how do you become a foster parent in ohio?

Question

I want to become a foster parent and i wanted to know how to become on and if there are any rules about how much money you have to make to become one or how old you are.

Answer 1

Every state is different. Yes there is usually a rule about how old you must be, how long you have been married if you are, you cant have any recent family changing event like divorce or death - or even births - in the last year or two. No there is no specific rule about how much you have to make, although they do review your income and can disapprove you based on low income. They say you have to make enough to support the kids you care for even tho you get a subsidy, because what if the check gets lost in the mail, and it can take a monht to get the first check and the kids come with nothing, sometimes with out shoes, and you have to be able to go at a moments notice and buy them clothes and shoes and sundries. Or there will be times when you dont have kids in your home, so you cant use the subsidy to pay bills, because when you have no kid you get no subsidy.
You also have to have a decent safe home and they do come look at it, and make you install child proof safety things which can cost money, and you must get your home fire inspected and approved, and HVAC inspected and up to code, and put a fence around your pool if you have one...and other various things...plus go thru the classes to learn to be a foster parent, and take classes every year to keep your ceritifcation up, usually 30-40 hours a year, and also get CPR/1st aid certified which you have to pay to renew every year. SO it is not really cheap, or easy. Plus if you work not all states pay for child care for foster kids, some you have to pay out of the subsidy. Babies get WIC so that helps with formula but you have to buy everytyhing else out of the subsidy. Subsidies vary by state too.
The state child protective services web site will be able to tell you how to become a foster parent, usually it starts by attending an orientation meeting at their office for further instructions. Google it to find it.

Answer 2

No, one of the questions states ask is if you have ever received or, are currently receiving medicaid assistance or food stamps. Even though the state will pay you a negotiated price per month per child to take in foster kids, they want to make sure that you can financially provide for the child without state assistance because many times the money they give doesnt cover all the expenses the child will need. For instance they only pay $180-400 a month. Most times families have to suppliment that w/ their own income. And, while you might not be struggling, you arent struggling because of state aid, right? And Im not saying this mean, but if you dont need this aid to not struggle then why are you accepting it? Do you see my point?

Answer 3

Try going to www.jfs.ohio.gov I think they have a area about foster parents.

Answer 4

Contact Childern's Services in the county you live in. Usually there is a background check and home inspection.