Become a Foster Parent

Right now there is an URGENT need for foster parents in Northeastern Ohio!

Did you know that in Summit and Cuyahoga County alone, there are currently 2,500 children in need of a safe home?  Foster parents provide temporary and specialized care for a non-relative child, typically ranging in age from infancy to 18, who has been removed from his/her home.  Children are taken out of their homes due to abuse, neglect, or other family problems that endanger their safety.  During this time of crisis, it is vital that children are provided with a safe, nurturing environment

Foster Parent Criteria
Foster parents are extremely diverse, but there are some things they all have in common!  In order to become a foster parent you...

• Must be at least 21 years old
• May be married, single, or divorced
• Must have sufficient income to meet the financial needs of the family
• Must have a willingness to learn and grow from the experience of fostering
• Must ensure that all family members are in good physical, emotional, and mental health
• Must be mature, stable individuals who can provide guidance and security to a child in foster care
• Must provide a home whose physical aspects meet Ohio regulations for safety and health
• Must have general knowledge of child care and development
• Cannot have any convictions for crimes related to spousal abuse, rape, sexual assault, or homicide

Caring for Kids, Inc is currently seeking foster parents in the greater Summit, Portage, Medina, and Cuyahoga County areas as well as adjacent county areas.  Presently, there is an URGENT need for families to care for sibling groups, teenagers, and physically, developmentally, or emotionally challenged children.  

Foster Parents’ Role
Foster parents play an essential role in the lives of children faced with such uncertainty.  During these times of disruption and change, foster parents...

• Provide temporary care for children, lasting from one night to a year or more
• Cooperate with children’s social workers, caseworkers, and biological parents in carrying out and participating in a permanency plan
• Understand the need for and goals of family visits
• Assist children in coping with the separation from his/her home
• Transport to and from family visits
• Provide guidance, discipline and as many positive experiences as possible
• Encourage and supervise school attendance, participate in teacher conferences and keep caseworkers informed about any special educational needs
• Arrange for children’s regular and/or special medical, optical, hearing, and dental care
• Work with children on creating a Life Book
• Complete all necessary documentation in a timely manner
• Inform social workers promptly about any problems or concerns, ensuring that needs can be met through available services in a timely manner
• Become role models
• Treat children with kindness, consistency, and respect
• NEVER harm children physically or verbally

Foster parents become members of a team working in the best interest of a child(ren), so that he/she can return home safely, when appropriate.  Teams consist of agency social workers, county caseworkers, and the child’s family.  Often times, service and health care providers and other family members play vital roles as well.  All of this support ensures that foster parents are not alone in caring for the child(ren) in their home.