Foster To Adopt

At NOAS, we pride ourselves in providing North Eastern Ohio kids with loving families like you!

 

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.

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.

Throughout your journey as a foster to adopt parent, our staff will be there to support you. We also provide Fostering Connections to bring foster to adopt parents together to learn from and support one another. A staff member leads the Fostering Connections 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 trauma-informed parent programs such as Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) help empower families to parent kids from hard places. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

You may be surprised at how easily you qualify to become a foster to adopt parent.

Foster to adopt parents can be of any wealth, marital status, religion, race, or experience. Retirement, working outside the home, owning pets, and other options are all possible.

Download Our Guide To Learn More Download Our Requirements To Learn More

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.

Ready To Take The Next Steps?

It is our goal to be with you every step of the way. Get started today! Help us provide a safe and loving home for every foster child in NE Ohio.

POST-PLACEMENT & POST-ADOPTION SERVICES

We Provide:

  • Home Visits

    Your NOAS caseworker will visit your home once a month after placement. Post-placement home visits should benefit families, not just in receiving additional support if necessary, but also in reflecting on your child’s progress. Home visits will continue until legalization.

  • Telephone Support

    Telephone support is always available for NOAS families. Whether it’s a virtual meeting or phone call, one-on-one guidance can be scheduled at your convenience.

  • Education and Materials on Foster and Adoption Issues

    For healthy foster and adoptive parents, post-placement and post-adoption education is essential. Foster and adoptive parents grow with each parenting experience. NOAS is here to keep you and your family growing in the right direction. Take a look at our online educational resources.

  • Referrals to Community Resources

    When adding foster care or adoption to parenting, parents today will find themselves with many bumps in the road, as will our children. To assist you and your family, please view our online resources.

  • Respite Services

    The purpose of respite care is to provide you, the parent, and a break from the constant demands of caring for your special needs foster child (children). It can be used for planned activities or in an emergency. It is not to be used for regular daycare. Contact your caseworker for more information.

  • Access to Financial Resources for Services

    Financial support and subsidies are available to help with the costs of caring for children with special needs. Depending on the situation, additional support may be available. Identify additional resources to support you with the help of our highly trained team.

Our goals are to:

  • Reduce Family Stress

    NOAS enables families to focus on what matters most: each other, by providing specialized post-placement training and post-adoption support.

  • Stabilize and Improve Behaviors

    The suffering experienced by foster children does not end after placement. Positive parenting, counseling, and coaching can improve many behaviors related to trauma. In order to help families manage their behavior, NOAS connects them with supportive services.

  • Educate And Support Parents

    Through its support groups and on-going training programs, NOAS strives to continually educate and support our families regarding a wide range of topics, including IEP plans, psychotropic medications, and healthy sleep habits. NOAS also offers Trauma-Informed Programs to families.  The goal of these programs is to strengthen and build secure attachments between parents and children.

  • Link Families with Community Resources

    Families can receive a variety of assistance after placement. NOAS helps families feel more supported by researching and connecting them to these resources.

For more information on the foster to adopt process or to register for an upcoming class, please fill out the form below.

Continuing Education Class ScheduleTake The Next Step With NOAS