If you suspect child abuse, call our 24/7 Hotline   |   419-213-2273 (CARE)

Welcome to Lucas County 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.  

Online foster & adoptive parent training starts
Saturday, April 27, 2024

Please visit: https://lucaskids.net/pre-service-training/

2024 Foster & Adoptive Parents Preservice Schedule
~ DOWNLOAD PDF ~

Make a difference in a child’s life.
Become a foster parent.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
Download Flier (PDF)

Join Our Team!
To learn more about LCCS employment opportunities, 
CLICK HERE

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

How to report child abuse

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)

Lucas County Children Awaiting Forever Families

Meet some of the young people awaiting forever families
here in Lucas County. >> For More Information

mother and daughter with facemasks

LCCS cares about the health and safety of its staff and visitors. We are continuing to follow protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Lucas County government.

Current guidelines:

  • Face coverings are recommended for all LCCS employees and visitors, including children and adults utilizing the Family Visits Center.
  • If you have been exposed to, or tested positive for COVID-19, please call Family Visits at 419-213-3315 to reschedule your visit. This applies to individuals that are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and those who are asymptomatic.
  • Employees and visitors should continue to self-assess their health and/or risk, and follow guidelines established by the CDC.
  • The LCCS lobby is open for business.
  • Meetings, such as family case conferences, change of placement meetings, etc., are being held in person at 705 Adams St.