Foster/Adoption We are always searching for individuals who believe they can make a difference in the life of a child, either as foster or adoptive parent.
What is foster care?
• Foster care is intended to be temporary and consists of services provided to the children, the biological family and the substitute care giver.
• Reunification with the biological family is the primary goal of foster care.
• Foster parents are trained and supported by the agency to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children until they are able to return to their families.
What is adoption and when can a child be adopted?
• Adoption is a life-long commitment to a child by legally becoming their parent.
• The agency must first be granted permanent custody of the child by Juvenile Court. This occurs once it is determined by the court that reunification efforts have failed and that it would not be in the best interest of the child to be reunited with their biological parents.
• An adoptive family may be a relative, a foster parent, or another family who is approved and licensed to adopt.
What are the requirements to be a foster or adoptive parent?
• You must be 21 years old.
• You may be single, married or divorced
• You may or may not have other children in your home.
• You must have sufficient income to meet the basic needs of your household.
• Security clearances, fingerprints, medical exams and references are required.
• You must complete the mandatory training hours.
Facts regarding foster care and adoption.
• Foster children vary in age, sex, and race, but share one universal need – someone to care for them until they can return home.
• Over 3,000 Ohio children are waiting for the permanency an adoptive home will offer.
• Children who tend to wait the longest for adoptive families include African American children, children over the age of 10 and children who are part of a sibling group.
How can I become a foster parent?
If you are interested in learning more about foster care and/or adoption, please call us at 440-998-1811. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Foster Care and Adoption Brochure 2025