BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The Belmont County Commissioners recognized and thanked the county’s foster care families Wednesday and issued an official proclamation marking May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month.
Jeff Felton, Director of Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services, Administrator Christine Parker and children’s services staff members were on hand for the announcement and to stress the importance of the local foster care network.
Felton emphasized the essential role foster parents play in providing safety, stability and love to vulnerable youth.
“Foster parents open their hearts and homes to children in crisis. They do this not just with care, but with patience, flexibility, and compassion—even when the phone rings in the middle of the night.”
Jeff Felton, Director of Belmont County Job and Family Services
Parker told commissioners that Belmont County Children’s Services currently has 63 children in care with more than a third of them under the age of five. She said two-thirds of these children are placed in family foster homes, both traditional and therapeutic, where they receive specialized medical or mental health services. An additional 16 children are living with kinship caregivers.
Felton noted that Belmont County surpasses many counties Ohio in the number of available foster homes, crediting that success to strong relationships and respectful treatment of foster families.
One staff member, who is also a foster parent, shared his personal experience, highlighting the close-knit support system within the agency.
Felton said Belmont County continues to support its foster families through measures such as paid childcare, which is an increasingly critical service as more foster parents are dual-income households.
“We know that child care can be a significant burden, especially with so many of our children being under the age of five.”
Jeff Felton, Director of Belmont County Job and Family Services
Importantly, Felton added that Belmont County has managed to avoid lodging issues that have plagued other areas—like children sleeping in office lobbies due to lack of placement—thanks to a dedicated respite home and strategic staffing support.
Efforts are ongoing to expand the number of certified foster homes, with four currently in the process of certification. The process includes background checks, fingerprinting, home studies, and training. Despite the rigorous requirements, the agency is encouraged by the continued interest in fostering.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, contact the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services at (740) 695-1075.
