'Caring For Kids' Monthly Newsletter

October 2025

Standing Together for the Safety of Families and Children


October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of domestic violence on families and to reaffirm our community’s commitment to safety, support, and healing. >> LEARN MORE

Information for

Lucas County voters 


Lucas County Children Services receives half of its operating revenue from a series of property tax measures that periodically come before voters for reconsideration. On November 4, Lucas County voters will decide whether to renew one of these property tax measures. Owners of a home valued at $100,000 will continue to pay $39 annually, based on residential property values as they existed when the tax was originally passed. In total, the five-year renewal would generate about $14 million annually for children services.

Empowering the Next Generation: Lucas County Children Services Paves the Way for Emancipating Teens


At Lucas County Children Services, there is a dedicated team working tirelessly to support a growing population of youth transitioning to independent living. With approximately 200 teens, ages 14 and up, currently in their care, the LCCS caseworkers are committed to shattering stereotypes and ensuring these young adults are as prepared as possible for the road ahead. >> LEARN MORE

LCCS Begins

New Fellowship Program 


Lucas County Children Services is offering a new fellowship program to encourage students studying fields other than social work to consider a career in child protective services. >> LEARN MORE

Interested in becoming 
a foster parent?
 


Join LCCS staff and current foster/adoptive parents on the Sandpiper and learn more about the need for more foster homes, the requirements, the process of becoming a foster parent, and the way you can make a difference in a child's life. 


Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 6-8pm 

RSVPs are limited 


COMPLETE ONLINE FORM

or contact Sherry Dunn @ 419-213-3476 | sherry.dunn@jfs.ohio.gov

* RSVP Deadline: Friday, October 17th


The Sandpiper is docked near the corner of Water Street and Jefferson Avenue in downtown Toledo | 1 Jefferson Ave, Toledo, OH 43604

Welcome Dedra Brown 
to the PEI Team!
 


We’re thrilled to welcome Dedra Brown to the Parent Empowerment Institute as our newest Parent Advocate! Drawing from her own powerful lived experience, Dedra brings compassion, strength, and deep insight to her work supporting parents and families. 

 

A dedicated youth mentor and crime prevention advocate, Dedra has transformed her journey into one of healing and service—earning recognition from the NAACP for her impact in the community.  



>> Click here to read more about Dedra and her inspiring story. 


Ready to Open Your Heart and Home?

Join Our October Foster & Adoptive Parent Training!


Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in a child’s life? We invite you to join us this October for an engaging, in-person training designed to guide you through becoming a foster or adoptive parent right here in Lucas County!


Training Dates:

Friday, October 17 – Sunday, October 19, 2025


Location:

Northwest Ohio Regional Training Center 
(301 Adams St., Toledo, OH 43604)


How to Join:

Signing up is easy! Pick the way that works best for you:


Learn more and take the first step on your incredible journey at: https://lucaskids.net/pre-service-training/


Make a difference that lasts a lifetime — start your journey today!


hotline.jpg

Navigating the child welfare system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.


Do you need help finding the right person or department to answer your child welfare questions? LCCS now offers a Family Help Center. Our helpful Child Welfare Navigators can point you to the right people to answer your specific questions. We also have a Grievance Officer, who can provide assistance in sharing your concerns in the most productive way possible. 

2024 LCCS Annual Report Cover

Discover Our Impact:

LCCS 2024 Annual Report 


At Lucas County Children Services, our mission remains clear: to protect children, strengthen families, and build a safer, more supportive community. 

 

We invite you to explore our 2024 Annual Report—a comprehensive look at the work we've done, the challenges we've faced, and the progress we've made together. 

 

Your trust and involvement make our work possible. Take a moment to learn more about how we served the children and families of Lucas County in 2024. 

 

>> Download the 2024 Annual Report (PDF)

 

Thank you for supporting Lucas County Children Services.  

~ October Survey ~

We're listening! 

Please take a moment and share your thoughts with us. 
Your comments will help us make this newsletter more relevant to you, 
and our agency more effective. 

Stay Connected with Lucas County Children Services!

Together, we can make a difference for children and families in Lucas County. Will you stay connected and help us build a stronger community?


Subscribe to "Caring For Kids" e-newsletter to receive updates on:

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  • Volunteer and advocacy opportunities
  • News and announcements
  • Ways you can support local children and families

Your support matters. Stay informed. Stay involved.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect,

call our 24/7 Hotline | 419-213-2273 (CARE)

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LUCAS COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES

301 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604

419-213-3200 (24/7 Switchboard)

Office Hours: Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm