Becoming an Ohio Foster Parent: Time Frame of Application Process

Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding experience. But there are steps you have to take before you can help that first child. In Ohio, this process can take up to a year, depending on which county you reside, how many workers that county has and a few other issues. Yet, each county has a time frame for each step an applicant must take before becoming a foster parent.

Here are the steps you must follow if you want a foster parent applicant in Ohio.

First, you must call your local County Family and Children's Services and ask about pre-service classes. These classes are free to all applicants. Some counties host these classes more often than other counties. Ross County, for example, tries to host four of these classes per year. These classes run for six weeks and are usually two evenings a week, three hours per class. When you ask about these classes, you will be asked for your name and address. That agency will then send you an informational packet that contains information about these classes (dates, times, locations, etc.) as well as some other basic information about becoming a foster/adoptive parent.

After you receive your information packet, you should read through the material. If you are still interested in becoming a foster parent, you must then sign up for pre-service classes. You do not have to take these classes in the same county you reside.

You must, however, take all the classes. If you miss one, you will have to reschedule the miss class when the next classes start.

If you are a married couple interested in becoming foster parents in Ohio, both spouses has to take all classes. This also applies if you are going to team foster with someone other than a spouse.

You do not have to take the classes in the county you reside. You can take the classes in any county and then be licensed in the county you reside. Most people choose to be licensed in the county they reside, but sometimes they choose another county. To decide this, you should speak to a social worker in your county to see what fits your situation the best.