Cuyahoga County children need your help. There are more than 2,000 children in DCFS custody through no fault of their own. Victims of abuse and/or neglect, some may need special care or attention to help them deal with the impact of trauma in their young lives. Each of these children needs and deserves a family who will love and protect them, but there is a shortage of homes and facilities across Ohio. You can help by becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
What are the requirements?
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Sufficient income to meet your own basic needs.
- Good physical, emotional, and mental health.
- Single or part of a couple in a stable relationship for at least 1 year.
- There are no educational or religious requirements and home ownership is not necessary.
Foster Care Information
Learn more about foster care in Cuyahoga County.
Learn more about the specific steps to foster care in Cuyahoga County.
How to get childcare for children placed in a Cuyahoga County DCFS licensed foster home.
Support Services for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Information about support services for foster and adoptive parents involved with Cuyahoga County DCFS.
A program to better support children and adolescents who struggle with significant behavioral or emotional challenges or mental illness.
Healthcare for Children in Custody
All children in Cuyahoga County custody, whether placed in foster or kinship care, are provided health care through Medicaid.
Adoption Information
Learn more about adoption in Cuyahoga County.
Learn more about the specific steps to adopting in Cuyahoga County.
Learn more about children ready to be adopted.
Kinship Information
Kinship Care - Grandparent and Family Member Caretakers
Information on kinship care, caring for children who have experienced abuse, and finding resources for help raise children.
State of Ohio Kinship Support Program (KSP)
The state of Ohio’s Kinship Support Program (KSP) provides short-term financial reimbursement for caregivers to meet children’s needs.
Extended Kinship Support Program (E-KSP)
Cuyahoga County funded kinship support program information and FAQs.
Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program
KGAP is financial assistance to foster care licensed kinship caregivers who become legal custodians who hold placement of their kin child (ren) at least six consecutive months as a foster child.
Kinship Permanency Incentive Program
The Kinship Permanency Incentive (KPI) program was created to support children in the homes of family or friends who have committed to caring for them when birth parents cannot.
Information about daycare for family members caring for children.
Information about kinship mileage reimbursement and link to form.
Healthcare for Children in Custody
All children in Cuyahoga County custody, whether placed in foster or kinship care, are provided health care through Medicaid.