Welcome to Lucas County Children Services
Lucas County Children Services Maintains Operations During
Federal Government Shutdown
(TOLEDO, OH – October 6 2025) – Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) is remaining fully operational despite the federal government shutdown that has impacted some local government agencies.
LCCS receives about 35 percent of its operating funds from the federal government; revenue from the agency’s three property tax levies comprise 50 percent of the agency’s income, with 14 percent coming from the State of Ohio, and less than one percent coming from other sources.
“Because of the timing of the revenues we receive, LCCS can withstand a closing that lasts up to 30 days. If it goes past 30 days, we may begin to see some impact. If it goes to 60 days or more, we may be in a situation that impacts our ability to place children,” says Owen Hoskins, LCCS director of fiscal and administration.
“The mission of this agency is to lead the community in the protection of children, and we are committed to doing that. However, federal financial resources are a critical part of the funding which permit us to provide services at current levels. We are working diligently with other federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that the community’s needs will be met should this shutdown last for an extended period of time,” pledged Randall Muth, J.D., LCCS executive director.
Stay Connected with Lucas County Children Services Read the October Edition & Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter!
You asked for more information about Lucas County Children Services — who we are, what we do, and how we work with members of the community to keep kids safe and help families thrive.
Caring for Kids is our new monthly e-newsletter created just for you—the residents of Lucas County.
Each edition will include:
– News and updates from LCCS
– Resources for families and caregivers
– Highlights of community partnerships
– Ways that you can get involved
Read the October Edition: https://conta.cc/4os92Vj
The October issue recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlights a new fellowship program for future child welfare professionals, and offers insights on the way we build a stronger, safer community—together.
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Let’s keep the conversation going. Stay informed, stay engaged, and help us make a difference for kids and families in Lucas County.
Need Help Navigating Our System?
We know the child welfare system can feel overwhelming. If you’re having trouble getting services, have a concern, or feel like you’re not being heard—you’re not alone. Call the Family Help Center: 419-213-3833
The Family Help Center is your direct connection to an independent Client Rights Office. This dedicated hotline was created to support parents, caregivers, and families who need help navigating Lucas County Children Services (LCCS). Whether you have a question, a concern, or just need someone to listen—we’re here.
Why This Matters: This new support pathway was created in response to real feedback from parents and caregivers during Community Conversations across Lucas County. One message came through loud and clear:
“We don’t feel like we have anywhere to turn when we need help.” The Family Help Center changes that.
LCCS Achieves Ohio START Certification
“Certification is important because it means LCCS is meeting or exceeding the national program’s highest standards and an unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of those in need,” explained LCCS Social Services Director Chanda Beal. “LCCS is extremely proud of the dedicated staff and community partners that are instrumental in this monumental milestone. This puts LCCS among national leaders in the success of this program at the local level.”
To date, LCCS has served 46 families and 88 children through Ohio START. Ohio START began in 2017 as a pilot program to provide recovery services for parents who have substance use disorder and specialized treatment for children who have been impacted by parental drug use. The program has continued to grow since then, expanding to 56 Ohio counties. Administered by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO), Ohio START has supported 2,650 children.
According to the PCSAO, research has shown that mothers who participate in START achieve sobriety at nearly twice the rate of mothers treated without START and that children in families served by START were half as likely to be placed in the custody of children services.
Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) needs YOU—to become a foster parent!
There are hundreds of Lucas County children, who, through no fault of their own, need a safe and loving environment. The numbers of kids requiring foster care continues to grow, while the number of available homes has not.
Tweens and teens may require the mentoring needed to build and maintain a strong foundation for the transition into adulthood. These youth often are looking for a stable and safe environment that provides them the opportunities to achieve the future they envision for themselves.
Sibling groups can better weather the storms of separation from family when a foster home is able to keep them together. Siblings rely on each other heavily, so a larger, loving home can give them the stability and safety they need to thrive in such challenging conditions.
Treatment foster homes are needed to help children living with disabilities or special needs to achieve their full potential. Treatment foster caregivers may have or can learn specialized skills to ensure each child’s physical and emotional well-being needs are met.
LCCS provides the training and support to help you be the best foster parent possible. Please click here to take the first step. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!
Kinship Support Program (KSP)
On December 29, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine signed an Executive Order, establishing a Kinship Support Program to assist kinship caregivers of children in Ohio’s child welfare system.
The Governor’s order directs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to pay all eligible kinship caregivers (related and unrelated) a daily stipend for each child in the custody of Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) that is placed in their home as kin. These KSP payments will continue for not more than nine months while caregivers work with LCCS to become licensed as a foster parent. ODJFS may waive certain non-safety-related foster care licensing requirements to help you become licensed. Once licensed, caregivers will receive foster care payments to care for the child as long as he/she remains in the home.
There is no application process to receive KSP payments. To be eligible, the child must be in the temporary, permanent, or legal custody of a public children services agency (PCSA) like LCCS, and be placed in your home by the PCSA as a kinship placement. Currently licensed foster caregivers are not eligible for this program. Find more information, click here.
Join Our Team!
Jeffrey Chesser, LCCS Independent Living Youth Advocate, accepts his honor as Child Protection Support Advocate of the Year from Angela Sausser, PCSAO executive director (center), and Kara Wendte, director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (right).
Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) needs YOU—to become a foster parent!
2025 Pre-Service Training Schedule
Please visit:
https://lucaskids.net/pre-service-training/
2025 Foster & Adoptive Parents
Preservice Schedule
~ DOWNLOAD PDF ~
We Respond 24 Hours A Day
Report Child Abuse or Neglect: (419) 213-CARE (2273)
Child safety is Lucas County Children Services’ top priority. Experienced screeners will answer calls about suspected child abuse or neglect 24/7.
>> For More Information
Are you experiencing domestic violence?
There are a number of resources in our community to help you protect yourself and your children, and to help you make a plan to get out.
>> LCCS Community Resource Guide (PDF download)