If you suspect child abuse, call our 24/7 Hotline   |   419-213-2273 (CARE)

Become A Foster Parent

Visit our
Facebook
page.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent:
Call 419-213-3336, attend a community recruitment event,  and/or fill out the”Request More Information” form below.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent:
Attend a community recruitment event;
call 419-213-3336
and/or fill out the”Request More Information” form below.

Visit our new Foster Care Facebook page.

Foster care provides temporary, alternative care for children in a state certified home while the LCCS staff works with the birth family with the goal of reunification.

Foster Care - General Information

Thinking About Becoming A Foster Parent?
Here’s What You Need To Know:

At Lucas County Children Services our aim is lead our community in the protection of children.

Foster parents provide safety, stability, and love to children during a difficult time in their lives. At Lucas County Children Services (LCCS), we’re always looking for caring, committed adults to open their homes and hearts to children who need temporary care and support.

Why Foster Care?

When a child can’t live safely at home, foster care offers a temporary, nurturing family environment. Foster parents step in to provide daily care while LCCS works with the birth family to resolve concerns and move toward reunification or another safe, permanent outcome.

In many cases, LCCS first tries to place children with a relative or close family friend (“kin”). When that’s not possible, children are placed with a licensed foster family.

Foster parents:

  • Provide consistent love, structure, and support
  • Help children stay connected to their families and culture
  • Advocate for children in school, healthcare settings, and with social workers
  • Sometimes continue supporting birth families during and after reunification

Children in foster care have experienced abuse, neglect, or family crisis and need a calm, stable home where they can begin to heal. Some children require specialized support and are placed in treatment foster homes with specially trained caregivers.

Foster Home Licensing & Requirements

All foster homes are:

  • Licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
  • Recertified every two years
  • Required to complete:
    • Free pre-service training
    • A home study
    • A criminal background check


We welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds. There is an ongoing need for foster parents in Lucas County—especially those with experience in:

    • Mental health
    • Developmental disabilities
    • Special education
    • Law enforcement
    • Or anyone with a passion for helping children

Support for Foster Parents

  • LCCS offers a wide range of support to foster families:

    ✅ A dedicated foster care caseworker—in addition to the child’s caseworker
    ✅ A monthly stipend to help cover the cost of caring for children
    Health care coverage for every foster child
    Child care assistance for working foster parents not eligible through JFS

Free Foster Care Training

LCCS partners with the Ohio University Consortium for Child and Adult Services to offer free training to anyone interested in becoming a foster caregiver.

  • Training includes 12 three-hour classes
  • Classes are offered multiple times per year in flexible formats
  • You can complete classes in any order within a set timeframe
  • There’s no obligation to foster—training helps you make an informed decision

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Becoming a foster parent can change a child’s life—and yours. Whether you’re just curious or ready to begin, we’re here to guide you.

Have questions? Call us at 419-213-3588. We’d love to talk with you.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent:
Call 419-213-3336, attend a community recruitment event, 
and/or fill out the “Foster Care Inquiry Form” form below.