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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 Northeast and Central Ohio including the counties of Ashland, Cuyahoga, Holmes, Knox, Lorain, 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.

Today over 24,000 precious hearts have been uprooted, forgotten, abused or neglected in Ohio alone. This is approximately how many children and youth were placed in out-of-home care last year. According to Foster Care Capacity, in 2023 despite the need, there were only 7,347 licensed foster homes.

Below you can see the number of children in foster care in each county we serve from the 2023 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

125+

Ashland
County

3,333+

Cuyahoga
County

65+

Holmes
County

139+

Knox
County

264+

Lorain
County

207+

Medina
County

321+

Portage
County

207+

Richland
County

729+

Stark
County

1,622+

Summit
County

196+

Tuscarawas
County

153+

Wayne
County

Counties by the Numbers

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