Our Foster families provide children a safe place to live
In the case a child’s parents or other relatives are unable to care for them, we use foster care as a safe living arrangement. Foster care is typically used as a temporary living situation while families are making improvements. More than half of children who enter foster care return to their families. However, sometimes foster care is used as a transition into an adoptive family.
Foster care is most often used after we get a report of child abuse or neglect. Children, from babies to teenagers, are removed because they are unsafe in their homes.
When a child is placed in foster care they need normalcy—as much as can be provided. Foster parents give children in crisis a safe place to stay and live. They must be willing to care for them, both physically and emotionally. They also help them get ready for reunification with their parents or prepare for a permanent placement through adoption.
A message from our foster care supervisor
Fostering in Allen County
Our foster parents are certified through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and receive pre-service and on-going training to work with children placed in their homes. When a child is placed in foster care, we attempt to match the needs of the child with the strengths of the foster family.
The agency pays a per diem to assist with the cost of caring for children placed in foster homes. All therapy and medical care needed by the child are covered by the agency.
Agency foster families also may be approved as adoptive families. If a child is available for adoption and safe, committed relatives are not available, foster parents may be considered as an adoptive placement.
Foster parent testimonials
If you’d like additional resources, please visit https://fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ofc/