What We Do
Our Services
STEPin-stepUP Inc delivers a full continuum of family-centered services in partnership with the Indiana Department of Child Services — meeting families where they are and supporting them toward safety and stability.
Coordinated support delivered directly in the family home.
Home-Based Case Work
Home-Based Case Work places a trained case manager inside the family's own environment to assess needs, connect families with community resources, and monitor progress toward DCS case plan goals. Services are tailored to each family's unique situation and may include safety planning, housing assistance coordination, and regular progress reporting to DCS.
Who We Serve
Families currently open with Indiana DCS who require structured, in-home oversight and support to achieve reunification or maintain family stability.
What to Expect
A case manager will schedule regular home visits, work collaboratively with the family and DCS caseworker, and provide written documentation of progress. Frequency of visits is determined by the DCS case plan.
Strengthening the father-child bond through education and accountability.
Father Engagement
The Father Engagement program is designed to actively involve fathers in their children's lives and in the DCS case planning process. Programming includes father engagement and parent education curriculum, one-on-one coaching, and group sessions that address co-parenting, communication, and the father's role in child development and family stability.
Who We Serve
Fathers involved in open DCS cases who are working toward reunification or increased parenting time with their children.
What to Expect
Participants attend scheduled individual or group sessions facilitated by a trained provider. Progress and attendance are documented and reported to the assigned DCS caseworker.
Intensive, short-term services to keep families safely together.
Family Preservation
Family Preservation is an intensive, time-limited service designed to prevent out-of-home placement by addressing the immediate safety and risk factors present in the home. Services are delivered frequently — often multiple times per week — and focus on crisis stabilization, parenting skill development, safety planning, and connecting families to ongoing community supports.
Who We Serve
Families identified by DCS as being at imminent risk of child removal who have the capacity to safely maintain the family unit with structured intervention.
What to Expect
A Family Preservation specialist will work intensively with the family over a defined service period, typically 6–12 weeks. Services are highly individualized and may include in-home visits, skills coaching, and coordination with DCS and other service providers.
Evidence-based curriculum to build confident, capable parents.
Parent Education
Parent Education services provide structured, curriculum-based instruction covering child development, positive discipline, age-appropriate expectations, household management, and nurturing parent-child relationships. Classes are delivered individually or in group settings and are designed to complement DCS case plan objectives.
Who We Serve
Parents and caregivers involved with Indiana DCS who are required or referred to complete a parent education program as part of their case plan.
What to Expect
Participants complete a defined number of sessions using an evidence-based curriculum. Attendance and participation are documented and a completion certificate is provided upon successful finish. Sessions may be held at our Indianapolis office or in the home.
Practical, hands-on support for daily living and parenting skills.
Homemaker / Parent-Aide
The Homemaker/Parent-Aide service pairs families with a trained aide who provides direct, hands-on assistance with household management, meal preparation, budgeting, and daily routines. The aide also models and coaches positive parenting practices in real time, helping parents build the practical skills needed to maintain a safe and stable home environment.
Who We Serve
Families referred by DCS who need concrete skill-building support in the home, particularly around household functioning and day-to-day parenting tasks.
What to Expect
A trained aide will visit the home on a scheduled basis to work alongside the parent — not simply observe. Sessions are practical and hands-on, with progress reported to the DCS caseworker.
Safe, structured visits that support the parent-child relationship.
Standard & Enhanced Supervised Parenting Time
Supervised Parenting Time (also called supervised visitation) provides a neutral, safe setting for parents and children to spend time together under the observation of a trained supervisor. Standard supervision involves direct observation of the visit with documentation. Enhanced supervision involves a higher level of oversight, including active intervention when necessary, and is used in higher-risk situations as directed by DCS or the court.
Who We Serve
Parents and children involved in DCS cases or family court proceedings where supervised contact has been ordered to ensure child safety during visits.
What to Expect
Visits are scheduled at our Indianapolis office or at an approved community location. A trained supervisor is present for the entire visit and completes a detailed visit report. Reports are provided to DCS and/or the court as required.
Ready to Get Started?
For referrals, service questions, or to speak with a team member, contact us by phone or through our online form.