Thank you for your interest!
Below you will find information on foster care and adoption to gain a better understanding of the process. If you have questions or would like to start the process, please contact Allie Hulsmann at allie.hulsmann@jfs.ohio.gov or 440-285-1205. Or follow the link to input your information: https://forms.office.com/g/dxS7NRq693
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is temporary care provided to children in need. When GCJFS receives temporary custody of a child, we first look to see if there are any family or friends (kinship) placements for the child/children. If kinship is not available, we then look to licensed foster homes. Children are removed from their homes when they are abused, neglected, or identified as being dependent and their parents are unable to provide for their safety.
What is the current need?
GCJFS has an urgent need for foster families to care for children of all ages. There is an increased need for families willing to care for sibling groups and teenagers at this time.
Who can become a Foster Parent?
To become a licensed foster parent, you can/must be:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Married, single, divorced, widowed, or in a relationship.
- Can rent or own a home/apartment.
- Must be financially stable and meet your household expenses.
- Must live within 30 miles of the agency.
- With or without your own children.
- Commitment to caring for children.
What is the process to become a Foster/Adopt Parent?
- Attend an optional Information Meeting.
GCJFS offers individual and group virtual information meetings where GCJFS staff go over the process to become a foster/adopt parent, explain some of the responsibilities of foster parents, and answer any questions prospective foster parents may have. This is optional, however, it is recommended to help you determine if fostering is right for you.
- Attend Pre-service Training
Prospective Foster/Adopt parents are required to go through a Pre-service training series. Online and in-person trainings are available. In order to register for Pre-Service Training, you must set up an online account in our Child & Adult Protective Services Learning Management System (CAPS LMS). Once your account is set up, you will be able to register for trainings, submit evaluations and track your progress. If you are interested in starting Pre-service Training, please reach out to Allie Hulsmann at allie.hulsmann@jfs.ohio.gov
- Application, Paperwork, and Background Check
Once you have completed all the trainings, we will send out an application and information on paperwork and documents you will need to provide. Once the application is turned in, we will conduct a background check (fingerprints) at no cost to you.
- Complete the Home Study Process
GCJFS Home Assessor/Licensing Specialist will conduct a home study. During this process, you will discuss your family dynamics, parenting styles and what age and gender of children you wish to care for. Additionally, the Home Assessor will complete a safety audit of your home and review additional paperwork and other supporting documentation with you.
Once the home study is complete, GCJFS makes the recommendation for licensure, and you become licensed for foster care with an approval for adoption with the State of Ohio.
If you have additional questions regarding this process, please reach out to Allie Hulsmann at allie.hulsmann@jfs.ohio.gov or follow the link https://forms.office.com/g/dxS7NRq693
