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Adoption

Adopt U.S. Kids

A national project helping children and teen find homes through foster care or adoption. The website has helpful information for prospective foster/adoptive parents and professionals in English and Spanish. They offer the only federally-funded national photolisting and searachable database of youth in foster care who are available for adoption. Call to speak to a foster care and adoption specialist to decide whether foster care or adoption are right for your family, get help navigating the process, or for technical assistance.
(888) 200-4005 or (877) 236-7831 en Español
adoptuskids.org

Adoption Circle

An Ohio licensed adoption agency. They offer services for families looking to adopt domestically or internationally. Services include counseling, home studies, legal services, and more. They also provide family matching and support services for pregnant women or birth mothers considering adoption.
Columbus: 400 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 237-7222
Cleveland: 20525 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116
(614) 464-7299
24/7 Birthparent Line: (800) 927-7222 or Text (614) 398-2367
adoptioncircle.org

Adoption Network Cleveland

Provides information, advocacy, education, and support for members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive/kinship/foster parents), youth in foster care, siblings, and related professionals. Services include in-person and virtual support groups, DNA discovery and birth parent search support, life coaching, specialized support for kinship families, and financial assistance through the Family Resilience Fund. They offer Adoption 101 and Adoption 201 trainings for prospective adoptive parents. They also provide professional education and internships, virtual speakers and trainings, and adoption assessor training. Anyone can call the Helpline for questions or support related to foster care and adoption.
12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Helpline: (216) 325-1000
adoptionnetwork.org

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Provides a lot of information and resources regarding foster care and adoption and was developed by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Users can search the national foster care and adoption directory to find foster care and adoption resources in their area.
(800) 394-3366
childwelfare.gov

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Provides advocacy and free resources to support adoptive families . The website has information on domestic infant adoptions, international adoptions, financial help for adoptive families, special needs adoptions, foster care, and more.
4900 Tuttle Crossing Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43016
(800) 275-3382
davethomasfoundation.org/library

Destiny Family Services – Foster Parent Training

Offers foster parent training, foster-to-adopt services, counseling and behavioral health services, therapeutic foster care, and independent living services. Services are available at multiple locations in Ohio.

Columbus: 3238 Noe-Bixby Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 401-8096
Cincinnati: 1251 Kemper Meadow Drive, Forest Park, Ohio 45240
(513) 595-1559
Cleveland: 6200 Rockside Woods Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44131
(216) 369-7396

destinyfamilyservices.com

Encompass Adoptees

Provides a variety of services for youth, individuals, and families affected by adoption, foster care, and kinship care (AFK). They host free monthly support groups for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers (AFK Parents), separate support groups for adult adoptees and foster care alum (AFK Adults), and educational opportunities for child welfare professionals. They provide art therapy and mental health coaching for AFK youth. Creative Processing Art Workshops are monthly opportunities for AFK youth and adults. Services for families include coaching and consultation, and their website has informational resources. Scholarships are available for some services.
122 South Terrace Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 600-6183
encompassadoptees.org

Faith Choice Ohio

A nonprofit of Pro-faith, Pro-choice, Pro-family, Pro-LGBTQ Clergy and professionals advocating and providing support services for abortion seekers. They offer all-options spiritual counseling for anyone considering adoption, abortion, or experiencing miscarriage or infertility. The Jubilee Abortion Fund helps cover the cost of transportation, hotel stays, childcare, and counseling. They also provide abortion care packages, clinic blessings, a leadership development program, inclusive community events, and trainings. Go online to request services.
P.O. Box 82204 Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 706-3709
faithchoiceohio.org

Families Rising (Formerly NACAC)

Advocates for children and families impacted by foster care and adoption, and amplifies those with lived experience. Visit the website for state-by-state guidance on adoption assistance, tax credits, and a resource library for parents and professionals. Families can also use the website search tools to find support groups and adoption organizations near you. Families Rising also hosts an annual conference and regular webinars to educate families and professionals on adoption-related issues and resources.
2380 Wycliff Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55114
wearefamiliesrising.org

Franklin County Probate Court – Adoption

This office finalizes all adoptions in Franklin County. Visit the website for important information about filing for adoption, starting the home investigation process, and adoption records.
373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3840
probate.franklincountyohio.gov/departments/adoption

Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO: Formerly LASC)

Provides free civil legal assistance and guidance to low income residents and senior citizens of Columbus and Central Ohio. Legal Aid attorneys may be able to help you with the following types of cases or legal problems: consumer law, immigration, family law, housing, public benefits, reentry, seniors, tax law, veterans, and education. Their website also has a page of Resources with easy to read information on these topics.

Columbus Office: Serves Franklin and Madison county
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Intake: (888) 246-4420
General Inquiries: (614) 224-8374 or (877) 224-8374
Marion Office: Serves Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union county
150 Oak Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
(740) 383-2161 or (888) 301-2411

lasco.org

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) Ohio

Program: Offers an array of therapeutic services for youth and families including foster parent training, kinship care and adoption support, community-based and home-based behavioral/mental health services, group living care, independent and transitional living services, case management, substance abuse treatment, services for sexually reactive children, services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and services for unaccompanied youth. They offer services across the country and Ohio. Information for the Columbus office is listed below.
Eligibility: Ages 5 to 21.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income).
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else.
527 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-9444
nyap.org/ohio

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Education Classes

Offers a range of free and low cost classes for children, teens, adults and parents of infants and kids of all ages and abilities. Find courses on everything from babysitting and parenting to CPR training, autism and diabetes. Visit the website for a full list of classes. Some classes offered are:

1234 Parents: For parents of children 1-4 years old.
Active Parenting: For parents of children 5-12 years old.
Adoption Academy: A collaboration with Family & Youth Law Center to provide in-depth classes on foreign and domestic adoptions.
ADHD Academy: For parents or caregivers of children with ADD/ADHD.
Basic Babysitter Training Class: Ages 11+ can learn babysitting basics and receive a certificate of completion at multiple locations in the Columbus area.
CPR: Adult/Infant/Child CPR certification for ages 11+.
Sibshops: For brothers and sisters of children with autism, ages 6-12.
Project ECHO: For healthcare providers and parents on a wide range of topics including Autism, Behavior Management, Asthma, and more.

700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
nationwidechildrens.org/education-classes

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) International Adoption Clinic

Offers specialized treatment for physical, psychological, and developmental challenges unique to adoption. Families adopting internationally should email the department as soon as possible for Post-adoption and follow-up visits. The clinic also provides services for children adopted domestically, or children who have been adopted for months to years and have new or ongoing behavioral/developmental or medical concerns. Nationwide Children’s Hospital accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offers financial assistance programs for families.
433 North Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, Ohio 43082
(614) 355-6050
nationwidechildrens.org/international-adoption-clinic

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles ID R Kids

Parents can apply for an Ohio ID card for their children at any Deputy Registrar BMV location. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card can also add their contact information to their child’s record for use in the event the child becomes lost or is reported missing. The fee is waived for children under age 17 with a disability.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268
Ohio ID Card Info: bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Find a location near you: publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) Foster, Adoption & Kinship Care

Find information on laws and materials resources for foster, adoptive, and kinship care families in Ohio. The website includes information on how to become a foster/adoptive/kinship parent, the Ohio Adoption Grant Program, articles on parenting, and resources for families. Visit the website to contact the organization.
fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov/home

OhioKAN (Kinship & Adoption Navigator)

A free resource navigation service for kinship and adoptive families in Ohio. OhioKAN Navigators can help you find resources for basic needs and financial assistance, benefits access, caregiver health and support, childcare, and more. Navigators can work with families over the phone, Zoom, or in-person and create a Personalized Resource Plan to help meet families’ unique needs. They also offer Flex Funds to help kindship and post-adoptive families with financial needs. Call to get started.
(844) 644-6526
ohiokan.ohio.gov

Open Arms Adoptions

A licensed nonprofit adoption agency in Ohio specializing in private domestic adoptions. Services include foster care, sibling/kinship, LGBTQ+, special needs, and infant adoption. They also provide counseling and supportive services for birth mothers. Contact the organization to get started.
Main Office: 11 River Street, Kent, Ohio 44240
Central Ohio: 1733 Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221
Delaware: 18 East Williams Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(330) 435-8931
openarmsadopt.com

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Supports parents experiencing postpartum depression, loss of a child, or other perinatal mood challenges. They offer free, virtual parent support groups for moms, dads, family members, queer and trans parents, military parents, adoptive and birth mothers, postpartum psychosis, and those experiencing lost pregnancy of death of a child. Call the PSI Helpline for information, support, and resources. They do not offer crisis services, medical advice, or treatment. Visit the website for information on perinatal mental health and warning signs of postpartum depression.
PSI Helpline: Call or Text (800) 944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
postpartum.net

Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY) of Ohio

Provides family-centered services to preserve families and support youth. Services include behavioral health, reunification, therapeutic foster care, foster parent training, and wraparound services to help preserve families. They have multiple locations in Ohio and across the country. Visit the website to complete an online referral form.
SAFY Columbus: 212 West Johnstown Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230
(614) 729-2024
safy.org/ohio

The Village Network

Program: Provides trauma-informed behavioral health services for youth and families in Ohio and West Virginia. Outpatient services include Parent/Child Interaction Therapy, Intensive Home-Based Treatment, Nonresidential Day Treatment for Ages 7-18, and wraparound programs for youth in Juvenile Court. Residential Treatment is available for boys and girls ages 10+ with complex needs such as mental health crisis, complex trauma, or sexual behavior problems. They offer foster parent training, Treatment Foster Care, and support for Kinship placements. The Family Services program provides case management for families referred by Franklin County Children Services.
Eligibility: Ages 0-21, Eligibility varies based on program.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), Private/Commercial insurance, Self-pay (sliding fee scale available for those without insurance).
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves, be referred through the court system, or by an organization depending on the program.
Columbus Location: 1751 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
All Locations: thevillagenetwork.org/about/locations
General Questions: (800) 638-3232
Intake: (330) 202-3969
thevillagenetwork.org

Transracial Journeys

Provides practical tools and post-adoption support for parents of a different race than the children entrusted to them. They offer a monthly online support group for transracial adoptive parents, a monthly newsletter with resources and activities, and book recommendations for the family. They host an annual summer camp for families formed through transracial adoption to access post-adoption education and experience community. Contact the organization through the website.
transracialjourneys.org

U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Intercountry Adoption

US Department of State website with information about international adoption, including; current laws and legal aid, adoption agencies and accreditation information, passport & visa information, home-study information, post-adoption services, and more.
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption.html

United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) Family Services

Program: Foster parent training, adoption services, and treatment foster care. Outpatient mental health services include individual and family counseling, psychiatry/medication management, parenting support, and telehealth. Intensive Home-Based Treatment is available for serious emotional or behavioral difficulties.
Eligibility: Individuals, Children, Teens, Adults, Families, Ages 4+
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, CareSource, No Cigna), Private/Commercial insurance, or Self-pay. Medicaid is required for Intensive Home-Based Treatment.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Go online to complete the referral form.
431 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 855-5020
umchohio.org

Youth Advocate Services (YAS)

Program: Provides early intervention, traditional and therapeutic foster care, pre- and post-adoption support, and respite services for youth and families in Central Ohio. Behavioral health services include individual and family counseling, therapeutic play, behavioral intervention, social work, home-based services, and more.
Eligibility: Ages 4 and older, eligibility varies by service.
Cost: Families seeking Behavioral Health services must have Medicaid.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by professional. Call or visit the website to place a referral. Early Intervention referrals are accepted through state of Ohio Help Me Grow.
2323 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
General Questions: (614) 258-9927
Becoming A Foster Parent & Adoption Support Services: (614) 285-3767
Early Intervention Referral: (800) 755-4769
Behavioral Health: (614) 285-3765
yasohio.org

Youth Navigator Network

Offers free services for youth and young adults up to 23 years old who have had an open case with Children Services, have lived in a group home, have been in foster care, or have aged out of care. YNN Navigators work with clients one-on-one to connect them to important resources such as food and shelter, healthcare, education, parenting help, legal help, job services, and more. Flex Funds are available for those age 21-22 that have aged out of foster care, for one-time help paying for needs like housing, work uniforms, application fees, textbooks, and more. No applications or documents are required, just text, call, or go online to connect with a YNN Navigator.
Ohio Department of Children & Youth: 246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Text: (740) 639-5252
Call: (833) 644-6966
ynn.ohio.gov

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Parent Resources

Adoption