Rule 5180:2-5-32 | Occupancy limitations and accessibility.
(A) When can an agency place a foster child in a foster home?
An agency may place a foster child in a foster home only when both the agency and the foster caregiver are in compliance with Chapters 5180:2-5 and 5180:2-7 of the Administrative Code.
(B) What children are counted when determining the total number of children in a foster home?
A maximum of ten children may reside or receive care in a foster home at one time, including:
(1) Foster children placed in the home.
(2) Kinship children residing in the home.
(3) Children of the foster caregiver.
(4) Children being cared for by a type B child care provider.
(5) Children receiving any private child care services.
(C) What is the maximum number of foster children allowed in a foster home?
A foster home may not have more than five foster children.
(D) Are there limitations for new foster caregivers or those with limited experience?
If a foster caregiver has been certified for less than two years or has less than two years of professional child care experience, they may not have more than three foster children at one time.
(E) How many young children are allowed in a foster home?
(1) No more than two children under the age of two may reside or receive child care services in the home.
(2) No more than four children under the age of five may reside or receive child care services in the home.
(F) Can a foster home exceed the standard capacity limits?
A foster home that is at, above or below capacity, may exceed the standard capacity limits in the following circumstances:
(1) To accommodate a sibling group or remaining members of a sibling group.
(2) To accommodate siblings of a kinship child.
(3) To allow a family with special training or skills to provide care to one additional child who has a severe disability.
(4) To allow a child with an established meaningful relationship with the family to be placed with the family.
(5) To allow a parenting youth in foster care to remain with the child of the parenting youth.
(G) Are there additional rules for specialized foster homes?
Specialized foster homes must follow additional placement limitations found in rules 5180:2-5-36 and 5180:2-5-37 of the Administrative Code.
(H) What must an agency ensure before placing a physically disabled foster child in a home?
The agency must ensure that all necessary special arrangements to meet the child's needs are in place before placement.
Last updated October 25, 2026 at 12:00 AM
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