Lake County
Children Services
1-800-899-5253
Next Open House Date
JUNE 26, 2023
Discover more
about becoming a foster parent in Lake County:
OPEN HOUSE
Attend our next
ATTEND OUR NEXT FOSTER PARENT EDUCATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
We‘ll provide a great overview of fostering and what it takes to become a Foster Parent. You can choose to attend in-person or virtually.
Your desire to foster a child is commendable.We need more like you. The kids need more like you.
Here are the steps you'll need to take:
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Complete and submit our Foster Parent Inquiry Form: CLICK HERE
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One of our caseworkers will contact you to ask a few more questions, answer any of yours, then help you get registered for the state's Pre-Service Training Classes.
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You will attend 24 hours of Pre-Service Training Classes, with an option of attending in-person classes, or virtual-classes from home -- whatever will work best for you and your schedule.
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After you've completed your training, your caseworker will conduct a home study, interviewing you and any members of your family also living in the home, and your house will receive a safety inspection.
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You will then be a Certified Foster Parent for Lake County! And some time after that, you will welcome your first foster child!
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT IN LAKE COUNTY:
Attend our next
of what to expect after you get your first foster child, watch the videos and review the resources on this page. Then, once you feel ready to take the next step, complete and submit your Foster Parent Inquiry Form, or call Lake County Children Services at 1-800-899-5253.
TO GET A BETTER IDEA
Resources
“Phill Our Home”
The Phillips family integrate foster kids with their own biological kids. In this episode, they are just about to welcome a new foster child into their home.
“9 Misperceptions about Foster Parenting”
Foster Dad Ray Deck put together this really helpful video. Don‘t forget to check out that super poster on the wall behind him.
“My past, my story is not my fault. And it doesn’t have to define my future”
This short film accurately and powerfully portrays the emotions of a foster child, and serves as reminder: if you can believe that no child or situation is hopeless, you can change a life.
A brief look at the challenges and the rewards at different stages of a child's development.
FAQ
How long does a homestudy take?
The home study process begins with 36 hours of Preservice training, which is held periodically through the year. During the training, paperwork is distributed to gather background information. Once the paperwork is completed and returned to the agency a Social Worker will begin the interviewing process. The amount of time it takes will depend a lot on your availability. Home studies should be completed within 3-6 months.
Do I have to be married?
Foster and adoptive parents may be single or married. Couples who are co-habitating will have their foster home certification in one person’s name. Adoption homestudies are also done under one person’s name. Life partners are listed as other adults residing in the home.
What if I work full time?
Many foster families consist of two working parents. Alternative care arrangements may be made with an in-home provider or a licensed daycare center. The agency will assist with the arrangements and either reimburse the foster family or pay the daycare directly.
Do foster parents get paid?
Foster parents are volunteers and are not considered employees of the agency. They are reimbursed a per diem rate to assist with the care of the foster children placed into their home. This rate is set by the county commissioners yearly. All children in the custody of the agency are covered under Ohio Medicaid.
How much space do I need for a child?
Foster children do not need their own room. They may share a room with your children depending upon the age and gender of the children. No more than four children may share a room. Children of the opposite sex may share a room if both children are under the age of 5. Infants may share a room with an adult until the age of 1.
Can I home school?
Foster children would be required to attend the public school system in which the foster family lives. The child’s social worker would be responsible for withdrawing the child from their home district and enrolling the child in your school district.
Can I pick the child I want?
Social workers will assist you during the homestudy process to determine the age, gender and characteristics of the children you could best parent. After you are licensed you have the ability to accept or deny any child presented to you by the agency for potential placement.
Can I have pets?
Pets are permitted as long as they are kept in a safe and sanitary manner and are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Indoor cats must also have their vaccinations up to date.
How much does an adoption cost?
The Lake County Department of Job & Family Services is a public agency. Adoption homestudies are done for Lake County residents and the agency does not charge a fee for conducting the homestudy. There may be minimal costs associated with completion of some of the paperwork requirements such as your co-pay for physical examinations and there is a charge to process the criminal record check.