Allen County Children Services

About Foster Care

Interested in learning more about Fostering?

First off, thank you! Ohio has more than 2,800 children looking for a permanent home. In Allen County, please contact us about local children looking for a family to give them shelter, safety and love.

What type of families are needed?

We need all kinds of families, but most importantly, we need:

  • Families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children.
  • Families who are willing to provide a home for emotionally or behaviorally challenged youth.
  • Families who are willing to take children with special medical needs.
  • Families who are willing to take children on an emergency basis.
  • Families that will take in sibling groups.
  • Families who are willing to foster children with developmental disabilities or handicapped children, pregnant teens, adolescents, mother/baby groups and drug-affected infants.

How do I become a Foster Parent?

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services requires that all foster parents be licensed.

  • You need to be 18 or older
  • You can be married, single or a co-parent.

The licensing process includes:

  • An interview with a licensing specialist (home study)
  • Pre-service training
  • A medical report
  • References
  • A check of the physical condition of your home, along with a fire inspection.