At Lucas County Children Services (LCCS), we believe that meaningful change begins with listening. That’s why, in 2025, we launched a year-long Community Conversations to hear directly from families, caregivers, and community members about the ways we can better serve children and support families across Lucas County.
What We Talked About
During the 11 monthly sessions, participants shared honest feedback, concerns, and ideas around:
- Public perceptions of LCCS and the child welfare system
- Barriers families face when trying to access services
- The need for culturally responsive, equitable care
- LCCS’ role in crisis prevention and family preservation
- Building lasting trust between LCCS and the community
What We Heard
From these heartfelt conversations, five major themes emerged:
- Be Present Beyond Crisis
Community members want LCCS engaged in daily life—not only during emergencies. - Prevention Is Priority
Families called for more proactive support to prevent issues before they escalate. - Cultural Competence Is Essential
Staff need more training in trauma-informed care, racial equity, and cultural understanding. - Transparency Builds Trust
Residents want clarity about LCCS policies and processes—and a voice in shaping them. - Stronger Together
The importance of collaboration with trusted local partners was emphasized throughout.
How We’re Responding
We’re turning your feedback into action:
Building Trust
Ongoing community forums and open dialogue
Expanding Prevention
Greater investment in early intervention and family support
Prioritizing Cultural Responsiveness
Enhancing staff training through an equity and inclusion lens
Improving Transparency
Simplifying processes and inviting more community voices into decision-making
Strengthening Partnerships
Deepened collaboration with schools, faith groups, and neighborhood organizations
Final Session Highlights: August 25, 2025 – Main Library, Toledo
Our final Community Conversation featured Katina Bays, Deputy Director of Outreach and Engagement, Ohio Department of Children & Youth. She shared the state’s evolving child welfare goals:
- Lower infant mortality rates
- Improve kindergarten readiness
- Reduce the number of children entering foster care
Statewide Initiatives Include:
- $20M Fatherhood Engagement Grant
- Expanded Mandated Reporter Training
- A Two-Part Engagement Model:
- Listening Sessions (community-led feedback)
- Accountability Sessions (implementation, with Parent-Youth Ambassadors)
Reflections & Results from 2025
This series enabled LCCS to:
- Introduce our new Executive Director, Randall Muth, J.D.
- Break down internal processes for better community understanding
- Hear directly from the voices that matter most—families, kin, caregivers, and partners
Community-driven outcomes include:
- Launch of the LCCS Helpline
- Introduction of the “Caring for Kids” Monthly Newsletter (Fall 2025)
- Upcoming “Constant Contact” E-Newsletters to keep birth parents, kinship caregivers, foster parents, foster-to-adopt parents, independent living youth, post-emancipated youth and mandated reporters informed and engaged
Equity at the Core
We know that families experience systems differently, shaped by race, culture, language, and socioeconomic conditions. That’s why equity and inclusion are at the heart of every reform.
By centering those most impacted, we’re working to reduce disparities, increase transparency, and ensure every child and family in Lucas County is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Starting in January 2026, Community Conversations will shift to a quarterly format, continuing our focus on:
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Collaboration
We remain committed to learning from and working alongside our community—because together, we can build a stronger, more supportive system for every child and family in Lucas County.