Foster & adoption: early childhood
Every baby should grow up in an environment where they are loved and protected. However, sometimes young children are placed in unfortunate situations that jeopardize their safety and well-being. Whenever a parent is unable to provide adequate care, a child may be removed from their home and paired with a foster or adoptive family.
Currently, many children in Stark County are in need of fostering or adoption, especially children with functional needs and sibling groups. These parenting arrangements can be coordinated through the courts or by social service agencies. Whether you are a foster or adoptive parent, thinking about becoming one or you are pregnant and considering your options, community resources are available to help you learn more and get started.
- Foster and Adoption services
There are many resources to help families navigate the adoption process in Stark County. Women who are pregnant can discuss adoption with community counselors and parents can connect with local agencies to adopt a young child. Typically, children under the age of 6 who are available for public adoption in Stark County are part of a sibling group. Babies and young children can also be adopted through a private agency.
Read more - Emotional support for children in foster care
For young children who are involved in the Stark County foster care system, the goal is always to reunite them with their birth families, if possible. Because these children have typically experienced some level of trauma or abuse, emotional support can help maintain healthy development. Transitioning home environments can be difficult for anyone, especially for young kids.
Read more - Sexual Health and Pregnancy/STI Prevention
Planning your family can be confusing and overwhelming. Whether children are in your future or not, resources are available to help you navigate your options. Find programs and organizations where you can ask questions, share concerns and receive compassionate guidance. Stark County has many resources for reproductive health, emotional support and family planning services.
Read more - Foster & adoptive parent eligibility
If you have an interest in becoming a foster parent, please reach out to take the next step and learn more. There is a significant need in Stark County for safe and stable foster care. To become a foster parent, you do not need to have children of your own or to fit any predetermined idea of what a family should look like. You just need to provide a safe living environment where children feel loved and supported.
Read more - Starting the adoption process
If you want to adopt a child under the age of 6 in Stark County, you will likely need to work with a private adoption agency. Adoption takes time and can be extremely taxing both mentally and emotionally. it typically takes between four and 12 months to submit the application, complete the home study and attend training. Find out more about the process to become an adoptive parent in Stark County.
Read more - Traumatic event resources
When a child experiences a traumatic event, there can be long-lasting challenges that follow them throughout their development. Very young children cannot communicate their feelings or truly process their trauma. Sometimes traumatic events happen outside of anyone’s control, but often harm is caused by family and loved ones. No matter the source of the trauma, it is important to ensure these kiddos are on the best path toward healthy and happy development.
Read more - Your role as a foster parent
As a foster parent, your role looks a bit different than other parents. In some ways, your family will be just like other families. You will love and care for your child and teach them important lessons while they are in your care. But you will also work alongside caseworkers and the child’s birth parents to help reunite the child with their biological family. Learn more about the expectations of foster parents in Stark County.
Read more
