Consider Fostering

Open Your Heart

Have you ever considered becoming a licensed foster parent or beginning the foster-to-adopt process? Read along, share on social media or send it to a friend to explore whether becoming a foster parent is for you!

The Growing Need for Foster Parents

NewPath Child & Family Solutions (formerly St. Joseph Orphanage) has supported children and families for over 193 years with over 33 years as a foster care agency. The community’s needs have grown over the last several years, and the growing demand for foster parents has become apparent. Thousands of children in foster care need homes. NewPath understands the importance of offering our foster children and families the support and guidance they need. Our services provide care for families and children of all ages with all levels of mental and behavioral health concerns.

As a foster or adoptive parent, you will provide a nurturing, stable home for children who cannot stay with their previous families. You will truly make a difference in their lives by restoring their hope and sense of stability. The most rewarding part of becoming a foster parent is watching children grow, recover, and thrive in your home while their families heal. As an adoptive parent, you become a child’s forever home.

At NewPath, we not only provide services to those that need them most, but we also advocate for the children and families we support and act as a safe place inclusive of all races, genders, and identities. In Ohio, there are currently 16,000 youth in foster care and only 6,000 foster parents. Now more than ever, foster youth need safe and loving homes, especially for those identifying with the LGBTQIA+ community.

LGBTQIA+ Foster Youth

There are currently 16,000 youth in foster care, with 32% of youth aged 13-17 identifying with the LGBTQIA+ community. Approximately 42% of those youth feel they can never be their authentic self where they live (ProKids.org).

Many LGBTQIA+ foster youth struggle to find placement due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. It is not uncommon for foster parents to choose not to accept LGBTQIA+ children based on their personal feelings or beliefs. In fact, LGBTQIA+ foster youth are more likely to run away from their foster homes. This is primarily due to past trauma of rejection or mistreatment for living their true self. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ foster youth are at a higher risk for substance abuse, placement instability, and adverse physical and mental health conditions.

The Process of Opening Your Heart and Home

At NewPath, there is a multi-step process to become a licensed foster or foster-to-adopt parent. As a foster-to-adopt parent, there are additional steps you must complete if you choose to adopt a child placed in your care. It typically takes 3 to 6 months to become a licensed foster parent. However, it can take over a year before a child is placed in your home.

Foster parent licensing process (ohio)

Planning:

• Educate yourself about our services, foster children, and the county you live in
• Make an inquiry with NewPath to learn more about how we can support you

Licensing:

• Attend orientation and pre-service trainings to help build your parenting toolbox and skillsets
• Fill out an application
• Complete a home study

Fostering:

• Identify and select a child for placement in your home
• Post-placement check-ins with NewPath to ensure your ongoing experience is the best and most fulfilling it can be
• Optional Foster-to-Adopt

Open your heart and your home to children who need YOU most. Join us in IGNITING HOPE. CHANGING FUTURES.