Who can adopt

To become an adoptive parent in Ohio, you must first meet some basic state requirements. Among these are the following:

• Have space in your home for a child
• Be married, single, or domestic partners
• Are at least 18 years of age
• Capable of providing a safe and healthy environment for raising children
• Committed to providing quality care to youth with emotional or behavioral challenges
• Physically and emotionally capable of caring for children
• Have an adequate income to meet your household's current needs
• Willing to support and enhance a child's relationship with his or her birth parents
• Able to work as a member of a treatment team in developing and carrying out services to youth and their families
• Completion of the pre-service training program
• Completion of a home study assessment which includes a criminal background check, a physical examination, reference and employer check, and a fire inspection

Please call the Adoption Department at 216/671-0977 for an application or more information.