Scioto County needs more foster parents. Scioto County Children Services Director Jason Mantell said it’s not just an issue in Scioto County. “It’s a need throughout the state. I actually have a meeting about that tomorrow.” He said the shortage is especially acute for parents willing to take on children facing additional challenges.
Currently, there are 332 children under the care of Scioto County Children Services. That’s an increase of 80 kids from the same time last year. There are currently 22 foster homes licensed through Scioto County Children Services. Those 22 homes care for 71 children. Foster Care Director Emma Coldiron says the remaining 261 children are placed in homes through outside networks. Children placed through outside networks are sometimes placed in homes outside of our area, sometimes as far as 2 to 3 hours away.
Director Jason Mantell said, “We try to keep children in the school district they are currently attending if that makes sense. We hope to keep them local. Our hope is that we can find family. We do make a great attempt. But it also depends on the needs of the child.”
Mantell said that a variety of factors, including behavioral issues and disabilities have a great impact on what the agency is able to provide locally.
Foster Care Supervisor Emma Coldiron explained how you can step up and become a foster parent.
First, you must meet the basic requirements;
Be at least 18 years old
One person in the house must be able to read, write and speak English or be able to communicate effectively with the child and the agency.
Both married and single individuals can be foster parents.
Your income must be enough to meet the basic needs of a child and cover the cost of the home.
You must not have any physical, mental, or emotional conditions that prevent you from caring for the child.
A medical professional must complete and sign a medical statement for each member of your household.
No one over the age of 18 has been convicted or pled guilty for criminal offenses listed under Ohio Revised Code 5103.0319.
Your home must pass a fire safety inspection.
You must complete pre-placement training. There are multiple courses totaling 36 hours of training.
If you meet those basic requirements, contact Ms. Coldiron, Lindsey Austin, or Patricia Craft at 740-456-4164 for more information.
Once prospective parents complete half of their foster parent training, you’ll meet with someone from the agency to begin the home study process.
During that process, either Lindsey Austin or Patricia Craft will visit the home to interview all of the residents, including children living in that home. They’ll also want to speak with adult children living on their own. The agency also requires five reference letters from people willing to attest to your character. There’s also a required background check and drug screening.
Once this process is concluded, you’re required to have a fire inspection. Once you’re certified by Scioto County Children Services, the certification is forwarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for approval.
Supervisor Coldiron says the agency is continually improving the process. “We have a wonderful new employee in the adoption and foster care world and she is very well-organized. We are here to answer any questions anybody has about becoming a foster parent. There is a great need and we appreciate the foster parents that we have.