Foster Care Agency Supporting Families in Westerville, Ohio

Foster care in Westerville provides children with safe, temporary homes during times when they cannot remain with their families. These situations may occur for many reasons, and children benefit from caregivers who can offer stability, patience, and a supportive environment while plans for their future are explored. Caring for Kids, Inc. (CFK) is a licensed foster care agency in Westerville, Ohio, serving individuals and families throughout Franklin County and Delaware 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 Westerville or considering becoming a foster parent, CFK is here to help you understand your options and next steps.

How Foster Care Supports Families in Westerville 

Children may enter foster care in Westerville due to safety concerns, family challenges, or situations where caregivers need additional time and resources. Foster care is intended to be temporary and focused on meeting a child’s immediate needs while permanency options are considered.


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


Each foster care experience is unique. Some placements may be short term, while others last longer. CFK approaches foster care with flexibility, compassion, and respect for everyone involved.

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A Foster Care Agency Serving Westerville and Surrounding Communities 

As a foster care agency serving Westerville, CFK provides local licensing support for residents of Franklin and Delaware counties who are interested in becoming foster parents. CFK supports foster families throughout Westerville, including neighborhoods near Uptown Westerville and residential areas surrounding Alum Creek.


CFK caseworkers regularly support foster families in the Westerville 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 Westerville 

CFK provides foster care services to individuals and families in Westerville 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

Considering Becoming a Foster Parent in Westerville

Many people in Westerville consider foster care because they want to support children in their community but are unsure where 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 Westerville 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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Steps to Getting Started with Foster Care 

Starting the foster care process can feel overwhelming. CFK helps families in Westerville understand what to expect so they can 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 based on a child’s needs

Home Study and Licensing Support 

The home study helps ensure foster homes are safe, prepared, and able 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.

Training and Continued Support for Foster Parents 

Caring for Kids, Inc. provides pre-service training and continued training after placement has occurred to help foster parents meet the needs of children in their care. CFK professionals assess training needs and recommend learning opportunities that best support foster families.

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 assists foster parents by sending recertification materials, conducting home safety audits, updating home studies, and verifying required training hours. Foster parents receive a written plan outlining training requirements.

Foster-to-Adopt Options in Westerville 

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 Westerville to work with CFK?

     Foster parents must live in Ohio and within areas CFK serves. Families in Westerville and throughout Franklin and Delaware counties are eligible.

  • Does CFK provide licensing support for Franklin and Delaware County residents?

     Yes. CFK provides foster parent licensing support for individuals and families living in Franklin and Delaware counties.

  • Does CFK work with foster families throughout the Westerville area?

     CFK supports foster families across Westerville and nearby communities served by the agency.

  • What training is required to become a foster parent in Ohio?

     Ohio requires pre-service training before placement and ongoing training after certification. CFK provides this required training.

  • 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 Westerville, 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 Your First Step in Foster Care 

If you are interested in learning more about foster care in Westerville or exploring whether becoming a foster parent is right for you, CFK is here to help answer your questions and explain next steps.

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

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