The state of Ohio always needs foster parents ready to step in and care for children in need! Here’s how to become a foster parent in Ohio.
Becoming a foster parent in Ohio is a selfless act. Not only is it selfless, it’s also needed. According to the Children’s Bureau, there are over 15,000 children in foster care in the state.
Opening your home to a child in foster care can make a profound difference in their life.Just ask Sheronda Glenn, a foster parent in Ohio:
"I look forward to cooking for you and doing fun things with you. Most of all, I hope to hear your hopes and dreams for your future and be a person you can trust to help you reach your goals."
An important part of the journey to becoming a foster parent in Ohio is understanding the state requirements and responsibilities. This allows families to prepare for the commitment and reward of welcoming a child in foster care.
At its core, being a foster parent means creating a space in which a child in foster care feels secure, comfortable, and can heal from any potential trauma they’ve experienced.
Foster parents need to create a home environment that is safe and full of love.
They also need to provide children in foster care with the foundation for healthy growth. This includes nutritious, regular meals, a comfortable place to lay their heads, and opportunities to participate in fun activities and hobbies.
A foster home offers many of the simple things that help a child in foster care live a normal, stable life and feel included.
It’s exactly how Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland foster parent, puts it in her letter to her child in care:
"We want you to feel safe and loved in our home. We understand that this may be a new and unfamiliar environment for you, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way."
Kids enter foster care in Ohio for various reasons, such as neglect or parental illness. In some cases, you’ll be providing stability in the life of a child who has never experienced a healthy home environment. You may even be their first example of a healthy relationship.
Teaching and modeling positive relationships is particularly important for a child in foster care.
Foster parents should build connections with the child and, when possible, help them reconnect with their birth parents.
For many children in foster care, especially those in therapeutic foster care, building relationships with people can be hard at first. However, love and understanding from foster parents can help kids in foster care develop long-lasting relationships.
Kids in foster care may, understandably, have more complex emotional needs. As a foster parent, you can help them learn healthy ways to acknowledge and act on their feelings.
Children in foster care often require additional patience and support to manage their emotions, especially if they have been through trauma. Foster parents have access to educational opportunities that teach necessary skills to provide this kind of support.
Pre-placement sessions (also known as preservice sessions) are required information sessions for any foster parent. These programs offer many benefits, and connecting with foster parent communities can be valuable resources in addressing emotional needs.
By creating a sense of safety, love, and inclusion in the family, foster parents help these children heal.
Tacole Robinson, a foster parent with Mentor Foster Care, highlights this beautifully:
"I just love to see how wonders can happen and how we can be in awe of what can happen when children are nurtured, when they're supported, where they're loved."
Unfortunately, children in foster care are one of the groups most at risk in terms of high school completion rates. In addition, NFYI states that just 3-4% of children in foster care obtain a four-year college degree.
Like all kids, children in foster care benefit from educational support. By collaborating with teachers and other professionals, foster parents can facilitate the academic success of a child in foster care.
This collaboration helps address the child’s unique needs and overcome any school-related challenges.
In his heartfelt letter to his child in foster care, Bill Ewolt affirms:
"You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to, and I will be here to cheer you on every step of the way."
One of the main priorities of being a foster parent is helping to prepare a child or teenager in foster care to navigate adulthood.
Foster parents play a big role in providing emotional support and teaching important life skills that every adolescent needs when they start living on their own. This includes showing teens in foster care how to manage money, care for themselves, and understand the support available once they leave foster care.
The concept of “normalcy” is also emphasized for foster parents in Ohio to encourage kids in their care to participate in academic, social, and enrichment activities. This participation is key to emotional and developmental progress into adulthood.
Unfortunately, many children in Ohio age out of foster care. Data from the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services show the number to be around 1,000 a year. They often aren’t prepared to navigate the world as adults and may be unaware of important resources that can help.
For example, Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services offers a voluntary program called Bridges for young adults transitioning from foster care to independence. Foster parents can ensure that teenagers have the confidence and knowledge to access such resources.
Ohio’s basic requirements for foster parents are:
Foster parents need to be in good physical and mental health to care for a child in need:
All foster parents in Ohio must provide references and submit to background checks — this ensures that a child in foster care is placed in a safe and proper home.
Foster parents must have enough income for their household’s cost of living. This financial stability reflects that they can meet their own basic needs and shelter costs.
To cover the cost of parenting a child in foster care, Ohio foster parents receive a stipend each month.
Every foster home must be a safe environment for children to thrive. This includes having enough space, working utilities, and proper safety measures to ensure your home is hazard free.
Bedrooms should be a safe and comfortable space for children in foster care.
Here are some of the requirements for bedrooms in Ohio:
Transportation is important for foster parents and the children in their care. You don’t have to own a car to foster in Ohio, but you must provide proper transportation for medical appointments, school, and other activities.
When it comes being a foster parent, transportation requirements include:
The steps to become a foster parent might feel like a lot, but in the end, they’re worth it.
If you’re ready to change a child’s life for the better – while unlocking purpose in your own life – here is a step-by-step breakdown on becoming a foster parent in Ohio.
The first step is to select a foster care organization to partner with near you. In Ohio, foster parents must go through the process and be certified by a private organization or county public children’s services organization.
Choosing a foster care organization ensures that you receive accurate information and support with each step.
Mentor Foster Care, a part of the Sevita family, helps prospective foster parents in Ohio with the application process and to become foster parents.
You can also get answers to any questions you might have about fostering along the way!
You can find offices across the state, including therapeutic foster care providers:
Once you’ve chosen a foster care organization to partner with, they can help you fill out the application.
During this stage, you’ll also need to provide references and submit to a background check — these are important steps to ensure the safety of children in foster care.
Becoming a foster parent involves taking part in preplacement sessions to help you provide the best possible care for a child in need.
In Ohio, these preservice sessions take 24 hours total, and teach you about foster care, adoption, and important rules and regulations. They help you learn how to care for kids who have been abused or neglected and explain how the child welfare system works.
Different places offer these sessions at different times, including evenings and weekends.
Every state in the U.S. requires a home study — including Ohio. During a home study, a social worker will make sure that your home meets safety standards and is a nurturing environment for a child in foster care.
They will also learn about your family dynamics, lifestyle and reasons for wanting to be a foster parent.
As a process, the home study can take a few months to gather a lot of information, so patience and flexibility is important. The outcome of a child in foster care entering a safe and welcoming environment is worth it!
Among the many steps involved in a home study, prospective foster parents in Ohio can expect:
You must also provide required financial and medical statements as well as references.
According to Ohio’s administrative code, Rule 5180:2-7-12, the safety requirements for your home include:
Once the entire process is completed and everything has been approved, you will receive a foster care license. This is a rewarding moment and allows the matching process to begin so you can welcome a child.
Once you’ve been approved and have your foster parent license, the matching process begins.
This is where your unique strengths, preferences, and family dynamics are carefully considered to find the best match for both you and the child in foster care. You may indicate some preferences, such as the child’s age and gender, though doing so can affect the time it takes for placement.
The goal is to place a child in your home where they can thrive emotionally and physically. You'll work closely with your caseworker to ensure the child placed with you aligns with your family’s needs and capabilities, creating the best possible environment for everyone involved.
Placement is when a child is officially welcomed into your home.
You’ll receive all the essential information about the child, including their background, needs, and any specific care requirements. During this time, your caseworker will provide ongoing support to help ease the transition for both you and the child.
For example, support from an organization like Mentor Foster Care continues well beyond placement. They provide a network of coordinators and services such as 24/7 emergency help and additional education programs.
Even after placement occurs for a child in foster care, foster parents need to continue with preservice sessions. The state of Ohio requires foster parents to do 30 hours of sessions every two years or 45 hours for special care.
You can find out more about these courses from the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program.
When you become a foster parent in Ohio, you’re not alone.
The state offers many different ways to support foster parents and ensure they can provide the best care for children in their homes.
Foster parents in Ohio receive a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of caring for a child.
The amount of the stipend depends on the child's age and needs. These funds can be used for everyday expenses like food, clothing, and transportation for the child in care. There may be higher stipends available for children with special needs or those in therapeutic care.
Ohio provides child care assistance to help foster parents who need it.
This program helps cover the cost of child care services, making it easier for foster parents to balance their caregiving duties with their personal and professional lives.
All children in foster care in Ohio are eligible for Medicaid, which covers a wide range of medical and dental services.
This ensures that children in foster care receive necessary health care without placing a financial burden on foster parents. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, dental care, and vision care.
Foster parents are encouraged to find medical providers who accept Medicaid to maximize these benefits.
Knowing how to become a foster parent is important. However, you may also wonder what disqualifies someone from becoming a foster parent in Ohio.
Some of the top examples include:
The process to become a foster parent can vary, but it typically takes several months.
This includes completing the application, attending preservice sessions, and undergoing a home study. Certain elements, such as your preferences for the matching process, can impact the timeline. Working with an organization like Mentor Foster Care can help streamline the process.
A home study is an evaluation of your home environment conducted by a social worker to ensure it’s safe and nurturing for a child in foster care.
It includes background checks, paperwork, interviews with your family, and a review of your reasons for wanting to become a foster parent. A home study ensures that your home meets all requirements and that everything is in order.
Foster parents can specify preferences for the age, gender, and other characteristics of the child they wish to foster.
However, it’s important to remain flexible — becoming a foster parent is about helping children in need and discovering the impact you can make with such a life-changing commitment.
For example, many foster parents who hadn’t considered caring for teens in foster care have found the joy and reward involved in those relationships. Each child is an individual, deserving of the love and guidance you can provide.
As a foster parent, you may have some involvement with the birth family, depending on the child’s case plan. This can range from coordinating visits to sharing updates about the child's well-being.
The level of involvement varies with each situation. Your support in maintaining this connection can make a positive difference in the child’s emotional health and the overall goal of reunification, when appropriate.
Foster parents can support a child’s education by working closely with teachers and school counselors, creating a comfortable learning environment at home, and helping with any special educational needs.
This collaboration helps ensure the child receives the support they need to succeed in school.
Yes - foster to adopt in Ohio is one of the best ways to adopt a child for those who want to give a child a forever home. You’ll need to meet many of the same requirements as becoming a foster parent in the state.
Do you have questions about how to become a foster parent in Ohio?
Get advice from an expert. Talk to a foster care expert to understand what you can expect for your specific situation and begin the foster parent journey in Ohio.
You can make an important difference in the life of a child in foster care, with expert help along the way.
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