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.

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.

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

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.