Provides information and resources online and over the phone to families interested in fostering and adopting, as well as publications and resources for child welfare workers and agencies. They offer the only federally funded national photolisting of children and youth in foster care in the U.S. who are available for adoption.
(888) 200-4005 or (877) 236-7831 in Spanish
adoptuskids.org
A licensed adoption agency that offers full adoption services for private domestic and foreign adoptions. They also provide supportive services for pregnant women considering adoption.
400 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 237-7222 or (800) 927-7222 or text (614) 398-2367
adoptioncircle.org
Provides respite care, on-site counseling and treatment for foster youth and youth with special needs throughout Ohio, as well as family preservation programming. Referrals may be made to their foster care program by agencies, parents or legal guardians. They also assist families in the adoption process.
Westerville Office: 105 Commerce Park Dr. Suite A, Westerville, OH 43082
(614) 761-0010 or call (614) 584-1520 for After-Hours Referrals
adriel.org
Serves foster families in the Central Ohio area by providing infant to teen sized clothing, shoes, coats, backpacks, toys, baby accessories and other essentials, at no cost to families. Visit the website for additional contact information.
(614) 398-2203
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
aliciasclosetcolumbus.org
Offers several services, including foster care, foster-to-adoption and kinship care services. They also provide respite care and other supportive services for their foster families.
Local Office: 665 East Dublin-Granville Road, Suite 290, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 846-6265 or (888) 705-3577 Toll-free
bair.org
Provides guidance and supportive services to young adults who left foster care in Ohio at ages 18, 19 or 20 as they transition to adulthood. They offer services in housing, education, employment and help youth with getting health insurance, finding a doctor or improving physical or mental health in any way.
Provides family-focused mental health treatment and services for behavioral, emotional and substance-abuse disorders to children and families.
Programs: in-home treatment, intensive and non-intensive residential treatment, family and outpatient counseling, foster care services, transitional living services, case management, alternative education day treatment, Permanent Family Solutions Network
Eligibility: ages vary per program
Cost: Fees range depending on the type of care needed, some service costs are offset by Medicaid, or the client’s local Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board
Referral: For in-home and office-based services, individuals may refer themselves or be referred by their doctor. For residential services, referrals must come from the courts, the county or another referring agency.
(614) 875-2371
Intake/Referral: (614) 384-7798
buckeyeranch.org
Addresses all aspects of family violence including child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. They offer community training and a continuum of research-based prevention, intervention and treatment programs for individuals (like counseling and medical services for foster children) who have experienced family violence.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
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
Provides education, access to resources and tools for adoptive families. Visit the website for contact information.
facebook.com/coalitionofadoptivefamilies
Provides free adoption resources and adoption facts. Their resource page contains information about domestic infant adoptions, international adoptions, financial help, special needs adoptions, foster care adoptions and more.
716 Mount Airyshire Boulevard, Suite 100, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(800) 275-3832
davethomasfoundation.org
A licensed foster care agency serving youth with developmental disabilities. They offer several services including foster care, in-home services, residential services, respite care and developmental services. They support children and adults living in Franklin, Delaware, Pickaway, Union and Montgomery County.
294 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 880-6000 or (800) 646-4612 Toll-free
dungarvin.com/locations/ohio
Offers support groups for adoptive and foster parents and kinship caregivers, as well as hosts an open art studio for all youth once a month as a means for expression and identity development. The open studio is a space to do art of your choice with materials of your choice, along with prompts and guidance if needed. Encompass will serve young adults beyond age 18 depending on their needs and developmental level. The support groups are free, but the monthly art groups have a fee. Scholarships are offered on an as-needed basis.
122 South Terrace Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(502) 873-6723
encompassadoptees.org
Individuals can report child abuse or neglect in Franklin County through their 24-hour child abuse hotline or visit the office in person. Emergency placement can be provided for at-risk children and teens. When appropriate, temporary placement with relatives, foster homes, or treatment centers are coupled with services to support family reunification and reduce the level of risk to the child. They also provide information about adoptable kids and the adoption process. View the 2023 FCCS Community Resource Guide.
24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: (614) 229-7000
General Questions: (614) 229-7100
childrenservices.franklincountyohio.gov
Helps children and families in need or involved with multiple systems (like mental health, developmental disabilities, Franklin County Children Services, court, school) through service coordination. Their family-focused approach identifies and coordinates resources to better the lives of Franklin County youth, at no cost.
2760 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 407-9040
facebook.com/FranklinCountyFCFC
Finalizes all adoptions in Franklin County. Those wishing to adopt are required to have a personal and home investigation to insure their suitability as adoptive parents. Their website has helpful information about starting the adoption process in Ohio.
373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3840
probate.franklincountyohio.gov/departments/adoption
Provides national resources in support of grandfamilies within and outside the child welfare system. You can find information on current and pending laws, adoption, financial help, special guardian options and more. Visit GrandFacts for connections to local supports, resources, programs and benefits.
grandfamilies.org
Provides information for young adults, families and professionals related to foster care, health and health insurance.
(800) 433-9016, ext. 6273
aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/healthy-foster-care-america
Provides income-based case management services, emergency assistance services, financial services, computer literacy and workforce development programs. Most of the programs are for Franklin County residents living at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. Visit the website or call for more information.
711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43207
impactca.org
AMP website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/amp
As a licensed foster care agency serving children and adults up to age 21 with special needs and disabilities in Franklin County and its neighboring counties, they provide extensive foster family support. They help children with machine dependency, tube feeds, mental retardation, autism and other special needs.
1329 Cherry Way Drive, Suite 600, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 478-5448
lifestartinc.com
Program: offers an array of therapeutic and family foster care services, kinship care, parent education, community-based and home-based behavioral/mental health services, group living care; independent and transitional living services, case management, adoption; substance abuse treatment, services for sexually reactive children and youth and for youth involved in the juvenile justice system
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
1801 Watermark Drive, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 692-7226 Toll-free
nyap.org
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. Example classes include:
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
nationwidechildrens.org/education-classes
Family and Youth Law Center (Adoption Academy): familyyouthlaw.org/academy.php
Is a private therapeutic organization that license foster parents who provide a safe and nurturing home to youth from birth to 18 years old.
9482 Wedgewood Boulevard, Suite 200, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 444-2273
necco.org
facebook.com/NeccoColumbusOH
Committed to meeting the needs of waiting children and the families who adopt them, they offer information and support to adoptive families and prospective adopters. Families can search their database of parent groups to find support groups in the area.
970 Raymond Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
(651) 644-3036
nacac.org
Parents can apply for an Ohio ID card for their children. 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.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268
bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Their website contains helpful resources relating to juvenile justice, foster care, adoption, kinship care (relatives and non-relatives raising children) and information for youth transitioning from the foster system to adulthood; as well as advocacy information.
2600 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231
(614) 461-0014
ohiochildrensalliance.org
This federally-funded, state-administered program helps youth who were in U.S. foster care. Students may receive up to $5,000 a year for qualified school related expenses. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students.
(855) 471-1931
fc2sprograms.org/ohio
Foster Care to Success national website: fc2sprograms.org
They provide programs that educate, support, and advocate for adoptive, foster, kinship and respite families impacted by Ohio’s child protection system. They keep members informed about the latest news related to adoption and foster care.
303 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 222-2712
Warmline: (800) 228-3014
ofcaonline.org
Provides foster care and adoption education and resources. Get current information about new adoption laws, changes in policy, upcoming Ohio adoption community events and resources to help birth families. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Office of Families and Children provides a 40-page adoption guide with information about the adoption process in Ohio.
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Provides counseling and treatment services for children and adults, pregnancy and parenting support, respite care, domestic violence shelter, and foster care services, as well as substance abuse and addiction recovery that include peer support and housing, and more throughout Ohio. Visit the website for additional contact and location information.
(844) 622-5564
Crisis Line: (440) 260-8595
ohioguidestone.org
Provides resources like scholarships, mentorship and community events to foster care alumni enrolled in higher education. Ohio Reach is administered by the Ohio Children’s Alliance in partnership with the Ohio Department of Higher Education and acts as a network of professionals, advocates, and students across the State of Ohio determined to support former foster youth on their higher education journey. Visit the website for contact information.
ohioreach.org
Is a flexible and responsive kinship and adoption navigator program designed to support children, youth and their families navigate and connect with all available resources, locally and statewide. Call or complete an online referral to complete a resource/needs assessment. OhioKAN is funded through Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS), one does not have to qualify for public assistance through ODJFS to access the services.
OhioKAN Direct Line: (844) 644-6526
ohiokan.jfs.ohio.gov
ohiokan.jfs.ohio.gov/make-a-referral
A licensed nonprofit adoption agency that specializes in private domestic adoptions. They provide adoption home studies and post-placement visits, services for adoptive parents and services for birth mothers. Their website has helpful information for those considering adoption and information about the six step process to adoption.
Central Ohio Office: 11 North High Street, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
(614) 349-1510
openarmsadopt.com
Advocates for and supports child protection program and public policy for safe children, stable families, and supportive communities. They also provide leadership opportunities for young people (aged 14-24) who have experienced foster care. Go online to find resources and information, referrals, and follow-up services to grandparents and other relatives raising children through kinship care.
37 West Broad Street, Suite 1100, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-5802
pcsao.org
A foster care alternative for children and parents. Local families volunteer to host children in their home for a few days or a few weeks, while the parent can recover from difficult circumstances or emergencies. The families complete an approval process that includes training, background checks, references and a home assessment. Hosted children are monitored by one of their Family Coaches and the child’s parents.
296 West Fourth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 210-3267
National: safe-families.org
Local:
Provides therapeutic foster care, in-home and community-based behavioral health, adoption services; family preservation and reunification programs, and older youth services to preserve families and strengthen youth. Anyone can make a referral. Their services help youth from infant to age 18 and older throughout Ohio. They also offer free classes to support parents and guardians of youth participating in SAFY programs. Visit the website for other Ohio offices.
Columbus Office: 4615 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 729-2024 or (888) 590-7239 Toll-free
safy.org/ohio
Provides behavioral health intervention and treatment services to youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Program: outpatient and inpatient services (home-based and school-based), telehealth, therapeutic preschools and after school programs, residential care, and support for foster families. They provide specialized services to Hispanic / Latino children.
Eligibility: youth ages 3-18 years old
Cost: therapies can be billed to Medicaid and a variety of insurances
Referral: individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization
Grief Program: offers a 6-session virtual series of grief education and skill-building groups delivered by their Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants. Activities, books and supplies are provided free of charge by SVFS.
Eligibility: youth ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers who have experienced grief due to the death of an important person or pet
Cost: FREE to families
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437, ask for Intake
svfc.org
Provides Hope Cases filled with comfort items and essentials items for kids (newborn to 18 years old) entering the foster care system, with the goal of providing kids with hope in an uncertain time. Foster families and kinship families can reach when they are placed with a child coming into care for the first time. The program is free.
(614) 285-5224
stitchedtogether.org
Program: Provides foster care and adoption services, addresses anger management, independent living skills, and self-development. Also assists families in preparing for adoption. Post-adoption services provide clinical counseling and support for adopted children who may be struggling with day to day functioning.
Eligibility: ages 3 to 18
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 a physician or organization
431 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 855-5020
umchohio.org
Program: juvenile court programs, residential treatment, crisis stabilization/intervention and assessment services, treatment foster care, respite care, outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse services, intensive home based treatment, school-based mental health and prevention services
Eligibility: ages 12 to 18
Cost: government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance, self-pay with a sliding fee scale
Referral: individuals may refer themselves or be referred through the court system or by an organization
(800) 638-3232
thevillagenetwork.org
Offers a variety of services and programs some include an early childhood center, after-school and summer programs, sports and exercise programs, a free health clinic and free legal clinic, as well as immigration counseling services (DACA). Other programs include daytime and evening GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), programs for homeschoolers, men’s and women’s support and recovery groups, marriage and parenting programs, financial counseling, career development services, dance, art, and music classes, and much more.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5238
vineyardcommunitycenter.org
Program: Provides behavioral health, early childhood, traditional and therapeutic foster care, pre- and post-adoption support and community respite services for youth and families around the central Ohio region
Eligibility: ages (4 and older) vary by service and intervention
Cost: contact organization
Referral: individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization
2323 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 258-9927
yasohio.org