Making the decision to become an adoptive parent is emotional, but the outcome is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.  Adoption is a legal process that creates a lifelong relationship between a parent and child. Once the adoption of a child is approved by a court, the adoptive parents will receive an adoption decree and birth certificate, acknowledging that the child is a legal family member with all the right and responsibilities of a birth child.

Adoptive Parent Eligibility Requirements

If you have questions regarding adoption in Licking County, please call our adoption assessors at 740-670-8845 or email Adopt_LCJFS@jfs.ohio.gov.

General Requirements for Adoptive Families:
You may apply to become an approved adoptive family through Licking County JFS if you:

1. Are at least 18 years of age.

2. Single or married, with no change in marital status for at least one year.

3. Able to provide proof of sufficient income to meet the needs of the household.

4. Complete BCII, FBI, and Children Service Background Checks with no prohibitive offenses.

5. Ensure children are able to attend all scheduled appointments and visitations and have a clean and safe home.

6. Provide a safe and healthy home for a child.

7. Complete 39 hours of pre-service Training.

Pre-Service Training
Prior to applying to become a foster or adoptive parent through Licking County JFS, families must complete pre-service Training as developed by the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program plus an additional 3 hour training provided by Foster and Adoptive Parents through Licking County.

We provide pre-service training 3 times a year. Training classes are on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:15 – 9:15 pm at the OhioMeansJobs | Licking County building in Newark.

Home Study
Applications to become licensed foster / adoptive parents will be handed out after completion of pre-service training. Once an application is received by the Agency, a worker will be assigned to work with your family to complete a home study. A home study consist of a series of interviews which helps to evaluate if adoption is right for you and your family, helps the Agency get to know you as well as evaluate what type of children would fit best into your family.

To inquire about adoption in Licking County, send an email to Adopt_LCJFS@jfs.ohio.gov.