(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – Legally, foster parents do not have custody or guardianship of the children in their care; the county children services agencies do.
This informational series is brought to you by Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services.
However, foster parents and the agencies share day-to-day responsibility for the children.
Foster Parent Responsibilities
- To meet children’s basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter
- To create a safe place for children to learn and grow
- To provide a safe environment for children to cope with complex feelings
- To ensure children feel included and equal in all family activities
- To provide transportation for children to all appointments, visits, events, etc.
- To encourage children to participate in social and recreational activities
- To monitor and strengthen children’s academic progress
- To provide consistent and realistic guidance and discipline
- To work with the professionals and birth family as part of the team helping the family
- To support children’s identity and traditions
Foster Parent Rights
- To be treated as part of the child welfare team
- To ensure the well-being of their family
- To receive proper training and support
- To receive reimbursement for covering the basic needs of the children in their care
- To receive children’s medical cards and arrange for their medical care
- To receive relevant information about children prior to placement
- To refuse placement of a child in their home
- To advocate on a child’s behalf for needed services
- To request the removal of a child from their home when it is necessary for the safety or well-being of the child or other parties
- To communicate with any educational or medical professionals working with a child
- To assist in planning visits with the birth family
- To enroll children in activities
