State of Ohio Rules and Policies

The State of Ohio’s Administrative Code and Revised Code provide guidance to the process of becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

3107.018 Application to State Adoption Assistance Loan Fund

5101:2-5-20 Initial Application for Child Placement in Foster Care

5101:2-7-02 General Requirements for Foster Caregivers and Applicants

5101:2-48-05 Agency Adoption Policy and Recruitment Plan

5101:2-48-10 Restrictions Concerning Provision of Adoption Services

5101:2-48-13 Non-discrimination Requirements for Adoptive Placements

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Adoption Information

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides a publication, Ohio Adoption Guide: A Handbook for Prospective Adoptive Families (PDF; Adobe Acrobat Reader required). This booklet provides helpful information for families who are considering adopting a child from the public child welfare system.

The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act of 1994 (PDF; Adobe Acrobat Reader required) is designed to decrease the time children wait for foster care and adoption placement, prevent discrimination in the placement of children, and aid in the identification and recruitment of foster and adoptive families who can meet each child’s needs.

If you feel that this act has been violated, the instructions for filing a complaint are contained in this policy.

Lucas County Children Services Policies

Pursuant to Ohio law, Lucas County Children Services has established a number of internal policies that guide the foster care and adoption process (PDF; Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

Policy 240 – Adoption Assistance and Adoption Subsidy Programs

Policy 662 – Treatment of Children by Out-of-Home Caregivers

Policy 735 – Assessment, Training and Homestudy Process for Foster Families

Policy 736 – Treatment Services

Policy 750 – Foster and Adoptive Home Recruitment

Policy 751 – Simultaneous Approval of Applicants for Adoption and Foster Care

Policy 800 – Assessment, Training and Homestudy Process for Adoptive Families

Policy 801 – Pre-Finalization Adoption Matching and Placement Services

Application for Foster Care/Adoption Licensing

If you have completed your training and wish to receive an application for foster care and/or adoption licensing, please call the LCCS Licensing and Training Unit at 419-213-3368.