Pre-Service Training

• 24 hours of training, divided into 12, two-hour sessions. Course Descriptions
• Courses are offered seven times per year at a variety of times and multiple locations around the county. Training Schedule
• All spouses and live-in partners must attend training, but children are not allowed.
• Training is good for 12 months.
• Completing training does not certify for foster care/adoption, see below.

Application Submission

• Applications are given during preservice, after 3 self directed trainings are completed.
• You are 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.
• A home study social service worker 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.

Placement Expectations

• The amount of time between approval and your first placement will vary.
• When considering a foster placement, we look at the factors you identified: the number of children, sex, age, and characteristics.