Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Be A Foster Parent In Ohio

Foster parents in Ohio are needed.


Foster parents can be very influential in the lives of children. They serve as role models and guides for children that have experienced loss and instability. Foster parents in Ohio have to meet some general requirements before they can complete pre-placement training. Foster parents in Ohio have to be over the age of 21 and must have enough income to pay their bills among other requirements. To become a foster parent, Ohio residents must obtain an Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) certification.


Instructions


1. Look at the general guidelines for becoming a foster parent in Ohio. These are easily accessible on the ODJFS webpage.


2. Call your local County Family and Children's Services to sign up for pre-service classes. The amount of classes vary by county and some counties offer these classes more often than others.


3. Attend your classes. The classes are usually offered over a six to eight week period. You have to attend each class. Everyone in your household over 18 must attend the classes.


4. Fill out detailed application. Within 30 days of completing the classes, you will receive an application form, medical statement form, fire inspection form, and fingerprinting card in the mail.


5. Complete fingerprinting card and return to agency with your application. These must be returned within 30 days.


6. Bring medical statement with you to your family physician. He will have to sign that you are healthy enough to take care of a foster child.


7. Complete the fire inspection card. The medical statement and fire inspection card will have to be returned before the last interview for the family assessment.


8. Schedule family assessments. A social worker will visit your home three to six times to assess safety and space, and to talk to your references.


9. Wait for approval. After the family assessments, the assessor will take all of his reports about you and your family to the Placement Supervisor and or the Administrator of Children's Services. This person will decide whether you will be approved for a license.

Tags: Foster parents, fire inspection, Foster parents Ohio, medical statement, parents Ohio, Children Services