Mended Reeds
Mended Reeds is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) childcare agency dedicated to serving the needs of children that have been abused, neglected, or are otherwise dependent. Mended Reeds is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to provide residential shelter, foster care, adoption, and treatment services. Mended Reeds is also certified to provide on-site public education.
Mended Reeds was formed in 1999 as a faith-based ministry and has grown since that time to further meet the needs of rural children. The founders, David and Rebecca Lambert, resigned from their professional careers, researched the childcare industry in southern Ohio, and developed the agency. David, formerly an electrical engineer and Vice-President of an energy company, is now the executive director. Rebecca is now a licensed social worker (MSW).
The organization was formed in 1999 and licensed to provide foster care in 2001. The initial years of development was dedicated to learning more about the childcare industry, considering best practices, and raising the necessary funds to start operations. The first office was a borrowed area on the second floor of the Lambert, McWhorter & Bowling law firm. In 2002, Mended Reeds renovated and opened the former Shadybrook Restaurant as a new Boys Shelter Home. The first resident was placed in September.
Services and information
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
After deciding to foster, make sure your household members are on board with what will be a life-changing decision to foster. Then, educate yourself about Ohio's requirements for foster parents. Applicants who want to foster or adopt in Ohio must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Live in a safe and stable home
- Meet home safety requirements
- Clear a background check with fingerprinting
- Provide at least three character references
- Provide ample space for a foster child in their house or apartment
- Attend foster parent orientation
- Take part in required hours of foster parent training
- Maintain financially stability
- Prove good health
- Complete the Home Study process
To apply or ensure you meet the prerequisites, there are two primary Ohio state resources. Contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) or a local Public Children's Service Agency (PCSAs).
If you are ready to learn more, contact a local child-placing agency to schedule foster parent information orientation. At orientation, aspiring foster parents learn more about foster parenting responsibilities, navigating the foster system, and the foster application process. If you have questions, orientation is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and meet other potential foster families.
Administrative paperwork can take some time to complete, but having everything prepared will ensure it goes smoothly. It will help the process move along if you gather financial documents ahead of time. These include tax filings and paystubs, which you will need to show as proof of financial stability.
Foster parents in Ohio must also attend 24 hours of pre-service foster parent training. This training teaches foster families about the trauma experienced by all foster children. It also covers how to provide general and specialized care to foster children.
Ratings and Reviews
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Sep 02, 2023
Saved my life
Aug 21, 2023
Great place to recover.
Nov 18, 2022
I've never been there for myself, but I know a few people who has gone thur there program they have. And they spoken very highly of the staff, and the home, and everything they offer.
Oct 19, 2022
Been with this company for almost three years of employment. The staff is amazing here. Love how everyone steps in to make a difference. :)
Oct 19, 2022
The thought of this facility whenever brought up in conversation, still leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The testimonies I hear from prior clients and staff are just sad. If you or a loved one is considering treatment, keep in mind that Mended Reeds is a business above everything else.