Isaiah 117 House Ribbon-Cutting Celebrated
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” ~Isaiah 1:17 Congratulations to LCCS community partner Isaiah 117 House, which cut the ribbon on its 44th house nationwide, and its first in Ohio, on August 16. This beautiful home in Oregon, “changes […]
Peer Support Key to Successful Family Reunifications
At LCCS, one of our top priorities is to help families overcome the problems in their lives so they can regain the stability necessary to be reunified with their children. Reunification can be a rough road for many parents. It takes a willingness to do the hard work, accept changes in their lives, have confidence […]
LCCS Names New Chief Legal Counsel
LCCS has named Angela Russell as the agency’s new chief legal counsel, succeeding Shelby Cully, who has moved to the position of director of disproportionality reduction, training, and quality assurance. Ms. Russell previously served as legal services manager. In her new role, Ms. Russell will oversee the LCCS legal department, court-related operations, and will provide […]
Prevention Program Helps Newborns, Moms
While most Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) caseworkers respond to cases of child abuse and neglect, other caseworkers are using prevention strategies hoping to make families safer and stronger without the need for them to enter the child protection system. One of those programs is focused on supporting families with newborns who have been prenatally exposed to marijuana (THC). While marijuana use is […]
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in June
June is globally recognized as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, dedicated to celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer culture. While Pride Month started to recognize the protests, parades, and other events that catalyzed the modern gay liberation movement, it has evolved into a month of celebrations. For LCCS LGBTQIA+ Committee Chair Samantha Borkowski, Pride Month is […]
Melissa McCartt to Speak at National Aging Conference
Lucas County Children Services is recognized as a national leader in many aspects of child protection. This coming July, we will be taking our story to a national stage to discuss the ways that we’ve combined three of our strengths – family search and engagement, family support, and grant-writing – to secure funding through the […]
A Graduation Celebration
As shouts and applause echoed through the streets of Downtown Toledo, 24 foster youth took in the sunshine and cheers as guests of honor for Lucas County Children Services’ annual Graduation Celebration. They all had reasons to be proud of themselves; they had each overcome the challenges of foster care to earn their high school […]
‘A Home for Every Child’ Initiative
Lucas County Children Services Joins Ohio in ‘A Home for Every Child’ Initiative Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams that Ohio will join ACF’s ‘A Home for Every Child’ initiative to improve outcomes for children in foster care. […]
What and Who Is a Mandated Reporter?
A mandated reporter is a person legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. In Ohio, mandated reporters include (but are not limited to): Education – teachers and school staff Healthcare – doctors, nurses, therapists, and counselors Public safety – law enforcement, first responders, and clergy Childcare & social services – childcare workers, foster parents, and child services staff In […]
How Caseworkers Help Families
Over the last 150-plus years, Lucas County Children Services has operated under several names—The Protestant Orphan’s Home, Lucas County Children’s Home, Miami Children’s Home, and others. While the name has changed over time, one thing has remained constant: a deep commitment to supporting both children and their families. LCCS caseworkers have always worked to help […]