The number of children in Indiana’s welfare system right now is nearly double what it was five years ago which has created a critical need for foster parents in the state. Sharon Pierce, President and CEO of The Villages says opioid addictions have contributed to that increase and accounts for nearly 60 percent of Hoosier children entering the welfare system. In 2013 there were roughly 15,000 children in the child welfare system, now there are more than 29,000 children needing support.