Applicants:   It is imperative to follow these steps in sequential order.  After you submit an initial inquiry, Spirit of Faith Adoptions will provide you with instructions to access the information contained in Step 1.   Once that step is completed, you will receive instructions to access the documents in the next sequential step.   As paperwork is received at Spirit of Faith Adoptions, our staff will notify you by e-mail.  Forms submitted to Spirit of Faith out of sequential order will not be able to be accepted.

Step 1:  Initial Inquiry
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (www.odjfs.state.oh.us ) regulates all adoption agencies that are licensed in Ohio.   The Ohio Adoption Guide (1675) provides a detailed overview of the various ways to adopt children in Ohio.   The Adoption Subsidy Guide (1985) contains an overview of adoption financial information and programs through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.   Both of these forms can be accessed through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ website:  http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/results1.asp    Click on “Search by Form number” and then enter the corresponding numbers (ie: 1675 or 1985)

For families interested in adopting through the foster care system, please click here for a listing of county agencies to assist you through the process:  http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.pdf

Step 2:  Application Determination
Please note that in addition to the Application for Child Placement, there are additional forms to complete and submit to Spirit of Faith.  Please mail all required forms to Spirit of Faith Adoptions, 3315 Centennial Rd., Suite A-2, Sylvania, OH  43560.   Once we have received them, we will contact you for further information.     

Step 3:  Paperwork
Forms for your home study include Personal Reference Forms, Employment Verification, Volunteer Reference Forms and Autobiography Information.   Other forms which are generated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services are also required as part of your home study process.  These forms can be updated, changed or amended frequently, so we ask that applicants obtain them directly from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ website    http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/results1.asp

On the ODJFS website, you can click on “Search by Form number” and then enter the corresponding numbers (ie: 1673-A or 1200, etc.) from the list below: 

**The number in ( ) corresponds ONLY to your Client File Checklist.

If you have any questions about any of the forms, please contact Stacy stacy@spiritoffaithadoptions.org

Criminal Background Checks
Both BCI and FBI reports are required for all applicants and household members 18 yrs of age and older.  Please have your prints taken electronically at one of the nearest locations as provided by the following link.  www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Services/Business/WebCheck/Webcheck-Community-Listing.aspx  Please request that the reports are mailed directly to Spirit of Faith Adoptions, 3315 Centennial Rd., Suite A-2, Sylvania, Ohio  43560.   

Step 4:  Orientation and Pre-Service Training
Orientation is for those who have completed Steps 1 and 2.  The Orientation meetings are held at the Spirit of Faith Adoptions’ main office, 3315 Centennial Rd., Suite A-2, Sylvania, Ohio  43560 on a quarterly basis in March, June, September and December from 10:30am to 4pm.   Participation in one meeting is mandatory for all applicants prior to beginning the home study interviews.   At the Orientation meeting, you will be introduced to the Executive Staff and an adoptive family will share their adoption story with you.   Mr. Wurster will explain the adoption process and answer your questions.   Some helpful tips about creating profiles are available as well as information about community resources in Ohio for adoptive families. 

Preparing for adoption is essential for success.   Twelve hours of Pre-Service adoption education are mandated by the State of Ohio.   Part of this requirement will be satisfied with your attendance at the Orientation meeting.  The remaining training will be completed via the following on-line educational training courses: http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/search.cfm

1. Conspicuous Families  (1.5 credit hours)
2. The Journey of Attachment  (2 credit hours)
3. Let’s Talk Adoption:  A Lifetime of Family Conversations (2 credit hours)
4. Lifebooks:  Creating and Telling Your Child’s Story (1.5 credit hours)

Optional (recommended) courses:

1. Creating a Profile That Works
2. The Adoption Tax Credit

Please register and pay on the Adoption Learning Partners’ website.   After completing each course, you will be provided with a certificate of completion.   Please forward to Spirit of Faith Adoptions for your adoption file.  

Step 5:   Home Study Determination
An Authorization for Release of Information can be filled out and submitted to Spirit of Faith when you desire to have Spirit of Faith Adoptions provide a copy of your home study to another agency.   You may scan and e-mail your signed request to phillipw@spiritoffaithadoptions.org or fax your request to us at (419) 843-5350.   

Step 6:  Matching and Placement
During this step, you will be in close contact with the staff at Spirit of Faith Adoptions.  
Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”   Deut 31:6

Following an adoptive placement, the child’s adoptive parents are encouraged to review information about the Non-Recurring Adoption Expenses for A Child With Special Needs.   The Application and instructions can be obtained from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ website:   http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/results1.asp             

1421-I:  Instructions for Completing the JFS 01421 Application for Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses 

1421:     Application for Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses 

1438:     Agreement for Payment or Reimbursement for Nonrecurring Expenses Incurred in the Adoption of a Special Needs Child

If you choose to complete the Application for Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses, it must be submitted directly to your county Job and Family Services’ office after the adoptive placement has occurred.   Please direct specific questions to the Help Desk at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services @  866-886-3537.       

The following documents are required in order to complete your Application for Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses.  Copies can be requested from Spirit of Faith Adoptions:

1616:      Social and Medical History

1673:      Assessment of Child Placement (Home Study)

1673-A:   Child Characteristics Checklist for Foster Care and/or Adoption 

Please contact our Director, Phillip Wurster phillipw@spiritoffaithadoptions.org for additional assistance. 

Step 7:   Home Study Update
An update to your home study must be completed within two years from the date of your original home study approval.  Spirit of Faith Adoptions will notify you in writing approximately three months prior to the expiration date.  New medical forms (#1653) are required for all household members, including children and if you have had a significant change in your financial status or if you have made significant improvements to your home, those forms will need to be updated as well. 

They can be obtained directly from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ website    http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/results1.asp

On the ODJFS website, you can click on “Search by Form number” and then enter the corresponding numbers (ie: 1673-A or 1200, etc.) from the list below:   

**The number in ( ) corresponds ONLY to your Client File Checklist.