Fort Wayne – Conservative businessman Eric Doden praised Indiana State Rep. Tim Wesco’s introduction of HB 1115, which would create a statewide zero-cost adoption fund. Doden, a Republican candidate for Governor, proposed eliminating the financial and bureaucratic burdens on Indiana’s adoptive families. Doden’s zero-cost adoption plan can be found here.

“We proposed a zero-cost adoption plan that would strengthen families and communities and, most importantly, give every Indiana child access to a safe and loving home,” Doden said. “I am grateful for Rep. Wesco’s leadership in proposing a zero-cost adoption policy and urge the legislature to pass this important legislation this session.”

Approximately 13,000 children today call foster care home in Indiana, with many hoping for adoption. Currently, the national average cost of foster care adoption is $2,744 and, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, an independent adoption can cost anywhere from $15,000-$40,000.