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.
If you’d like additional resources, please visit https://fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ofc/