Adopt through Foster Care

When children and sibling groups are in the temporary custody of the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services, they are placed into foster homes.  The foster homes are licensed.  When a child is placed into the permanent custody of Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services and the child becomes available for adoption, the goal of Columbiana County Children Services is to find them a permanent home as quickly as possible.  Children Services is mandated to look for the least restrictive setting, this is completed by a series of state mandated meetings and through the following rule located in the Ohio Administrative Code:

5101:2-48-16 Adoption Pre-placement and Placement Procedures:

Regardless of the geographic location, the following preferential order shall be given when considering families in the matching process: 

(1) All adult relatives of the child. This includes a relative or non-relative who the birth mother has indicated by name as a potential resource to adopt the child.

(a) The identified relative or non-relative shall have, at a minimum, a signed JFS 01691 Application for Child Placement (download from the forms bin above) or other signed adoption application on file with another state at least five working days prior to the matching conference.

(b) The identified relative or non-relative shall meet all relevant state child protection standards unless the PCSA or PCPA determines that the placement is not in the best interest of the child.

(2) The child's foster caregiver who is approved to adopt or who has completed the JFS 01691 at least five working days prior to the matching conference unless the agency determines that the placement is not in the best interest of the child.

(3) Other suitable approved prospective adoptive families.

5 FAQ’s on adoption

1: What do I have to complete to become an adoptive parent?

You must complete a foster to adopt homestudy. CCDJFS foster/adoptive home assessors try their best to complete the foster to adopt homestudies as quick as possible. There are multiple items that must be completed in order to become a foster to adopt parent. To discuss these, please contact Tina Deal-Hendon at 330-420-6610.

2: How much does it cost to adopt?

If you are adopting a special needs child through CCDJFS, most related costs such as attorney fees, court fees, medical fees, and other fees, can be reimbursed to you through Non-Recurring Adoption Expenses. If you are adopting a child that is not special needs, you will be responsible for these costs.

3: Can I adopt if I am a single parent?

Yes. You can adopt if you are single, married, divorced, living with a significant other, etc. All household members must be included on your foster to adopt homestudy.

4: How long does it take to adopt?

Once you are approved for adoption and a child has been placed into your home, the child must live with you for a minimum of six months before you can adopt.

5: Do you have babies to adopt?

At this time, there are no babies in the permanent custody of CCDJFS that are available for adoption. There are times that babies do become available for adoption. Typically, if a baby does become available for adoption and relative options have been exhausted, the foster home will adopt.