Become a Foster Parent
The UMCF Foster Care Program provides children with a safe and loving home when they can’t stay with their biological families. Foster parents help children heal and grow, meeting their physical, emotional, and educational needs until they can reunite with their families or find a permanent home.
Providing, Finding, and Strengthening Homes for Children and Families
You can be the safe space a child needs. Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, seen, and supported, especially during times of uncertainty. For children entering foster care, that place does not have to be permanent to be life changing. Sometimes, making a difference means opening your home and your heart for a season, a moment, or however long a child needs stability and care.
Fostering may be for you if you have a willingness to show up, provide consistency, and offer compassion. At UMCF, we believe ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they step forward for children in need.
When you choose to foster with UMCF, you are never doing it alone. We are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way, from training and the home study process, to your first placement and beyond. Our team provides guidance, encouragement, and a strong support network so you feel prepared, confident, and supported as you open your home.
If you have ever felt called to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life, even for a short time, this may be that moment. Becoming a foster parent with UMCF is an opportunity to offer safety, hope, and stability when it matters most.
Below you will find our frequently asked questions, that may answer many questions you have thought of in regard to the licensing process. We invite you to start the conversation or sign up for training by submitting an inquiry for information below.
Foster or Adoption Inquiry for:
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FAQs
Explore our foster services and find answers to common questions.
Why are foster parents needed?
Foster parents are needed to provide temporary homes and care for children who are unable to live in their homes due to family circumstances. These children may be survivors of abuse or neglect. Some need care because their parents struggle with issues such as substance abuse or anger management. Others have physical, emotional, or behavioral concerns of their own. Since children who enter foster care have been separated from their families and often feel insecure, they need foster families that can provide a safe, nurturing, stable, environment with individual attention for each child.
Who can foster?
Legally married couples, non-married couples or single individuals who are 18 years of age or older. People who demonstrate that they are mature and financially stable and able to meet their family’s current financial needs. They must agree to complete criminal background checks (all family members over 18), medical statement (all family members), local and county checks, provide three personal and/or professional references, have available space and beds, and the completion of a personal, home and safety assessment.
What are the training requirements?
Prospective foster parents are required to attend 24 hours of training referred to as Pre-Service Training. Training is offered on a regular basis and training schedules are available on our website or through contacting one of our offices.
What is a home study assessment?
A home study assessment will be completed before a child is placed with you. In the course of the home study assessment, the agency will work with you to assess your ability to meet the expectations involved with being a foster parent. Areas assessed include child rearing skills, life experiences, and strengths to determine the type of foster child your family can best parent.
Do I have to have a house to be a foster parent?
No. We have foster parents that live in apartments, condominiums and houses. Some parents rent and some own. The requirements for your living arrangement is based more on the space and safety. Foster children must have a bedroom available with a permanent bed. Foster children can share bedrooms with other children, but not adults. Bedroom space for foster children cannot deny another member in the household of their sleeping space (Ex: A potential foster parent in a 1 bedroom apartment cannot sleep in the living room and give the foster youth their bedroom.)
Do foster parents have any say in the child or children who come into their home?
Yes, during the home study assessment, you will have an opportunity to determine the characteristics of the foster child or children you have in your home. Also you will be given all of the information that has been provided to the agency about a child in need of placement and then you will decide whether or not you would like that child placed in your home. Foster children range in age from newborn to 18 years of age. In some cases youth remain in foster care until they turn 21.
What are the responsibilities of the agency while a child is in my home?
Your home will be assigned a staff who will provide support, education and assistance. The worker will conduct several home visits each month meeting with the family, child and other members of the treatment team. An agency worker is available 24 hours a day to assist foster parents on an emergency basis.
Will I receive financial support for taking care of a child?
Yes, you will receive a daily reimbursement called a per diem for each foster youth placed in your home. Per diem rates vary based upon the level of need of the child and the county who holds custody. This reimbursement if for the cost of food, shelter, clothing and transportation. You will not be responsible for any medical expenses due to the youth have Medicaid. The per diem you receive is not considered income and is non-taxable and cannot be reported as income.
How long can I expect a child to be with me?
The time a child will be placed in your home can vary greatly. They maybe in your home for a day, week, month or longer. Although foster care is intended to be a temporary living arrangement, it is difficult to estimate exactly how long foster care services will be needed. Each case is unique.
Can someone else care for a foster child while I work?
Yes. If one or both parents work outside of the home a foster parent can utilize outside childcare. The person providing childcare for a foster child must be pre-approved by the agency. The agency may require alternative care providers to submit to a background check. Foster parents are responsible for paying for outside childcare by using the per diem reimbursement paid by the agency.
Can the child’s biological family visit while the child is in my home?
The guidelines for visits between the youth and their birth family are determined by the court and custodial agency. Foster parents are expected to support any visitation plan in place. Visitation can be a very important component of a youth’s permanency plan. I the plan is reunification, visits allow the family members time to be together, maintaining familial relationships and allow time for biological parents to demonstrate parenting skills. If a youth is in long-term care these visits allow connections to remain with siblings and other family members who may be able to provide positive support to the youth.
What if my circumstances change and I can no longer care for a foster child?
Foster parents are required to notify the agency promptly so another home can be found for the child. The parent will formally provide a 30-day notice, so there is time to prepare to move the child. Your caseworker will discuss the best path forward and see if a respite care provider can be utilized for part of the 30 day notice.
Can I be dually approved to foster and adopt?
Yes, through UMCF you can be approved as “Foster and Adopt.” In this case individuals would foster children and would work towards reunification unless an adoption plan is made.
Training
Additional links
Foster Care and Adoption standard rules: UMCF holds an active approval and certification to provide both Foster Care and Adoption Services for the State of Ohio. For the minimal standard rules that govern our business practices view Rule 5180:2-5.
Standards for Providing Foster Child Care: As Foster Parents are certified and approved to care for Foster Children in their home, they also are held to a standard in providing care for children as detailed
in Rule 5180:2-7.