Learn more about foster parenting

SANDUSKY — Erie County children services workers invite anyone interested in becoming a foster parent to attend an upcoming open house and informational meeting. It's scheduled from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday at Erie County Job and Family Services, 221 W. Parish St., Sandusky. The process to become a foster parent requires training and licensing through Erie County children services and the state's job and family services department. Potential foster parents must be at least 18 years old and successfully pass all required background checks. Attendees will have the opportunity to: • Speak with a licensing specialist • Ask questions about the foster care process • Connect with local foster parents to learn more about this experience Quite often, people do consider becoming foster parents but might get intimidated by the process or have beliefs about the requirements that are not even true, said Ashley Gilbert, Erie County Job and Family Services' deputy director of social programs. She also supervises the children services department. "This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has ever thought about fostering or may consider it in the future to come discuss the process and requirements," Gilbert said. "Let us alleviate your concerns and help foster the belief that if you have a passion to advocate and help your community's youth, fostering may be right for you and your family." Gilbert added anyone who attends "will leave inspired and motivated after you hear how this local foster parent has left an imprint on the hearts of many children and how you could do the same." "Despite your reservations, hesitations or worries, we would love to see you--You won't regret taking those initial steps to better serve your community," Gilbert said. People can contact Tracie McVeigh at 419-627-4484 or tracie.mcveigh@jfs.ohio.gov for more information.