Foster Care and Adoption

3 Diverse Children with their arms around eachother

Every Child Needs Family

Cuyahoga County children need your help. There are more than 2000 children in DCFS custody through no fault of their own.  Victims of abuse and/or neglect, some may need special care or attention to help them deal with the impact of trauma in their young lives.  Each of these children needs and deserves a family who will love and protect them, but there is a shortage of homes and facilities across Ohio. You can help by becoming a foster or adoptive parent. 

What are the requirements?

  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Sufficient income to meet your own basic needs.
  • Good physical, emotional, and mental health.
  • Single or part of a couple in a stable relationship for at least 1 year.
There are no educational or religious requirements and home ownership is not necessary.



Am I Ready to Become a Foster of Adoptive Parent?
 

Foster Care Info

Adoption Info



The Process for Applying

If you are a licensed Foster Caregiver or approved Adoptive Family requesting information about a specific child submit an inquiry and we’ll follow up with you. If you are not a licensed Foster Caregiver or approved Adoptive Family please submit this interest form and we’ll get back to you.

 

Programs

Kinship Care- Grandparent and Family Member Caretakers

Information on kinship care, caring for children who have experienced abuse, and finding resources for help raise children.

Foster Home Childcare

How to get childcare for children placed in a Cuyahoga County DCFS licensed foster home.

Health Care for Children in Custody

All children in Cuyahoga County custody, whether placed in foster or kinship care, are provided health care through Medicaid.