Steps to
Becoming a
Foster Parent:
Becoming a foster parent is such a rewarding experience and is a definite need.  
In order to become licensed in the State of Ohio as a foster parent certain
regulations need to be met.
To Be A Foster Parent for
Transitions for Youth
you must:
To Be A Foster Parent in
Ohio You Must..

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have sufficient income to meet the basic
    needs of your household
  • Be in good physical, emotional and
    mental health and have no criminal
    record for violent crimes, sexual crimes
    or any crimes against children
  • Attend 36 hours of pre-service training
    and meet the continuing education
    requirements, 60 hours every two years
  • Can be single, married, separated,
    divorced or unmarried co-parents
  • Can rent or be a home owner
  • Complete 36 hours of pre-service
    training.  After that 60 hours of training
    must be completed every two years.
  • Fill Out the Foster Care Application
  • All adult family members in the home
    will need to be fingerprinted.  If you have
    not been a resident of the State of Ohio
    for at least five years, FBI fingerprints are
    required.
  • Provide copies of bill stubs, tax forms,
    etc. to verify address
  • Fill Out the Applicant Financial
    Statement
  • Five References
  • A floor plan of your home that shows all
    exits
  • A home study is completed
  • A safety inspection by the fire marshal
  • Every member of the family will need to
    have a physical
  • Copies of all driver's licenses in the
    home and a copy of your proof of
    insurance
  • Copy of marriage certificate or divorce
    decree if applicable
  • Read and sign MEPA form
Quick Facts:
  • You have one year from the
    time of returning the
    application to complete
    the guidelines
  • The process usually only
    takes about three months