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Adoption

Foster Care and Adoption Unit - The primary function for Foster Care and Adoption Social Workers is to locate, recruit, train, license, provide services and supports for Foster Caregivers and Adoptive Families. Equally important is the matching of children who need foster or adoptive placement with the caregivers most able to meet the child's needs. Adoption Social Workers utilize the 'Child Study' provided by the Ongoing Social Worker and an Adoption Matching Tool in the matching process of all adoptive placements.

Foster Care and Adoption Social Workers work directly with children who are in Children Services Permanent Custody to help them become ready for, transition to, and successfully adapt in their new adoptive home. When foster children are sixteen years or older Foster Care Social Workers work with them to learn independent living skills for when they emancipate.

Consider Adoption: Common Questions

What kind of people adopt?

People who adopt children want to know the joy of helping them grow up to be happy and fulfilled adults. They want to help them when they struggle and share in their accomplishments. The best candidates for adoptive parents are not people who want to live the perfect life, but rather, they are real people with real lives full of ups and downs. They share a strong desire to love and care for children.

Where do I begin?

Placing a phone call to Ross County Children Services Foster Care and Adoption Unit is a great place to start. With an experienced staff, you can get the answers you need. Soon a packet containing vital information will be on its way to you. Then it's as easy as 1,2,3. First complete an application. Second, attend the required thirty-six hours of training and then participate in the home assessment process. It's just that simple.

What kinds of children are waiting?

All kinds of kids need your help. Ages range from toddlers to teenagers. Some children have special needs, and some have only one need...a safe and loving home! These wonderful children are among thousands across the State of Ohio with special needs who are in foster care, group homes, or other institutions just waiting for an adoptive family.

Why must children wait?

Many children have been removed from their families due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. If the family's problems cannot be resolved, the agency will go to court to legally terminate parental rights. Some times this process takes months or even years. Once parental rights are terminated, the agency's social workers are free to find a safe and loving adoptive family.

For more information, please contact Ross County Job and Family Services, Children Services Foster Care and Adoption Unit at (740) 702-4453.