Every Child Needs Family. That’s a theme the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services has maintained for many years. It’s a reminder that every individual child is not just a case, but a young person who needs all the things we get from a family, including love, support, advice, guidance, safety, etc. 

Cuyahoga County children need your help. There are more than 2000 children in DCFS custody through no fault of their own.  Victims of abuse and/or neglect, some may need special care or attention to help them deal with the impact of trauma in their young lives.  Each of these children needs and deserves a family who will love and protect them, but there is a shortage of homes and facilities across Ohio. You can help by becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

What are the requirements?

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Sufficient income to meet your own basic needs.
• Good physical, emotional, and mental health.
• Single or part of a couple in a stable relationship for at least 1 year.
• There are no educational or religious requirements and home ownership is not necessary.

• Am I Ready to Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent? 
• What is Foster Care?
• Steps to Foster Care
• Training
• Support Services
• Helpful Terms and Descriptions
• What is Adoption?
• Steps to Adoption
• Adoptable Kids

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.