Foster a Child

<span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">Interested in how you can help kids who need families?&nbsp;</span><span style="color:var(--secondary-color-bg)"></span><span style="color:var(--secondary-color-bg)"></span><span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)"></span>

Interested in how you can help kids who need families? 

We are currently placing children ages 0-18 and are in need of foster and adoptive homes. Learn more by viewing our foster care information page or emailing us.

Watch our videos to learn more about the opportunity to become a foster family! 

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Did you know....  

The Marsh Foundation provides foster care and adoptive services!  

Feeling unsure, nervous, or even a little overwhelmed? That’s completely normal—and we’re here to help.

At The Marsh Foundation, we’re committed to making the foster care process as simple and supportive as possible. Right now, there’s a real need for caring adults to open their homes to children of all ages, from infants to 18 years old.

You can become a foster parent whether you’re single or part of a couple. No special background is required—just a willingness to help a child in need. Before any child is placed in your home, you’ll receive at least 36 hours of training. You’ll also continue learning and receiving support throughout your time as a foster parent.

Have questions? You’re not alone. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns shared by people just like you.

The home study is an important step in becoming a licensed foster or foster-to-adopt family. It helps determine if your home and family are ready to welcome a child. Here's what the process includes:

  • A thorough review of your household to assess suitability for fostering.
  • Involvement of all household members in the process.
  • At least one interview with each family member conducted by a Licensing Specialist.
  • Completion of 36 hours of pre-service training for prospective foster parents.
  • A full safety audit of your home.
  • A fire inspection to ensure the home meets safety requirements.
  • The entire process typically takes between 3 to 6 months.

You might be more qualified than you think. Here are the basic requirements:

  • You must be at least 21 years old.
  • You can be single, married, or in a committed relationship—marriage is not required.
  • You don’t need a specific income, but you must be able to meet your own basic needs.
  • You can rent or own your home. If you rent, you’ll need your landlord’s approval to foster.
  • You can work full-time, part-time, or stay at home. Foster youth can attend daycare, and reimbursement may be available to help with childcare costs.

Here’s what you need to know about preparing your home for foster care:

  • Your home must pass a safety inspection before a child is placed with you.
  • Foster children do not need their own room, but they must have their own separate bed.
  • Foster children can share a bedroom with your biological children, depending on age and gender.
  • You can set your own preferences and limitations for the types of youth you welcome into your home.
  • You will always have the right to say no to a placement that doesn’t feel like a good fit for your family.

At The Marsh Foundation, we’re here to support you every step of the way—before, during, and after a child is placed in your home. Here’s how:

  • Education Support
        • Receive 36 hours of pre-service training before becoming licensed.
        • Access ongoing training opportunities to continue building your skills.
        • Get financial reimbursement for all training hours once your final license is approved.
  • Emotional Support
        • Access to a 24/7 emergency on-call system for guidance and support at any time, day or night.
  • Financial Support
        • Bi-monthly reimbursement for the care you provide, based on the specific needs of each child.
        • Medical, dental, and optical care for all foster children is fully covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 21 years old to become a foster parent.

You must be able to meet your household needs.

No, you can be married, single, divorced, widowed or be a co-parent.

No, you can rent. But you must have adequate space available and your landlord’s approval to care for foster children.

Yes. Extra help for the cost of day care may be available.

No, but each child must have a separate bed. Foster children cannot have a bedroom in the attic or basement. After age five, boys and girls have to sleep in separate rooms.

You may ask for the age and gender of children you think would fit in best with your family situation and needs.

For the first two years, licensed foster parents may take up to three foster children. After two years of service, up to five children with a total of ten children maximum including your own children, foster children and any children for whom you provide day care.

Possibly. Each situation would be reviewed under the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services rules for family foster care. If it is found that the person’s criminal record meets the rehabilitation requirements of the State of Ohio rules, then the person could be considered as a potential foster parent. All adult household members must have a criminal background check.

The home study is a process which involves information sharing and gathering for the purpose of determining an applicant’s suitability in meeting the general criteria to be licensed and/or approved as a foster or foster-to-adopt parent based upon state and agency eligibility requirements. 

The home study is a detailed process which involves all household members. During the home study, all family members will be interviewed by the Licensing Specialist. The process affords an applicant(s) the opportunity to assess whether or not foster care is the appropriate option for one’s family. The home study process also provides the applicant(s) and The Marsh Foundation the opportunity to mutually assess which child(ren) in the agency’s care the applicant(s) is best suited to parent.

The home study process usually takes three to six months.

After your home study has been completed and approved, The Marsh recommends the family for licensing to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. When you receive your license, we can begin placing foster children with your family.

Foster parents receive a reimbursement check twice each month for the care of each child. This reimbursement check may include child care assistance if a foster parent is employed. Foster parents are provided with ongoing training opportunities. Additionally, all medical and dental care is provided for foster children. A foster care consultant is also assigned to each foster home to provide personal support. 24-7 on call consultation is available.

The Marsh Foundation receives referrals for children of all ages, 0-17 and sibling groups.