Getting Started with Fostering: A Guide for Beginners

Fostering a child can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. It’s a chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while bringing new joy and purpose to your own. Of course, it can be challenging too, but with the right resources and support, many families find it incredibly fulfilling. If you’re curious about what it takes to become a foster parent in Ohio, from licensing requirements to the emotional and financial support available, this guide will walk you through the basics to help you get started.

More Articles about Foster Care

Becoming a Foster Parent: Steps to Licensure 

There’s a lot to think about when starting the foster licensing process. In Ohio, you need to be at least 18 years old to become a licensed foster parent. Beyond that, here are some other requirements to keep in mind:  

– You can be single, married or cohabitating. 

– You must live in the state and either own or rent a home with at least two bedrooms. 

– You need to have a stable income that meets your household needs. 

– All household members over the age of 18 must pass background checks. 

– Each child must have a separate bed, and children of opposite genders over the age of five must have separate bedrooms. 

– Foster parents must be in good physical and mental health, free of any conditions that could endanger a child. 

– Homes must be free of hazardous conditions and pass a fire inspection and safety audit. 

– At least one person in the home must be able to read, write and speak English, or be able to communicate effectively with both the child and the agency. 

In Ohio, pre-placement training, including CPR and first-aid certification, is required to become a licensed foster parent. This training takes 24 hours to complete and helps prepare potential foster families by increasing their knowledge of parenting children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Once the application is submitted, a home study process begins, including reference checks, a medical exam, background checks and a home assessment. The entire licensing process usually takes around 3 to 6 months. 

Financial Help for Foster Families 

Foster families receive financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child placed in their home. Each month, they receive a tax-free reimbursement, known as a “per diem,” which is calculated based on the child’s age and specific needs. This per diem is designed to help cover everyday expenses like food, clothing and other essentials. In addition to this, medical care for foster children is often covered by Medicaid, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare without the burden of extra costs.  

Beyond the monthly per diem, foster families may also qualify for other helpful resources. For example, working foster parents or those attending school can often apply for childcare assistance to help with daycare or babysitting costs. School-aged children in foster care typically qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches, and families may see school fees for activities, field trips, or sports programs waived. For younger children, programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) can provide additional nutritional support. 

Community involvement also plays a big role in supporting foster families. Many churches, local organizations, and service groups step in to offer extra help. This can come in the form of home-cooked meals, transportation to appointments, or even assistance with household chores like lawn care. On top of that, foster families might receive free or discounted tickets to recreational activities like amusement parks, museums and local events, helping to create fun and memorable experiences for the children in their care without stretching the family’s budget.   

Supporting Family Connections  

A lot of kids in foster care still keep in touch with their biological families, usually through visits that are arranged by the court. As a foster parent, you might help facilitate these visits and work with caseworkers to make sure there are healthy boundaries in place. It’s all about supporting the child’s connection to their family in a way that feels safe and comfortable. When foster parents and biological families can build a positive relationship, it often leads to better outcomes for the child, helping them feel more secure during a tough time. 

Emotional Support and Resources 

Foster parents do so much more than just provide a safe and loving home. They’re also there to help kids navigate the tough emotions that come with being separated from their biological families. This can mean helping children cope with trauma and big feelings, which is no easy task. Luckily, foster families have regular visits from social workers, plus plenty of training and emotional support to lean on. If foster parents need a break, respite care is available, whether it’s planned or for emergencies. To keep their license, foster parents also need to meet ongoing requirements like training hours, safety certifications, home inspections and staying up to date with rules.

Fostering a child is a complex but profoundly impactful way to make a difference in a child’s life. Interested in learning more about how to become a foster parent in Ohio? Visit fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov for more info and to connect with agencies near you.