Foster To Adopt
At NOAS, we pride ourselves in providing North Eastern Ohio kids with loving families like you!
PHONE
Call Sarah at 330-442-9739
Since 1978 NOAS has been committed to supporting NE Ohio families.
NOAS establishes support and connections for children who cannot reunite with their families of origin.
The purpose of our work is to ensure that every child is raised in a safe, secure, and stable environment.
Every child deserves the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Foster to Adopt has a lot of misconceptions that can prevent potential caregivers from providing loving homes to children in need. Here are some facts about the Foster to Adopt process that may dispel some myths.
How long does the Foster to Adopt process typically take?
One of the first and most important steps you will complete is pre-service training. Required by the State of Ohio, the classes are designed to educate you about the children in foster care and to prepare you to parent them. We offer classes throughout the year at various times, and schedules are on the NOAS website.
After completing all of the required classes, you will then complete an application and return it to NOAS. Once your application has been received, a NOAS social worker will be assigned to begin your Home Study (Family Assessment). This process usually takes 5 to 6 months to complete.
What type of support and training do you provide to Foster to Adopt parents?
Throughout your journey as a foster to adopt parent, our staff will be there to support you. We also provide a Parent Resource Group and Saturday Sip & Learn to bring foster to adopt parents together to learn from and support one another. A staff member leads this Resource Group and offers Continuing Education credits for foster care license renewal. NOAS’ peer mentoring program also assists foster to adopt parents in their journey.
The NOAS training program offers both pre-service and continuing education. The pre-service training classes we offer are part of the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. Additional parent education programs such as Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) and CORE Teen help empower families to parent kids from hard places. There are no fees associated with any of these classes offered by NOAS.
How does the matching process ensure a good fit between Foster to Adopt parents and children?
The need for foster to adopt placements is great. On a daily basis, NOAS receives referrals from county agencies throughout the state of Ohio. We match the characteristics and needs of the child to the preferences and strengths of our waiting families. foster to adopt placements are normally needed immediately. Therefore, NOAS families need to be prepared to respond quickly when their family worker contacts them about a potential referral that is a good match. The case plan determines the length of time a child is in your home and varies on a case-by-case basis. It could be for just one day, or the child could be with you for a year or more. When reunification with the birth family is no longer the goal, some children can then be considered a foster to adopt placement.
What are the steps involved in becoming a Foster to Adopt parent, from application to placement?
After expressing interest, you will attend orientation and education classes. Taking these classes is the first step toward becoming a foster to adopt parent. The next step is to complete an application. After you complete your application, a family worker will process it. A home study will be conducted as part of the evaluation process. In order to match you with the right child, the same case worker will assess the background, interests, strengths, and challenges of your family unit. Medical forms, income statements, background checks, and criminal record checks are also required. After the evaluation process is completed, the family worker will recommend a child that is a good fit for the family.
What are the financial considerations of becoming a Foster to Adopt parent?
The minimum age for licensure is 18 years old, regardless of marital status. There is no minimum income requirement; our goal is to place children with families who are fiscally responsible. You do not have to own your own home; you can rent an apartment, condominium, townhouse, duplex, or mobile home. Many foster to adopt parents have two incomes. However, there are also many successful single-income households. In addition to providing for their own basic needs, foster to adopt parents must also be able to provide for a child’s basic needs. Foster to adopt parents are offered guidance and support by our professional staff throughout their journey.
What are the responsibilities of a Foster to Adopt parent?
Foster to adopt parents are responsible for meeting a child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, medical, mental health, and shelter. Providing a safe environment for children to grow and learn is also important. Foster to adopt parents should provide a safe environment for children to cope with complex emotions. All family activities should include the child and ensure that they feel included and equal. Providing transportation to appointments, visits, events, etc., is the foster to adopt parent’s responsibility. The foster to adopt parent should also encourage social and recreational activities. Monitoring and strengthening the child’s academic progress is crucial. A child’s identity and traditions should also be supported. Providing guidance, structure, and discipline to a foster child must be consistent and realistic. They will also work with the professionals and birth family as part of the team to reunify the family and/or do what is best for the child.
Don’t take our word for it…
NOAS Foster To Adopt Parent Testimonials
This is the agency that my husband and I are going through for our adoption services. They received a 100% rating from HRC. Recommended.
I love NOAS! They helped us find our son and adopt him! Can’t wait to adopt more kids through them!
They have held our hands, dried our tears and offered support every step of the way. I HIGHLY recommend NOAS (And Jen). Also, the support doesn’t stop once you adopt, it’s an ongoing system that is always there for you.
We have no biological children of our own. We have always saw our lives with children in the picture in some manner. There are ups and some downs in the process, but what doesn’t. Overall it has been a positive experience and very fulfilling in small and big ways.
POST-PLACEMENT & POST-ADOPTION SERVICES
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For more information on the foster to adopt process or to register for an upcoming class, please fill out the form below.
