May is National Foster Care Month
Foster Hope. Foster Love. Foster Franklin County.
Hundreds of children in Franklin County are waiting. These are children who, through no fault of their own, need a safe and loving home. The need for loving foster homes continues to increase, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Foster homes for older children, those with emotional and behavioral issues and sibling groups are especially needed.
Children are waiting for YOU. Become a Franklin County foster parent. Anyone over 21 with a stable source of income can apply. You just have to be willing …to Foster Hope, Foster Love, Foster Franklin County.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, click here or call (614) 275-2711 to learn more about the process and connect with a local foster care agency. FCCS partners with various foster care agencies to provide foster homes for Franklin County’s children.
Preventing Teen Suicide
FCCS is partnering with Columbus Public Health (CPH) along with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to increase awareness and promote limiting access to lethal means. Through their Locks Save Lives campaign, CPH stresses the importance of safeguarding guns, medication and alcohol, especially if there are concerns about suicide. Those who may not be able to afford lockboxes, may receive one by sending an email to ChildInjuryPrevention@columbus.gov. Also, The City of Columbus has partnered with Columbus Fire to offer free gun locks. These gun locks are available to any Columbus resident, no questions asked, at all Columbus fire stations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
If you suspect a youth is thinking about ending their life, get help! Call the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Line at (614) 221-5445 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you need help immediately, dial 911.
Additional resources include:
24-Hour Teen Suicide Hotline - (614) 294-3300
Franklin County Youth Psychiatric Crisis Line:
Call (614) 722-1800 for youth and adolescents ages 17 and under
Teen Crisis Line - Text “4hope” to 741-741
COVID-19 Resources
FCCS has compiled information about resources available to the Franklin County community during the COVID-19 pandemic on our COVID-19 Resources webpage. There are resources for caring for children in case of illness, accessing testing and parenting tips. You’ll also find information on mental health, child care, education, recipes and more. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates on resources available in the community.
This is also a time when concerns about child abuse and neglect have increased and the attention of the community is needed to keep children safe. Check in with families, and if you suspect child abuse or neglect are occurring, contact our 24-hour hotline at (614) 229-7000.
New Inspiring Job Opportunity
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS), Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) have partnered to start a peer parenting program. NYAP is currently looking to hire a Peer Parent Mentor as part of this program. This position offers a unique opportunity for an individual with first-hand experience to provide mentoring to clients whose children have an open case with FCCS. For more information click Peer Parent Mentor Job Opportunity.
