Tell me about Adoption Through
Foster Care at Agape

Agape offers adoption services as a part of our foster care program in order to provide care to our foster children who no longer can reunify with their biological family. This past year, all adoptions taking place through Agape for Youth, Inc. were foster children being adopted by their foster family. Individuals who are open to fostering children can gain experience in caring for special needs children. In the event that a foster child cannot reunify with their biological family member, foster parents often become the preferred adoptive placement option. Adoption through foster care is a way to start off the parenting experience positively since the adoptive parent and child have an opportunity to get acquainted and build a relationship while the child is in foster care.

Agape provides a variety of adoption services including adoption homestudy, parent education classes, adoption preparation, placement and post-placement support. Agape focuses on serving families in the counties of southwest Ohio so that we are able to provide the support needed for a successful foster care and adoption experience.

Agape for Youth, Inc. also is qualified to complete private adoption homestudies for a fee for those families who are contracting with an out of state child placing agency for the purpose of adoption.

Who can adopt?

There are many different types of individuals who can adopt. Children in need of an adoptive parent(s) require a person who will provide a stable, safe and loving family environment.

Adoptive parents:

Can be married, single, divorced or widowed
May or may not have other children
At least 18 years of age and 21 years of age to also be approved for foster care
Can be renters or homeowners
Have a minimum yet stable income
Have any level of education

To learn more about the adoption process, you can view the Ohio Adoption Guide which is a handbook for prospective adoptive families at jfs.ohio.gov/oapl.

Is there a cost for an adoption homestudy?

The adoption homestudy for an individual interested in adopting a special needs child in the custody of a public children service agency has no fee. There is a fee for families interested in having a private adoption homestudy and adoption supervision services. The Agape for Youth, Inc. adoption fee arrangement is non-discriminatory and allows families of various income levels the opportunity to adopt. The fees are contained within the Agape for Youth, Inc. adoption policy. A copy of the adoption policy can be obtained by contacting the agency and requesting a copy of the policy.

What are the general steps of a homestudy?

Contact Agape through e-mail or by phone.

Attend an Orientation meeting to learn more about Agape. These meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Please contact the Agape office to confirm the meeting date at (937) 439-4406 extension 13.

Begin attending the 36 hours education courses required for the homestudy.

Complete an application to care for children.

Submit paperwork for the homestudy (such as a medical statement, background check, fire inspection).

Meet with a social worker for an interview(s) so that the agency can become better acquainted with your family to determine the type of child you are interested in parenting.

Is it easy to be approved for both foster care & adoption at the same time?

The majority of Agape for Youth families are dually approved for both foster care and adoption. The homestudy is completed on the same form and both foster care and adoption requirements have similar paperwork. The only difference is just a few more questions during the "getting to know you" interview. This easy method to become approved for both foster care and adoption simplifies the process for families interested in having a homestudy completed who are open to possibly foster and/or adopting children. Both approvals are valid for two years and can be renewed at the same time.

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