Getting Started
Thank you for your interest in becoming a caregiver or adoptive parent. The easiest way to get started is to contact the children services agency in your county. There are also a number of private agencies that assist in foster care and adoption. To locate these agencies, do an internet search for “private foster care agencies, x county, Ohio" or "private adoption, x county, Ohio."
Call the agency and request an information packet. You might want to request packets from several agencies for comparison. Once you have selected an agency, your assigned worker can help you get an account in the CAPS learning management system, then locate and register for training. The OCWTP training is standardized, so you can attend the Preservice training at any OCWTP location in the state. Some sessions are also offered virtually.
Your assigned worker will also provide you with an application packet and be your guide through the application process, often referred to as the Homestudy.
Helpful websites:
Call the agency and request an information packet. You might want to request packets from several agencies for comparison. Once you have selected an agency, your assigned worker can help you get an account in the CAPS learning management system, then locate and register for training. The OCWTP training is standardized, so you can attend the Preservice training at any OCWTP location in the state. Some sessions are also offered virtually.
Your assigned worker will also provide you with an application packet and be your guide through the application process, often referred to as the Homestudy.
Helpful websites:
- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: Foster Care, Adoption and Kinship Care
- Ohio Family Care Association: http://www.ofcaonline.org/
- The Attorney General’s office : http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/FosterFamilie
- Public Children Services Association of Ohio: http://wwww.pcsao.org/
