The Children's Guardian Home has served the Indianapolis, Marion County areas for more than a century. Founded in 1898, the Guardian Home has traditionally offered shelter care for more than 150,000 dependent, neglected, battered and abused youngsters.

The Home is licensed by the State Division of Family and Children to care for 80 children ranging in age from infancy to eighteen years. The population of the Home fluctuates considerably depending on the season of the year, the general economic climate and the extent of unemployment within the community. The Home is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and provides a staff of 56 people ranging in abilities from maintenance to social work. Staff responsibilities include direct care and supervision of the children, maintenance, recreational planning, tutorial assistance, counseling and numerous social work services. In 2005, 1,453 children were admitted to the care and custody of the Guardian Home. The average daily population in 2005 was 37.4 children, with an average length in residence of 10.1 days.