The process to become a foster parent, foster to adopt or adoptive parent is outlined below:
Inquiry
Families or individuals interested in foster care and adoption should contact Clermont County Children’s Services by any of the following methods to request an information packet for foster/adopt parents, which includes application materials.
Phone:
(513) 732-7173
Mail:
2400 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 206 C
Batavia, Ohio 45103
You can also find out more by filling out our Inquiry Form.
The Homestudy Process
Once an application has been submitted to Clermont County Children’s Services, an assessor will be assigned to guide you through the homestudy process.
The homestudy, sometimes called the assessment, is an exploration of the applicant’s history, characteristics and strengths that will lead to successful foster/adoptive placement.
During the homestudy, you will explore beliefs, attitudes and coping skills. Your assessor will meet with everyone living in your home to discuss:
- Motivation for wanting to foster/adopt
- Family life experiences and history
- Marriage or relationship with a significant other
- Ability to support your family financially
- Health of household members
- Family support system
Prospective foster/adopt parents also complete pre-service training. Sessions are offered weekdays, evenings, and on weekends. Pre-service training is designed to enhance your understanding of foster/adopt parenting issues and to increase knowledge about the needs of children whose lives have been impacted by abuse and neglect.
During the homestudy process, certain documents are required to be viewed by your assessor. Such documents include:
- Physical examination of applicants and medical statements for household members
- Financial statement
- Verification of marriage or divorce
- Verification of employment, if you are employed
- Criminal background checks for household members over the age of 18
- Safety audit of the home
The homestudy process can take up to six months to complete; however, many families may complete the process more quickly. Once families have an approved homestudy they are ready to be considered for foster/adoptive placement.
Matching Children and Families
The Department will take into account the characteristics of children that you can best parent, and the characteristics of children your homestudy approves you for when considering placement matches for your family. During the matching process, the department considers the strengths, characteristics, and needs of a waiting child, and compares those with the strengths and characteristics of waiting families. The length of time it takes to be matched with a child largely depends on the special characteristics of children that you are able to parent. A family who demonstrates the ability to parent a child with many needs may not wait long for a child to be placed with them.
When You Are Matched With a Child
When a child has been identified for your family, you will be contacted and pertinent information will be shared with you regarding the characteristics and needs of the child. Prior to a child being placed with an approved adoptive family, detailed information about the child’s background will be supplied in writing. Such background information will include all known non-identifying information on the child’s:
- Birth parents and other relatives
- Medical, emotional, and psychological history
- Past and current known developmental issues
- School history, if applicable
- Placement history
Your assessor will give you time to think about the information and will be able to assist you in making your decision about placement of the child into your home. Once a family agrees to placement of a child in their home, pre-placement visits (if possible) are arranged to assist with the child and caregivers with getting to know one another.
Post-Placement of the Child
Once a child is placed with your family, the child’s worker will make regular visits to your home to discuss the child’s adjustment. The worker will also assist in the coordination of services such as counseling, physical/speech/occupational therapy, etc. For adoptive placements, post-adoption services are also available.