Foster Parenting

Montgomery County Children Services.

Loving Homes Needed for Area Foster Children

With 600 or more kids in its foster care system on any given day, Montgomery County has an ongoing need for caring individuals and couples who will open their hearts and homes to help children.

Cases of abuse and neglect regularly prompt law enforcement and/or the court to place children in the care of Montgomery County Children Services. When that happens, the agency looks for loving homes where these children can feel welcome and be safe.

Mending Families

It is a traumatic experience for a child to be separated from their family home. Children Services works to minimize trauma for children, and also works with birth parents to connect them with resources that can help address the situation(s) of concern. The ultimate goal is to reunite children with their birth parents whenever possible, and foster parents play a critical role in this process.

Foster parents are key in mediating the impact of trauma by providing a stable and nurturing environment for these young people while the agency works to reunify families where possible.

What Does a Foster Parent Look Like?

Children don't need perfect parents, just one or two individuals who are willing to meet the unique challenges of parenting and will nurture children. Foster parent requirements include:

  • Must be at least 21.
  • Must have sufficient income to financially support children and pay for shelter.
  • Must not have physical, emotional, or mental conditions that could impair their ability to care for a child.
  • Must not have anyone residing in my home with a physical, emotional, or mental condition that would endanger a child.
  • Must have at least one person in the home who can read, write, and speak English or communicate effectively with a foster child and the child welfare agency staff.
  • Must not have had their foster care license revoked in Ohio or another state within the past five years.

Foster families are not paid for caring for children per se, but Montgomery County Children Services does provide monthly compensation for food, clothing, and other needs. Licensing requires an interview with a social worker, a medical report, a criminal record check (with fingerprinting), references, and a check of the physical condition of your home.

What Types of Children Need Foster Homes?

Most of the children in our care are age 10 or older with emotional or behavioral health issues, and some have complex medical needs or physical challenges. We often have a need for foster parents who are willing to keep sibling groups together.

Comprehensive, Free Training

We require the completion of a 36-hour training course, and we offer it for free. You can learn more about foster care and/or adoption by attending one of our information meetings or by calling 937-224-KIDS (5437).