1. What is involved with becoming a foster parent?

Generally, the following will be needed:

• You must first submit an application;
• Be at least 21 years of age, a legal US resident, and have sufficient income to manage your household;
• Submit to a BCI, FBI, and Abuse/Neglect Central Registry check;
• Participate with a Home Study completed by the agency Social Worker, to include narratives regarding individuals, environment, references, finances, motivation, etc.
• Obtain a fire inspection of your home and a safety audit;
• Obtain medical statements for each member of the household
• Provide 4 references and proof of residency in the state of Ohio;
• Submit copies of current driver’s license, auto/home/renter insurance, vaccinations of pets; and
• Complete 36 hours of initial training, which will be reimbursed at completion and certification.
  

2. Can I be a foster parent residing in Franklin County or is that too far away?

Our office is located in Pickaway County, but we currently contract with Franklin, Ross, Pickaway, & Fairfield counties Children Services.  We define this as our community area.

3. Once I turn in my application, how quickly will I be certified?

The entire process could take up to six months to complete.  The time frame depends on individual schedules and obtaining needed documents.

4. How do I know if my home is large enough to be a foster parent?

The specific size of a home is not regulated, but where children sleep, eat, and play are. As an example, state rules require that everyone have their own permanent bed, the home must be adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated, must have a working bathroom and smoke alarms on each level. There are other rules that will be reviewed during the Home Study process. 

5. What about medical insurance and other expenses for the child?

Each child who is in foster care is provided with a Medical Card and/or has insurance through his/her parent for purposes of medical, dental, counseling, optical services. The certified foster parent will receive a daily reimbursement, which is provided every two weeks, to care for each child in their home. The reimbursement amount varies and is dependent on the individual child’s issues. This will be discussed in depth prior to a child moving into your home.

6. Who are the children in foster care?

A New Leaf, Inc. supports children of all ages and from various socio-economic backgrounds and cultures. The children that enter foster care may have been physically, sexually, emotionally abused, and/or may have been neglected.

Foster parents are especially needed for:

• Adolescents and teenagers
• Children with special needs (which may be developmentally delayed, emotional trauma, behaviorally challenged, etc.) 
• Sibling groups

7. Can I decide the age or gender of the child that lives in my home?

Yes.  As part of the licensing process, you and your social worker will decide together the characteristics of the potential child that would best match your family. Prior to a child living in your home, you will be provided with information regarding his/her background, and you will be able to decide if the child would match your family’s characteristics. It is a decision that your family will have to make.

8. What support services from A New Leaf are available to foster parents?

We have 15 professional, trained staff that facilitates our service delivery.  Our staff is also available for after hour services, in case of an emergency.

Our Case Management staff:

• Will collaborate and coordinate with referring agencies in development, monitoring, and implementing the case/treatment plans for children;
• Will visit the foster homes three (3) times per month;
• Support our foster parents and children with service delivery; and
• Teach some of the skills needed to enter adulthood.

Our Licensing staff:

• Will initiate and maintain the certification of all our foster homes;
• Will maintain and administer the foster parents training plans; and
• Will ensure adherence of state regulations for providing foster care.

Other services of A New Leaf:

• Paid respite services up to 2 days per month/per child;
• Clothing vouchers for each child for ongoing clothing need 3x yearly;
• Emergency clothing vouchers, as needed;
• Cribs and car seats as needed when the child come into care;
• Agency outings (typically 6 each year) for each family associated with A New Leaf. These outings have included watching a Columbus Crew soccer game, picnic at the Columbus Zoo, an annual fish fry, baseball games, an annual holiday party, etc.

9. What exactly is respite and do I have to get certified to provide respite?

Respite is an overnight stay at another certified foster parent’s home, and is reimbursed by A New Leaf. Respite can be used for a special adult night out, family emergency, or just to take a break. As parents, A New Leaf recognizes that we all could use some time for ourselves.

10. Alright I’m interested, what do I do next?

Complete and submit the form below and we will contact you with more information and start the process.