Pre-Service Training

• 24 hours of training, divided into 12, two-hour sessions. Course Descriptions
• We offer seven courses per year, at different times and locations around the county. Training Schedule
• All spouses and live-in partners must attend training, but children are not allowed.
• Training is valid for 12 months. 
• Completing training does not certify for foster care or adoption, see below.

Application Submission

• Applications are given during preservice, after 3 self directed trainings are completed.
• You encouraged to complete and return the application while attending pre-servic­­­e.
• When you submit your application and paperwork, one of our support staff will conduct a short interview, notarize your application and take fingerprints for your background check.
• All household members over the age of 18 must have proper ID and be fingerprinted.

The Home Study

• Your home study will begin after you submit your application.
• The study can take four to six months.
• Adoption assessors will interview you several times, and visit your house on multiple occasions.
• Your home must meet safety site regulations and pass a fire inspection.
• You must submit several types of documentation, including health records, income verification, and more as required by the Ohio Administrative Code.

The Approval

• Once the home study is completed successfully, your family is approved to adopt and may begin the search process.

• An adoption assessor and child protection specialist work together to determine the current and future needs of each child waiting for a home.
• They will then select one or more families who would best meet the long-term needs of each child or sibling group.

• Once selected, your family will meet with the adoption assessor and the child’s case worker, who will share pictures and information about the child.
• You can take this information home and talk to your family about adding a new family member.
• If you wish to proceed, the adoption assessor and child protection specialist will arrange an introductory meeting between you and the child.

Pre-Placement Visits

• If you decide to continue with the adoption process, the agency will arrange meet and greets between the child’s current foster family and potential adoptive family.
• These meetings are held at both the potential adopter’s home and the child’s current home.
• Your family will visit with the child in increasing time increments, starting at a one-hour visit, building up to a half day, then a full day, and eventually to weekend visits in the home of the new family.

• The big day arrives and the child or children move in and become part of your family.
• Social workers may visit weekly to check in, help with the move, and offer any support, assistance, or services that you or the child need.

Finalization

• The family, child, and social service worker meet with a Judge or Magistrate to discuss details about the adoption.
• Everyone gets to participate.
• If everyone agrees, the judge will finalize the adoption.
• You and your new child or children are officially and legally a family!

Post Finalization

• The agency will continue to offer your new family support services, including training classes, support groups, and referrals to community agencies.