formerly St. Joseph Orphanage (855) 577-PATH (7284)
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Become A Foster Parent

Or Fostering To Adopt

Being a foster parent or adoptive parent is a beautiful and fulfilling experience. NewPath provides intensive training and support that will prepare you to ignite hope and change futures every day.

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As a foster parent, you will provide a nurturing, stable home for children who cannot stay with their parents. You will truly make a difference in their lives by restoring their hope and sense of stability. Watching them grow, recover, and thrive in your home while their families heal can be the most rewarding aspect of fostering.  As an adoptive parent, you will become a child’s forever home.

We provide training on a variety of topics such as Beginning to Foster; Effects of Trauma, Abuse, and Neglect; Safe and Supportive Behavior Management Techniques; Health Measures; Education Advocacy and Independent Living; De-Escalation and Crisis Intervention; Cultural Concerns in Placement; CPR and First Aid; Legal Framework for Foster Care.  As of 2017, we also license parents to Foster to Adopt.

Preparing For The Home Study – Everything You Need to Know

Getting your home ready for a child/children to move in is an exciting time as you are on your next step to taking in a Foster Child/Children who need YOU. We are here to answer your questions and ensure you are prepared every step of the way!

What is a Home Study?

The home study is a detailed report about your family, home, and preparations to become a foster parent. An assessor will prepare the home study with information compiled from various sources. The final report recommends you for licensure as a foster parent with the State of Ohio.

What Is The Purpose of a Home Study?

The home study helps you focus on what children will fit best into your family. The final product also helps workers place children into your home who would best suit your family.

When Is the Home Study Started?

An assessor is assigned to begin the home study process when you turn in your application to become a foster parent. You will receive the application during pre-service training, and you can turn it in at any time during your pre-service training process.

How Long Does It Take To Complete A Home Study?

By law, assessors have 180 days or six months to complete the home study. If you are prepared, keep your interview appointments with assessors, and have all the needed documents and references, you could complete your home study in as little as 3-4 months.

What Goes Into The Home Study?

The home study requires the prospective foster family to gather documents, answer several questions, and explore their reasons for fostering. The assessor will get a complete picture of who you are and what life is like in your family through a series of visits and interviews with you and others in your home. The home study is a part of the decision-making process for both the prospective family and the workers.

How Do I Prepare For My Home Study?

You can do several things between now and the time you turn in your application to become a foster parent:

  • Ensure you have a designated bedroom with a bed & dresser to accommodate the child/children and their belongings.
  • Secure a car seat if you plan to open your home to foster infants/toddlers.
  • Develop a care plan that you will use when a foster child comes to your home.

Some Things To Think About:

  • What happens if the child gets sick and needs to stay home from school?
  • Who can help care for the child when I am sick?
  • Who will assist with transportation if I am not able?
  • If you think you have a legal issue that could prevent you from becoming a foster parent, contact your local assessor about your past criminal history or your child’s (ages 10+ ) criminal history to see if you still qualify.
man carrying child in the woods making them laugh and smile

Getting Your Ohio Foster Parent Licensure

Convenient Foster Parent Pre-Service Trainings Provided For You

We provide convenient pre-service training to help prepare you to become an outstanding Foster Parent. We provide the information you need to be qualified and obtain your license by the state of Ohio. Contact us to find out when our next trainings are. You are welcome to join to learn more or get started on your journey to becoming a foster parent.

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Get In Touch

Ask Questions or Get Started

To start as a Foster Parent or ask questions about getting started, please contact our Foster Care Team by phone or email. We are here to answer any of your questions (big or small!)

(855) 577-PATH (7284)
ftohreferrals@newpath.org

Foster Care

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