 W. Market St. For more information from DCS on foster parenting, click here.

Year              # of CHINS cases

2008---------------------9
2009--------------------30
2010--------------------15
2011--------------------17
2012--------------------42
2013--------------------57
    2014--------------------86   

Source: Wells Circuit Court

To get a sense of the CHINS process, view the following 3-page flow chart. (Click to enlarge.)

For more information on the first part of the two-part series, click here, and pick up the Saturday, Nov. 15, News-Banner.