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Foster Care & Adoption

What is Foster Care?

Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing decision. It is not a job—it’s about extending compassion and support to youth facing challenging circumstances. At Applewood Centers, our foster care program aims to provide safe and nurturing homes for young people of all ages, especially those who have experienced neglect, abuse, or unsafe environments. By opening your home and heart, you can make a significant difference in these youths’ lives, offering guidance, support, and love as they navigate their journey to adulthood.
 

Respite Foster Care

A respite foster parent is a licensed foster parent who only takes part-time or emergency placements. The application, home study and training process is the same, however instead of being on a fulltime resource families list, you are placed on a respite resource list. This is a great way to explore foster care or support foster families by providing them with a break. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to support a youth in their time of need.

Training & Support

At Applewood Centers we recognize that becoming a foster or adoptive parent takes a community effort. We take pride in providing the tools and support needed for our parents to be successful caregivers and offer the following:

  • Monthly stipend to support the foster youth in your home
  • A variety of ongoing training options
  • In-home support for caregivers and youth
  • 24-hour a day on call service
  • Priority access to counseling and psychiatry services at Applewood
  • Foster parent support group, social events, and educational seminars
  • Financial bonuses for referrals

Adopting a Foster Youth

Foster care is a temporary placement of a youth into a foster home in order to allow the biological parents time to fix problems that caused their child(ren) to be placed in foster care. Although reunification is the goal, it is not always possible. In these cases, the youth may be adopted. Many Applewood Centers foster parents have adopted children who were previous youth in foster care in their homes. We guide you through the process of providing a youth a forever home.

How to Become an Applewood Foster Parent

  • Contact an Applewood Centers Foster Care Licensing Specialist at 216-696-6815
  • Schedule an appointment for orientation
  • Complete an application and background check
  • Participate in Home Study interviews (conversations designed to get to know you and your family better)
  • Attend 24 hours of pre-service training classes

Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years of age, in good health, and maintain sufficient income to meet the needs of your household
  • May be single, or have a partner or spouse
  • Must reside in stable housing (own or rent)
  • Must have sufficient bedroom space (at least 2 bedrooms)
  • Must have reliable transportation

Foster Parent Forms