Contact Us
Visit The Character Effect website
The
Character
Effect
Visit The PCX website
PCX
App Coming Soon!

Beech Acres

Go to the home page
Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Donate
Careers

Adoption

Adoption, Foster Care

Five Myths Versus Realities of Foster Care

/

There has never been a better time to consider foster care. The need for foster parents in the Greater Cincinnati area is greater than ever. But the decision to welcome a child into your home is a HUGE decision. You may also have some misconceptions about fostering. The good news is we can help address those misconceptions and we’re with you every step of the way. Make a real difference in your community by exploring, supporting, or becoming a foster parent! Download the Five Realities of Foster Care here. MYTH 1Teenagers in foster care are too risky and create chaos. REALITY Part of any teenager’s role is to be challenging. That’s the nature of being a teen. Mostly, teens in foster care have experienced trauma and need stability and care to work through that trauma. Myth 2 Most children in foster care have experienced trauma that cannot be healed. REALITY Using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach every foster parent can make a difference to a child who has experienced trauma. MYTH 3 I can’t be a foster parent; I’d become too attached. REALITY Instead of letting the fear of getting too attached deter us, we should actually let the fear of these kids never feeling truly attached to someone drive us. Being afraid of getting attached is exactly what these children need – a person who cares deeply for them, regardless of their experiences or behaviors. MYTH 4 You must be a married, heteronormative couple to foster and adopt. REALITY Foster care providers are as diverse as the children in their care. Single, married, LGBTQ+ we encourage anyone to get involved who has a heart and a space for a child. MYTH 5 Biological parents of kids in foster care are not good people and should not get their kids back. REALITY Some biological parents have experienced as much trauma as their children in care. They are people like everyone else. They make mistakes. But just like everyone else, they can learn and change when supported and given the opportunity. Now, that’s cleared up, let’s get started!

With All Families logo for Beech Acres Parenting Center
Adoption, Foster Care

Did You Know Over 600 Kids In Green County Need A Safe And Loving Home?

/

Did you know over 100 kids need a safe & loving home each night? If less than 1% of all households in Green County stepped up to help, the problem would be solved! Some facts: -Black children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. -LGBTQ+ foster children need love, support and understanding from someone who understands them. -Recent trends show the level of need increasing, and the age of the children is decreasing. -As of January, 165 children were ready to be adopted. Beech Acres Parenting Center has been standing behind foster parents that stand up for children for over 40 years. If you’re in Green County, take the first step today by reaching out or calling 1-855-787-KIDS (1-855-787-5437).

Green graphic with text about National Adoption Month and a photo of a little girl walking on a laptop screen
Adoption, Adoption Month, Foster Care

November is National Adoption Month

/

Celebrating National Adoption Month November is National Adoption Month! We’ll be celebrating adoption all month long! Whenever possible, reuniting children with their biological parents is a top priority, but when that is not possible, adoption allows loving parents to ensure children have a caring environment in which to thrive. There has never been a better time to consider foster care and adoption. The need for foster parents in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas is greater than ever. You can make a real difference in your community by exploring, supporting, or becoming a foster parent! Why Choose Us? Beech Acres Parenting Center has been standing behind those who stand up for kids in foster care for more than 40 years. We are currently serving Greater Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Dayton & Montgomery County. Our comprehensive training prepares you for success, and our unique matching program connects you with the right child for your family. We build a community around our foster parents. Our foster families support each other, build each other up, and offer a support network of people with shared experiences and unique perspectives to help every family succeed. How to Become A Foster Parent Becoming a foster family is a tremendous responsibility with an equally tremendous reward. The need for foster families has never been greater. Take your first step by contacting Calena today at 1-855-787-KIDS (1-855-787-5437). The licensing process takes approximately 3-6 months. Get started with your required classes now. Check out our Foster Care FAQ for more information. Options for Kinship Caregivers If you are a kinship caregiver, our Kinship Connections program offers support and resources for relatives caring for their loved ones. Find information about this program here.   Kinship Caregivers caring for children in the custody of Children’s Services may be eligible for the Kinship Support Program. Contact us to learn more.

Photo of an indoor playset with a slide with children running and playing in it
Adoption, COVID-19, Foster Care

One Family Builds Creativity and Perseverance During the Pandemic

/

We LOVE the creativity and perseverance of our foster care families!  Check out how one family is finding a way to have some FUN during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Ryans built these amazing play spaces for their kiddos to enjoy inside and outside! Chris & Kim Ryan talked to us about their adventure in creativity. Looks like you found a way to have fun while you’re stuck at home during quarantine? Tell us what inspired you to be creative during this time. On March 7, two more littles joined our household bringing our kid count to 6 ages 13, 11, 3, 3, 2, and 1. When everything began closing and the shelter at home order went into effect, my husband and I began thinking of ways to turn our playroom into a PLAYroom.  We started talking and saying, “what if” and “wouldn’t it be neat if”.  It didn’t take us long to make the jump from thinking about it to acting on it. We decided what we’d like to see in the room, made a plan, and started building!  It has been wonderful to have a place that our little ones (and the bigger ones too!) can burn off some energy without worrying about the weather or germs. In August, we had two more children join us, ages 8 and 2.  After several months of limited activity, we again knew it was time to better utilize the space that we had.  This time it was the backyard.  We again started dreaming and searching the internet for ideas.  We found a set of plans that fit what we wanted and we started building.  The outdoor playset has turned our backyard into a neighborhood hot spot and it has been amazing to see all the kids playing together until dark, being creative and inventing games, and just being kids. How are the kiddos holding up during this extraordinary time? We have kept things as normal as possible for the whole family.  The older kids felt the impact of life changes due to Covid the most but we strived to find ways to give them balance and make the time at home full of positive memories.  For our little ones, it was life as usual.  They did well with the switch to tele-visits and enjoyed having the big kids around to play with them more. 🙂 November is National Adoption Month. What would you say to families considering opening up their homes and hearts to kids in need?  If you are thinking about opening your home to children in need, contact an agency (Beech Acres is amazing!)…ask the questions you have. We are so glad to be part of the Beech Acres family and truly appreciate the support and training they provide. Seek out those who have already opened their homes and talk to them…This journey isn’t always the easiest, there are times of tears and heartache but there is also much joy! If I may quote an old Nike advertisement, “Just Do It” November is National Adoption Month. Click here to learn more about foster care and adoption.

Scroll to Top