Foster Parent Training Indiana: RAPT Modules, Hours, and What to Expect

If you have started looking into foster care in Indiana, you have probably run into conflicting information about the training requirements. Some sources say TIPS-MAPP. Others say RAPT. Some mention 30 hours. Others say 10. The confusion is understandable -- Indiana's training program has evolved, and most online guides have not kept up.

Here is what is actually required in 2026, with the exact modules, time commitments, and registration steps straight from the Department of Child Services (DCS) policy.

RAPT: Indiana's Current Pre-Service Training Program

Indiana DCS has transitioned from the older TIPS-MAPP curriculum to RAPT -- Resource and Adoptive Parent Training. If you see references to TIPS-MAPP on older websites or in Facebook groups, that information is outdated. RAPT is the current standard for all prospective foster and adoptive parents licensing through DCS or a Licensed Child-Placing Agency (LCPA).

The pre-service requirement for foster care licensing is 10 hours of RAPT training, split across three modules. A fourth module exists specifically for families pursuing adoption and can be completed later.

The Four RAPT Modules

For foster care licensing, you need to complete RAPT I, II, and III -- totaling 10 hours. RAPT IV adds another 6 hours and is mandatory only if you plan to adopt through the foster care system. Most families complete RAPT IV later in the process if a child in their care becomes legally free for adoption.

What Each Module Covers

RAPT I -- Introduction to DCS. This is your orientation to the Indiana child welfare system. It covers the structure of DCS, the role of foster parents as part of the child's care team, how placements work, and the legal framework under Indiana Code IC 31-27. This is trainer-led, meaning you attend a scheduled session with an instructor, either in person at a DCS regional office or via video conference.

RAPT II -- Effects of Abuse and Neglect. This is the only module you complete on your own schedule. It is delivered through the Indiana University (IU) Canvas system -- a self-paced online learning platform. The content focuses on understanding trauma, how abuse and neglect affect child development, and what behavioral patterns to expect in children entering foster care. You will need your Regional Foster Care Specialist (RFCS) to set up your IU guest account before you can access the coursework.

RAPT III -- Discipline, Attachment, and Family. This trainer-led session covers trauma-informed behavioral management (corporal punishment is strictly prohibited in Indiana foster homes), building healthy attachments with foster children, managing the impact of fostering on your existing family, and communicating with biological families and caseworkers.

RAPT IV -- Adoption Training. Covers the legal process of adoption through DCS, including Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), the adoption home study, subsidies and financial assistance, and post-adoption support. Not required for initial foster care licensing.

How to Register for RAPT Training

Registration depends on which modules you need:

For RAPT I and III (trainer-led sessions): Email [email protected] to find available dates and locations. Sessions are held at DCS regional offices across Indiana and are also offered virtually. Class sizes are limited, so register early -- scheduling delays are one of the most common reasons licensing timelines slip.

For RAPT II (online): Your RFCS will provide instructions for creating an IU guest account and accessing the Canvas course. Do not try to sign up on your own through Indiana University's website -- the foster care RAPT II course is not publicly listed. You need the specific registration link from your DCS contact.

If you are licensing through an LCPA like The Villages of Indiana, Bethany Christian Services, or Firefly Children and Family Alliance, your agency may run their own RAPT sessions. The content is the same, but the scheduling and registration process goes through your agency instead of DCS directly.

Medical Training Requirements (In Addition to RAPT)

RAPT alone does not satisfy all pre-service training requirements. Before your license can be issued, you must also complete:

CPR and First Aid Certification. This must include adult, child, and pediatric airway obstruction under American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. The certification is valid for two years and must be kept current throughout your licensing period. You can complete this through the Red Cross, local hospitals, or community organizations. Online-only CPR courses are generally not accepted -- the hands-on skills demonstration component is required.

Universal Precautions / Blood-borne Pathogens Training. This is a shorter training that covers safe handling of bodily fluids, infection prevention, and basic health safety in a caregiving environment. It must be completed annually, not just at initial licensing.

Both of these can be completed concurrently with RAPT -- you do not need to finish RAPT first.

Ongoing Training: 15 Hours Per Year

Licensing is not a one-time event. Indiana requires licensed foster parents to complete 15 hours of in-service training every year to maintain their license. For therapeutic foster parents, the requirement increases to 20 hours annually.

The format rules matter:

• At least 7 hours must be completed in person (face-to-face sessions)
• Up to 8 hours can be earned through online courses, reading approved books, or watching educational videos
• Alternative credit must be documented using Form SF 52643 and verified by your RFCS or LCPA

DCS publishes an Approved Alternative In-Service Training List that specifies which online courses, books, and video resources qualify for credit. Not everything that seems relevant counts -- check the approved list before investing time in a training that will not be accepted.

Popular in-service training topics include trauma-informed care, managing behavioral challenges, cultural competency, LGBTQ-affirming care, medication management, and educational advocacy for foster children.

Common Training Mistakes That Delay Licensing

Waiting too long to schedule RAPT I and III. These trainer-led sessions have limited availability, especially in rural regions. Families who wait until their background checks come back before registering for training can add two to three months to their licensing timeline. Start scheduling RAPT sessions the same week you submit your application.

Not getting the IU Canvas account set up promptly. RAPT II is self-paced, which sounds flexible -- but you cannot start it until your RFCS provides the registration details. If your RFCS is overloaded (and they often are, given DCS workload levels), this step can stall. Follow up proactively.

Letting CPR certification lapse. If your CPR expires during the licensing process, you will need to recertify before your license can be issued. Set a calendar reminder.

Assuming LCPA training replaces DCS RAPT. If you switch from one LCPA to another, or from an LCPA to DCS-direct licensing, confirm that your completed training transfers. In most cases it does, but administrative handoffs between agencies can create documentation gaps.

What Training Does Not Prepare You For

RAPT is a solid foundation, but experienced Indiana foster parents will tell you it does not fully prepare you for:

• Navigating the KidTraks financial portal (the state's invoicing system for per diem payments)
• Understanding the practical differences between DCS regional offices
• Managing the emotional weight of a child's first night in your home
• Dealing with the biological family's case timeline and court hearings

These are the areas where having a comprehensive resource beyond the classroom material makes the biggest difference. The Indiana Foster Care Licensing Guide covers the practical, day-to-day realities that training only touches on, including a step-by-step walkthrough of KidTraks, a home inspection self-assessment checklist, and a first-placement preparation guide.

The Bottom Line on Indiana Foster Care Training

The training commitment for Indiana foster care licensing is manageable: 10 hours of RAPT across three modules, plus CPR/First Aid and Universal Precautions. You can realistically complete everything within four to six weeks if you register early and stay on top of scheduling.

The annual 15-hour in-service requirement is ongoing, but it is designed to make you a better caregiver -- and most families find the continued education genuinely useful rather than burdensome.

If you are ready to start the process, the Indiana Foster Care Licensing Guide includes a training timeline planner, registration contact details for all 18 DCS regions, and a checklist that tracks every requirement from RAPT registration through final license approval.

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