Four Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent
Pre-Service Training
- 36 hours of training, divided into 12, three-hour sessions. Course Descriptions
- Courses are offered seven times per year at a variety of times and multiple locations around the county. Training Schedule
- All spouses and live-in partners must attend training, but children are not allowed.
- Training is good for 12 months.
- Completing training does not certify for foster care/adoption, see below.
Application Submission
- 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.
The Home Study
- Your home study will begin after you submit your application.
- The study can take four to six months.
- A home study social service worker 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.
Placement Expectations
- The amount of time between approval and your first placement will vary.
- When considering a foster placement, we look at the factors you identified: the number of children, sex, age, and characteristics.
- 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.