Foster at Pathway

How to Become a Foster Parent at Pathway

NEW pre-service training begins March 28, 2024! Foster parents and those wishing to foster-to-adopt are ordinary people who are genuinely concerned about the children and families in their community. They are people who want to make a difference and believe that they can positively impact a child’s life. Foster parents provide not only the basic food, clothing, and shelter that all children need but also love, guidance, discipline, and stability.

At Pathway, we’ll set you up for success to become a foster parent in Ohio, providing services and resources. Have some questions? Read more HERE.

Foster Care FAQs »

Foster Care Packet »

Fill out the inquiry form on this page to begin your foster care journey!

Why Choose Pathway?

Pathway Caring for Children’s Therapeutic and Family Foster Care system provides care for children ages 0-18 who are in the custody of Northeast Ohio county agencies or in direct placements. Our caring and trauma-informed staff provide services to help support our foster parents and the children in their care:

Training:

  • Onsite and virtual pre-service classroom training
  • Ongoing training opportunities

Support:

  • 24-hour crisis support from well-trained, trauma-informed, and experienced case managers.
  • Case management to promote stability of placement
  • Seamless collaboration among the entire Pathway team for child success and goals.
  • All support services are offered in-house by Pathway staff including mental health counseling.

Mental Health Counseling:

  • We provide Mental Health services to support foster youth by addressing their emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related issues comprehensively. Meet the Therapist Team HERE.
  • Family Empowerment for all families to build trusting relationships and manage behaviors

Community Building:

  • Holiday parties and social events for foster families
  • Ongoing communication with your case manager
  • Monthly Newsletters with updates and a Facebook Group to build support and share resources.

Additional Resources and Special Programs:

  • Respite care provides relief for full-time foster families by allowing the foster child to “visit” at another foster family’s home
  • Pathway Youth Support Specialists (YSSs) offer one-on-one mentoring
  • Transitional age programs and skills training for teens
  • A week-long Summer Camp opportunity for foster teens

Ohio BRIDGES Program

Pathway staff and liaisons provide services available through BRIDGES, a post-emancipation support program in Ohio that extends housing and other supportive services to former foster youth. These young adults are eligible to apply and participate at the age of 18, until they reach the age of 21. Our goal is to provide support and sustainable independence to these young men and women.

For more info, visit the BRIDGES website.