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Zay: CarePortal celebrates first year in Indiana

STATEHOUSE (March 4, 2020) — Indiana's CarePortal pilot program recently celebrated its first year of operation, said State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington). The CarePortal is a technology platform that connects the Department of Child Services (DCS) and faith-based community programs to strengthen child welfare resources in communities.

During the 2019 legislative session, Zay authored Senate Enrolled Act 365 to establish the CarePortal pilot program to help combat a growing number of DCS cases in the state.

"We know throwing money at an issue doesn't always solve the problem, which is why I pushed for the CarePortal, a unique solution that provides immediate resources to at-risk children by connecting key community stakeholders," Zay said.

The pilot program began in Lawrence Township and has since expanded to all of Marion County, serving 137 children in crisis with the support of a dozen community churches, which has resulted in more than $47,000 of economic impact.

"I was confident Hoosiers would work together to create a support system for our at-risk children," Zay said. "The success of the CarePortal pilot program shows us that the platform is an effective tool in uniting local churches, nonprofits and child welfare agencies in their mission to protect vulnerable children and strengthen families. I look forward to the positive impacts the CarePortal will continue to have as it expands to more communities across our state."

To learn more about the CarePortal and the impacts it has on Indiana communities, visit CarePortal.org.

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