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330.462.1118    info@encouragefostercare.org

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As a private agency, Encourage is able to develop connections with public agencies in order to help more children. We currently serve the counties of Ashland, Cuyahoga, Holmes, Knox, Lorain, Licking, Medina, Portage, Stark, Richland, Summit, Tuscarawas, Wayne and more.

Every month, our agency receives dozens of requests for foster homes for youth and siblings from the counties we serve. We frequently turn away up to 80 children every month due to the lack of suitable foster homes. Simply put, we need more foster homes. Although we get referrals for all ages, our greatest NEED is for sibling groups, school-aged children, kids with medical needs and teenagers.

Today over 24,000 precious hearts have been uprooted, forgotten, abused or neglected in Ohio alone. This is approximately how many foster children and youth who are in our state today. According to Foster Care Capacity, in 2022 despite the need, there were only 7,639 licensed foster homes.

Below you can see the number of children in foster care in each county we serve from the 2022 PCSAO Fact Book. These numbers are sadly growing.

The Need In Our Community

Become a Foster Parent

Wondering what it takes to become a foster parent? Check it out!

You Have Questions

Becoming a foster or foster-to-adopt parent is a huge decision. Visit our FAQ section to learn more.

Respite Care, Mentoring & More

There are a host of other ways you can bless the families and children in the Encourage network.

Next Steps

195+

Ashland
County

3,740+

Cuyahoga
County

50+

Holmes
County

172+

Knox
County

226+

Lorain
County

488+

Licking
County

161+

Medina
County

329+

Portage
County

1,523+

Summit
County

636+

Stark
County

182+

Tuscarawas
County

175+

Wayne
County

Counties by the Numbers

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