Foster Parent Training Topics and Support

Becoming a foster parent is a big decision. It requires serious commitment and a strong support system. We want all prospective foster parents to know that they are never alone! 

We offer extensive training and support for people interested in becoming foster parents in Ohio, and reviewing these foster parent training topics can help you think through all of the critical components before you make the commitment. 

Understanding What it Takes

Before making the commitment to foster, prospective participants need to understand what is involved in getting licensed. It goes far beyond good intentions. According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), requirements include:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• At least one person in your home must be able to read, write and speak English, or be able to communicate effectively with both the child and the agency that placed the child in your home.
• You may be single or married.
• Your household must have enough income to meet the basic needs of the child and to make timely payments of shelter costs.
• You must be free of any physical, emotional, or mental conditions that could endanger the child or seriously impair your ability to care for the child.
• A licensed physician, physician’s assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife must complete and sign a medical statement for you and each member of your household. You can find the required form here.
• Everyone over 18 living in your house must never have been convicted of – or entered guilty pleas for – any offenses defined in Ohio Revised Code section 5103.0319. Some exclusions may be found in Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:2-7-02.
• A certified state fire safety inspector or the state fire marshal’s office must inspect your home and certify that it is free of hazardous conditions.
• You must complete all required pre-placement and continuing training and documentation for your home study.

Foster Parent Training Topics, Pre-Placement and Continuing Training Requirements

Our foster parent training topics go far beyond licensing components. They span virtually all aspects of the process as well as parenting tools and emotional support. You can review our available curriculum here. Below are some of the basic requirements you’ll need to keep in mind. 

Pre-adoptive Infant Foster Home Training Requirements and Topics

Per the Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules, those seeking certification to operate a pre-adoptive infant foster home must complete a minimum of twelve hours of pre-placement training prior to the agency recommending the home for certification and a minimum of twenty-four hours of continuing training during each certification period. Topics include legal rights, policies, procedures, infant care, early childhood development, cultural issues, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), medication administration, and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.

Family or Specialized Foster Home Training Topics, Support, and Requirements

People seeking certification to operate a family foster home shall complete a minimum of twenty-four hours of pre-placement training prior to the agency recommending the home for certification and a minimum of thirty hours of continuing training during each certification period. For those seeking certification to operate a specialized foster home, the required number of continuing training increases to forty-five during each certification period. Foster parent training topics include those listed above plus various aspects of childhood trauma, behavior management techniques, cultural issues, communicable disease, community health, social services, the appropriate knowledge/skills to understand and support older youth preparing for independent living, and more.