Foster Parenting

Requirements

All Foster Parents must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

Basic requirements for becoming a Foster Parent:

You must be at least 21 years of age to foster;
You may be married, single or divorced;
You may have other children;
You may own or rent your home or apartment, each child must have their own bed;
You must have income sufficient to meet the basic needs of the household;
Security clearances, fingerprints, medical exam and psychological exams are required;
Committed to caring for children;
Able to accept children as they are and work as a team with birth family and agency staff;
Able to provide support and be a strong role model

You must complete 36 hours of Pre-Service training. Trumbull County Children Services offers the Pre-Service training at least three times per year and also requires prospective foster families to complete an additional six hours of training on Agency policies and Family-To-Family. If you are married or have a domestic partner, both of you must complete the training;
You must complete a home study with an assessor which includes a home safety audit and several interviews;
Provide a list of references and financial information;
Complete a BCI and FBI check and security clearances;
Complete a psychological evaluation