During the 1890s, due to dwindling number of Civil War orphans, the Indiana law establishing the Home was amended to admit any student who had a close relative such as a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent who served in the military services of the United States.

It was not only for "at-risk" children; it was also a tool for young people to have freedom from independent living in a boarding school environment.

Students could earn money starting at the age of 14 by working in the Barn, Cafeteria, the radio station, and barber shop, among other things.

The stated mission of ISSCH was "to be a safe mentoring community where Indiana's at-risk youth are given opportunities to excel".

[2] HYCA is a quasi-residential program designed to provide structure and life skills to students aged 16 to 18 who have dropped out of high school.