Many people tell us they have been considering foster care for some time, but aren’t sure that becoming a foster parent is right for them. If you are still on the fence, there are a number of things you can do to expose yourself to foster care and learn more about it.

Offer Respite Care

Foster parents sometimes need a short break. During this time respite care providers are asked to step in and provide care for the children. Respite usually lasts from a few days to a week. If you are unsure about making a full-time commitment to foster care, becoming a respite provider can help you figure out if it is right for you.

Mentor

The Higher Education Mentoring Initiative works with high school children who plan to attend college. Mentors are matched with an individual student and asked to spend a couple hours a week helping them pursue higher education. Learn more at www.hemimentors.org 

Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

CASA’s advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. Volunteer advocates offer the judges critical information that can help him or her make a decision about what is best for the child. To learn more visit www.prokids.org/volunteering/snapshot

Donate

Children waiting for adoptive homes don’t have much of anything to call their own. If you can donate toys, supplies, or even start a local fundraiser to collect both, you are doing a great service to these kids. By donating, you remind them that there are people who care.

Learn More

You can learn more about foster care by visiting these links:

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption exists to be the voice of foster care adoption so that every child finds a family. They find homes for children who are waiting to be adopted from foster care in North America.

Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)

CWLA, the nation’s oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization, has been known and respected as a champion for children since 1920. The organization’s primary objective is making children a national priority.

National Foster Parent Association (NFPA)

NFPA strengthens foster families through nationally focused legislative advocacy, training and education, publications, and networking among foster parents, state and local foster parent associations and child welfare organizations.

North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)

NACAC provides education, support, research and advocacy in the U.S. and Canada. NACAC works to reform systems, alter viewpoints and change lives.

Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO)

PCSAO is a proactive coalition of public children services agencies that promotes child safety, family stability and community strength through the development of sound public policy, program excellence, training and technical assistance.

Ohio Family Care Association (OFCA)

OFCA is an organization of families who adopt children, provide foster care or give kinship care. OFCA’s purpose is to support these families through programs of education, support, advocacy and leadership.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

A division of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. Providing information about federal programs which promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)

ODJFS develops and oversees programs that provide health care, employment, economic assistance, child support and services to families and children.