Who is eligible to become a foster parent?
- Anyone who is age 18 years of age and older.
- Anyone who lives in Summit County or one of the surrounding counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne.
- Anyone who owns their home or rents. If you rent, you must have your landlord’s approval to care for children in foster care. Also, your home must have at least two bedrooms. Children in foster care cannot share a room with an adult once they have reached the age of one without prior agency approval.
- Anyone who is single, married, widowed, divorced or is a co-parent.
- Anyone who is working, going to school, is a stay-at-home person or is retired. If you work or are going to school, extra help may be available to help with the cost of childcare.
What’s involved in the foster care process and how long does it take?
The foster care process involves training, application, background check and a home review. Once your application has been submitted, the home review needs to be completed within 3-6 months.
What kind of assistance does SCCS provide to foster parents?
Foster parents receive a reimbursement each month for the care of each child. This reimbursement may include childcare assistance if a foster parent is employed or attending school full-time or part-time. Foster parents also receive mileage reimbursement and are provided with ongoing training opportunities. Medical care is provided for children in foster care at Akron Children’s Hospital. A foster home coordinator is also assigned to each foster home to provide personal support. There is financial assistance provided for extra-curricular and enrichment activities for children.
What is the greatest need for foster care?
SCCS’s greatest need for children entering foster care is families to care for infants, teens, and large sibling groups. The largest percentage of children coming into the agency’s custody are children birth to age two, children ages 12 and older, and groups of three or more siblings.
Can I share my faith with a child in foster care?
You can practice your faith in your home (prayer, attending services, traditions). You may also invite a child to participate, but participation must be voluntary. You cannot pressure or require a child to adopt your religion, especially if it conflicts with their family background or case plan.
What if the child placed with me practices a different religion?
Foster parents are expected to help children maintain connections to their culture and religious roots when possible. This may include assisting with transportation to religious services, providing space for religious practices or accommodating dietary restrictions.
How do I navigate situations where my beliefs and a child’s needs seem to conflict?
Conflicts can arise, but success usually lies in focusing on the child’s safety, dignity, and emotional well-being. Compassion, openness, and communication typically help foster string, respectful relationships.
A Network of Help
You won’t be navigating the foster journey alone. Summit County Children’s Services surrounds every new foster parent with a strong network of experienced caregivers who’ve already walked this path and are ready to offer guidance, support, and real-life wisdom.