The Indiana Children's Trust Fund was established by the Indiana General Assembly in 1994. Legislation called for the design and issuance of a Children's Trust Fund license plate. "KIDS FIRST" license plates became available in January 1995. The Children's Trust Fund receives their monies from the sale of the "KIDS FIRST" license plates. This money is then granted to community programs throughout the State of Indiana for projects addressing prevention of child abuse and neglect.
In July of 2003, the Children's Trust Fund became the Kids First Trust Fund. Senate Enrolled Act No. 420 made this official change in hopes that the name change will tie the trust fund more directly with the license plates.
The Kids First Trust Fund (KFTF) currently funds programs that are designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. These programs are currently operated by Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, a division of The Villages. The KFTF also currently funds a portion of the statewide Community Partners for Child Safety program.