Foster Care FAQs

Can I foster for more than one agency at a time?

No. Regulations do not allow individuals to foster more than one agency at a time.

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What if I feel I don’t have what it takes to foster?

You’re not alone—many people feel that way at first. That’s wy we’re here to support you every step of the journey. You don’t have to jump in all at once. Many families start by providing respite care or exploring shorter-term placements to see what feels right. We do our best to thoughtfully match caring, patient adults with children who will be a good fit, so both can thrive. You may have more to offer than you think!

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Can I become a foster parent if I have had charges on my police record?

If you have had charges, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t foster. If you have pled guilty to, or have been convicted of, any crimes against children or domestic violence, Cadence Care will not license you. Other charges may be discussed with Cadence Care staff.

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How are a child’s medical needs covered?

Each child is issued a Medical Card.

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What do I have to do if I am interested in becoming a foster parent?

You can start by signing up to “Learn More,” and one of our team members will reach out to you personally. We’ll answer any questions you have and guide you through the next steps. From there, you’ll be enrolled in pre-service training. After training, you’ll complete a home study and background checks. Once everything is approved, you’ll be ready to begin welcoming children into your home!

https://mailchi.mp/c82df4312c4c/learn-more

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Do the children see their birth families?

It varies depending on each case. In many situations, children maintain contact with their birth families through scheduled visits—unless the parents' rights have been legally terminated. These visits are often an important part of efforts to reunify the family. The goal of foster care is reunification.

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What is trauma-informed care?

Trauma-Informed Care is an approach that recognizes the impact trauma can have on a person’s development, behavior, and well-being. It focuses on creating safe, supportive environments that promote healing and avoid re-traumatization. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?” it asks, “What happened to you?” This approach is used across many settings to build trust, offer compassionate care, and support long-term recovery.

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Will I have support on my foster care journey?

Yes! You will be assigned a caseworker who will visit weekly to check in and ensure everything is going smoothly. You’ll also have access to transportation support for the children’s visits, as well as 24/7 on-call assistance for any urgent needs or questions.

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Is there an age requirement?

Yes. In Ohio, foster parents must be at least 18 years old to qualify. There is no upper age limit—as long as you’re physically and emotionally able to meet a child’s needs, you’re welcome to foster regardless of your age.

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How long does the licensing process take?

The licensing process includes seven weeks of virtual classes (three hours each, once a week via Zoom). After that, the timeline depends on you! It’s based on how quickly you complete your paperwork, background checks, and home study. Some families are licensed in as little as six months, while others take longer depending on their pace.