10 Steps to Adoption

36 hours of training, divided into 12, three-hour sessions. Course Descriptions
We offer seven courses per year, at different times and locations around the county. Training Schedule
All spouses and live-in partners must attend training, but children are not allowed.
Training is valid for 12 months.
Completing training does not certify for foster care or adoption, see below.

At the first pre-service session, trainers will hand out applications and explain the process.
You must complete and return the application while attending pre-service.
When you submit your application and paperwork, one of our support staff will conduct a short interview, notarize your application and take fingerprints for your background check.
All household members over the age of 18 must have proper ID and be fingerprinted.

Your home study will begin after you submit your application.
The study can take four to six months.
Adoption assessors will interview you several times, and visit your house on multiple occasions.
Your home must meet safety site regulations and pass a fire inspection.
You must submit several types of documentation, including health records, income verification, and more as required by the Ohio Administrative Code.

Once the home study is completed successfully, your family is approved to adopt and may begin the search process.

An adoption assessor and child protection specialist work together to determine the current and future needs of each child waiting for a home.
They will then select one or more families who would best meet the long-term needs of each child or sibling group.

Presentation

Once selected, your family will meet with the adoption assessor and the child’s case worker, who will share pictures and information about the child.
You can take this information home and talk to your family about adding a new family member.
If you wish to proceed, the adoption assessor and child protection specialist will arrange an introductory meeting between you and the child.

If you decide to continue with the adoption process, the agency will arrange meet and greets between the child’s current foster family and potential adoptive family.
These meetings are held at both the potential adopter’s home and the child’s current home.
Your family will visit with the child in increasing time increments, starting at a one-hour visit, building up to a half day, then a full day, and eventually to weekend visits in the home of the new family.

Moving Day!

The big day arrives and the child or children move in and become part of your family.
Social workers may visit weekly to check in, help with the move, and offer any support, assistance, or services that you or the child need.

The family, child, and social service worker meet with a Judge or Magistrate to discuss details about the adoption.
Everyone gets to participate.
If everyone agrees, the judge will finalize the adoption.
You and your new child or children are officially and legally a family!

The agency will continue to offer your new family support services, including training classes, support groups, and referrals to community agencies.

If you are a licensed Foster Caregiver or approved Adoptive Family requesting information about a specific child submit an inquiry and we’ll follow up with you.
If you are not a licensed Foster Caregiver or approved Adoptive Family please submit this interest form and we’ll get back to you.