Foster / Adopt
Call us between the hours of 8:00am – 4:00pm at 1-740-695-1075 opt 5
Click here –> Upcoming Foster Care / Adoption Preservice Training Classes
BECOME A FOSTER CARE OR ADOPTIVE PARENT
Thank you for your interest in adoption and fostering through Belmont County Job and Family Services, Children Services Division! We are excited to work with your family as you begin the process to become a foster and/or adoptive parent. Parenting is a big step and our job is to help your family every step of the way.
Why We Need You
At times, there are events that happen in the lives of children that jeopardize their safety and well-being. It is sometimes necessary for those children to be removed from their home. If at all possible, BCJFS strives to place children with family members or friends prior to searching for a foster home. However, when this is not possible, placement in a foster home is needed. Currently, there is a great need for both foster and adoptive parents, and an even greater need for foster and adoptive parents who are willing to accept placement of teenagers, special needs children, sibling groups and minorities. BCJFS staff will help you to determine the type of child that best matches your family’s interests and skills. Upon certification, all of our homes have a license for adoption and foster care.
Your Role as a Foster Parent
The goal of foster care is to provide for the physical, emotional and social needs of children in a “substitute” family setting until the natural family can be reunited or a permanent placement through adoption can be arranged. In doing so, it is also of necessity that you:
- provide for school attendance, monitor progress, and note special needs and accomplishments
- provide appropriate clothing
- attend to medical and dental needs
- help the child through the grieving and adjustment process that accompanies removal from their home and placement into your home
- cooperate with visitation and assist the child in preparing to return home or be moved to another foster or adoptive home
- maintain a lifebook, a record for the child of his/her time in your care, including developmental milestones, photographs, report cards, etc.
- provide consistent and realistic discipline and guidance that is age appropriate and abide by BCJFS’s policy on discipline
- be part of a case review and meetings when asked, or attend court when needed
- assist with transportation to visitation, counseling and other appointments, if able
- comply with state regulations and agency policies and procedures as outlined in the foster parent manual
- provide recreational and enrichment activities that will provide the healthy development of children
FOSTER/ADOPTIVE PARENT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
You may apply to be a licensed foster/adoptive parent through Belmont County JFS if you:
- Are at least 21 years of age
- Able to provide proof of sufficient income to meet the needs of the household
- Complete BCI, FBI, and Children Services background checks with no prohibitive offenses
- Provide a safe and stable home for a child
- Complete 36 hours of Pre-service training.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all requirements to become a foster or adoptive parent.
BCJFS may not deny any person the opportunity to become a foster or adoptive caregiver on the basis of race, color, or national origin of the person, or of any foster child or children involved.
Foster and Adoptive Parent Pre-service Training Sessions
Belmont County Job and Family Services, Children Services Division is committed to providing the highest quality of training for prospective foster and adoptive parents. All trainers are certified by the State of Ohio and possess the knowledge, experience and skills to teach and guide prospective foster and adoptive families.