Foster Care Support for Families in Kent, Ohio

Foster care in Kent provides children with safe, temporary homes when they are unable to remain with their families due to safety concerns or family challenges. During these times, children benefit from caregivers who can offer stability, patience, and a consistent home environment while plans for their future are explored. Caring for Kids, Inc. (CFK) is a licensed foster care agency serving Kent, Ohio, and families throughout Portage County.


CFK works closely with foster parents by providing education, guidance, and ongoing support throughout the foster care process. Whether you are learning about foster care in Kent or considering becoming a foster parent, CFK is here to help you understand your options and next steps.

Understanding Foster Care in Kent

Children may enter foster care in Kent for many reasons, including safety concerns, family crises, or situations where caregivers need additional time and resources to regain stability. Foster care is intended to be temporary and focused on meeting a child’s immediate needs while permanency options are carefully evaluated.


Foster care in Kent involves collaboration among foster parents, families, and child welfare professionals. CFK supports this process by helping ensure children are placed in approved foster homes and that foster parents have access to training and resources that support children’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs.


Every foster care experience is different. Some placements may be short term, while others last longer. CFK approaches each placement with compassion, respect, and individualized support.

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A Foster Care Agency Serving Kent and Portage County 

As a foster care agency serving Kent, CFK provides local licensing support for residents of Portage County who are interested in becoming foster parents. CFK supports foster families throughout Kent, including neighborhoods near downtown Kent, residential areas close to Kent State University, and communities surrounding the Cuyahoga River corridor.


CFK foster care caseworkers regularly support families in the Kent area and remain available throughout training, licensing, placement, and ongoing care. CFK also offers opportunities for families to learn more about foster care and next steps in a supportive setting.

Foster Care Services Available in Kent 

CFK provides foster care services to individuals and families in Kent and nearby communities. Our goal is to ensure foster parents feel supported before placement, throughout care, and during transitions.

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Foster parent licensing and certification support

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Required Ohio foster parent training

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Ongoing caseworker guidance and advocacy

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Assistance navigating placement changes

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Access to educational and community-based resources

Foster care services through CFK include:

Strong support systems help foster families succeed. CFK remains actively involved so foster parents feel prepared and informed.

Our Waiting Families

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WAITING FAMILY

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Our Matched Families

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Chris & Alicia

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Nathan & Macey

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Rachel and Maddie

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Erik & Jenna

Becoming a Foster Parent in Kent

Many people in Kent consider foster care because they want to support children in their community but are unsure how to begin. Foster parents come from many backgrounds, and there is no single definition of what a foster family looks like.

To become a foster parent in Ohio, individuals generally must:

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Be at least 21 years old

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Have adequate space in their home

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Complete background checks and home safety requirements

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Participate in required foster parent training

CFK works closely with Kent families to explain requirements clearly and guide them through each step of the licensing process. No prior foster care experience is required.

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Process and Next Steps

The foster care process can feel overwhelming at first. CFK helps families in Kent understand what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.

Foster Care Process Overview

Step What This Involves
Initial Contact Speaking with CFK to learn about foster care and eligibility
Training Completing required Ohio pre-service foster parent training
Home Study Home safety review, interviews, and documentation
Licensing Approval to become a licensed foster parent
Placement Consideration for placement when a child’s needs match

Home Study for Foster Parents

The home study helps ensure foster homes are safe and prepared to meet children’s needs.

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Reviews home safety requirements

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Meets with foster parents to discuss expectations

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Collects required documentation

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Provides guidance to help families prepare

During the home study process, CFK:

The home study is designed to be supportive and educational.

Foster Parent Training and Services

Caring for Kids, Inc. helps foster parents meet the needs of children in their care by providing pre-service training and continued training after placement has occurred. CFK professionals assess each foster parent’s training needs and provide opportunities that best fulfill those needs.

Pre-Service Training Topics

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The foster care system and process

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Separation and loss

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Managing behavioral challenges

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Cultural considerations

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Caring for children who have experienced sexual abuse

Certification Renewal

Foster care certifications must be renewed. CFK supports foster parents by sending recertification materials, conducting home safety audits, updating home studies, and verifying required training hours. Each foster parent receives a written plan outlining training requirements.

Foster-to-Adopt in Kent

Some families consider fostering with the hope of adoption if reunification is not possible. Foster-to-adopt may be an option depending on a child’s circumstances.


CFK provides clear guidance so families understand how foster-to-adopt works in Ohio and the importance of supporting children throughout foster care. Adoption is never guaranteed.

  • Do foster parents need to live in Kent to work with CFK?

     Foster parents must live in Ohio and within areas CFK serves. Families in Kent and throughout Portage County are eligible.

  • Does CFK provide licensing support for Portage County residents?

     Yes. CFK provides foster parent licensing support for individuals and families living in Portage County.

  • What ages of children need foster homes in Kent?

     Children of all ages need foster homes, including infants, children, and teens.

  • What support will I receive as a foster parent?

     CFK provides training, caseworker support, and ongoing guidance throughout the foster care process.

  • Is foster care meant to be temporary?

     Yes. Foster care is intended to be temporary while families work toward stability or permanency plans are explored.

Foster Care FAQs for Kent, Ohio

Communities Where CFK Supports Foster Families

Caring for Kids, Inc. works with foster families across multiple Ohio counties. Families living in the following communities may be eligible to work with CFK, depending on county requirements and current foster care needs:

Foster Care Serving Areas Throughout Ohio

Caring for Kids, Inc. is a licensed agency providing foster parent licensing, home studies, and support services across Ohio. We organize our local support by county to ensure every family has a caseworker familiar with their community resources.

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Ready to Take the First Step in Foster Care 

If you are interested in learning more about foster care in Kent or exploring whether becoming a foster parent is right for you, CFK is here to help.

Call CFK at 330-928-0044 to speak with our team about foster care services in Kent, Ohio.

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