The State of Ohio requires anyone who wants to be a foster and/or an adoptive parent to complete a series of classes that prepare them for the job. The same Preservice Training Curriculum is offered by each county’s children services agency.

Individuals interested in being foster parents only are required to complete 24 hours of training which includes eight sessions that are three-hours each.
(Click here for schedule)

Individuals interested in being adoptive parents or in being foster parents who are also qualified to adopt are required to complete nine hours of additional training on Sexual Abuse and Permanency Issues for Children and Families.
(Click here for schedule)

We recommend that individuals complete all sessions during the same preservice training series. However, should you have schedule conflicts, you can attend the sessions you missed the next time the preservice training series is held at Marion County Children Services or when the series is being offered in another county. The preservice trainings are valid for two years after you have completed them. If you do not complete the homestudy application process within that two-year time period, you will have to take the preservice training classes again.

For Current Foster Parents
Ongoing Training Program

Traditional foster parents are required to complete 40 hours of training within their two year recertification period. 

Intermediate level foster parents are required to complete 48 hours of training within their two year recertification period. 

Imprint level foster parents are required to complete 60 hours within their two year recertification period. 

Please refer to your Individual Training Plans to ensure that you are meeting your training requirements.

(Click here for a current Training Schedule).