Step 1: Request information

After you receive the packet and review the information, you can call us to schedule your Orientation class. You are always welcome to register when you call for a a packet, too!

NOTE: The policy of our training agency, the Southwest Ohio Regional Training Center (SWORTC), does not allow children at pre-service training due to the nature of some material discussed. Please call SWORTC for more information at 946-1263.

Step 2: Attend Pre-service training

You can choose between three-hour sessions two nights per week, or six-hour Saturday sessions. At class 5, you will receive the application to become an adoptive and/or foster parent. You will also be fingerprinted at some point for a state criminal background check.

NOTE: If you are married or partnered and living together, you both must complete all courses before your adoption application will be approved.

Step 3: The homestudy process

Once you complete and return the formal application, the homestudy process will begin. This involves several items:

State law stipulates that the homestudy must be completed within 180 days from the date we receive your application. The process can take a shorter time, but is dependent upon you and the assessor assigned to your homestudy to keep all scheduled appointments. They will arrange these with you.

If you believe there may be concerns with your credit history, you might consider requesting your credit report from one of the three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax or Experian) and review it for any errors.

Contact your local Clerk of Courts office for information about any concerns you may have about past or current court cases and how they might impact your application to become an adoptive parent.

Once the homestudy is completed, HCJFS assessors will complete the approval process. For foster parents, they will send your homestudy to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for licensure.

Step 4: Matching a child with your family

Regardless of whether you plan to foster, adopt or both, you will complete a Child Characteristics Checklist along with your homestudy. HCJFS will use the checklist to place a child or children with you, based on the characteristics you indicate your are willing to accept.

For parents wishing to adopt, we will utilize this checklist and your homestudy to determine if there is potential for a match with a child you inquire about. If a match is possible, we will forward additional information about a child of interest to your agency worker to review with you. You will then decide if you want to move forward with presentation at the child's next match committee meeting. Children waiting to be adopted are typically scheduled for Match Committee every 90 days.

Remember: the Match Committee members must keep the child's best interests first and foremost in their mind as they review potential adoptive families for a child.

Step 5: Presentation and Pre-placement Visits

This step and subsequent steps happen in adoptions only. Once a match is determined, your adoption worker will provide you with all information HCJFS has about the child to share with you and your family. You and your family will be encouraged to thoroughly discuss this information and consider the child, his/her inclusion in your family and your family’s ability to parent that child. Pre-placement visits will be scheduled at this time.

Step 6: Placement

After a period of time, the child will move into your home. Your adoption worker will visit on a regular basis.

Step 7: Finalization

Finalization is the legal proceeding at which you, as the child's adoptive parent, accept the rights and responsibility for the adopted child. HCJFS can file for adoption finalization anytime after the child is living in your home for six consecutive months.

At that time, your adoption worker, your family and the adopted child will meet with a Probate Court magistrate. If the magistrate approves, the adoption is finalized.

Step 8: Post-Adoption Services (if needed)