'Caring For Kids' Monthly Newsletter

April 2026

One stable caring adult can dramatically improve outcomes for a child who has experienced trauma, you could be that adult. Lucas County urgently need compassionate individuals to open their hearts and homes. Be a part of their story. Consider becoming a foster parent for Lucas County Children Services.

For more information, call 419-213-3336 to talk to a recruiter.

How Caseworkers Help Families

For more than 150 years, Lucas County Children Services has remained committed to one mission: keeping children safe while helping families build stable, healthy homes. From first contact through every step of the journey, caseworkers meet families where they are—offering guidance, resources, and steady support during times of crisis.

By focusing on strengths and providing hands-on help, LCCS works to create safer environments and, whenever possible, reunite families. >>LEARN MORE

Social Work Salute

March was National Social Work Month, and the Lucas County Commissioners took a moment at their March 24 meeting to recognize the hard work and commitment that Lucas County Children Services' child welfare caseworkers display every day. National Social Work Month is a time to recognize the essential contributions that social workers make to strengthen communities and help individuals navigate life's challenges.

Child Wellness Campus

Coming to Toledo

Youth in crisis across Ohio have long been without a dedicated place to go when they need help but don't have family to lean on. In March, Governor Mike DeWine and state legislators revealed plans for six, "child wellness campuses" across Ohio. These facilities will provide temporary housing for youth ages 6 to 17 on short notice so they can receive therapeutic services and other treatment for up to 30 days.

Unison Health has been selected to create the Northwest Ohio region’s child wellness campus, part of a statewide effort to address a critical gap in care for children experiencing a crisis. The front half of Unison’s Cherry Street location will be converted into an area for outpatient behavioral health services, while the back half will be converted into a residential space with 12 beds for children in need.

The residential units will accommodate children ages 6 to 17 who are involved with Children Services and have complex behavioral needs requiring a higher level of 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

~ LEARN MORE ~

Lucas County Children Services would like to hear from you!

Connect with LCCS and community resources
to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

Monday, April 27, 2026 | 5-7pm
Sanger Branch Library
3030 Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43606
~ Download Flier ~

Talk to a Foster Care/Adoption Recruiter!

Please join us as we raise awareness of the importance of ending child abuse. Curious about the process of becoming a foster or adoptive caregiver? What are the needs of children in care? Our recruiters are in the community, ready to answer questions about the positive impact you can have on a child's life as a foster or adoptive parent. All are free and open to the public.

Eastern Community YMCA Recruitment Events
Three opportunities to join us:

Monday, April 6 | 5-7pm
Friday, April 24, 5-7pm (Family Fun Zone event)
Thursday, April 30, 5-7pm

Eastern Community YMCA, 2960 Pickle Rd., Oregon 43606

LCCS recruiters will be on hand during evening activities.

Pastries and Pastors

Three opportunities to join us:
Friday, April 10 | 9:30-11:00am

Friday, April 17 | 9:30-11:00am

Friday, April 24 | 9:30-11:00am

LCCS offices, 301 Adams St., 1st Floor, Toledo 43604

Clergy of all denominations are invited for coffee and pastries as they learn about the need for foster families, and the way that faith communities can support children and families involved with foster care.

~ Download Flier ~

Wolf Creek YMCA Recruitment Event

Saturday, April 11 | 8:30am-noon

Wolf Creek YMCA, 2100 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Maumee 43537

LCCS recruiters will be on hand during youth basketball league games.

The Kids in Care Hair Care Resource Fair

Saturday, April 18, 11am-2pm

Toledo Early College, 2800 Bancroft Street, Toledo 43606

LCCS recruiters will be on hand to answer your questions
about foster care and adoption.

Please mark your calendar for Wear Blue Day on April 8, and wear blue to work, school or play. Take lots of pictures and send them to the Lucas County Children Services Facebook page. Wear blue and prevent child abuse!

Virtual Foster Parent Informational Meeting

Monday, April 20, noon-1pm

Join us for this informational meeting, conveniently presented via ZOOM.

Fill-out the online form or call 419-213-3336.

*Login information will be provided on the day of the event.

In-Person Foster Care Informational Meeting

Monday, April 20, 5-6pm

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd. Toledo, 43614

LCCS recruiters will be at a different library location each month
to answer your questions about foster care and adoption.
Make a child's story a happy one!

~ SIGN UP FORM ~
(for both the online or in-person sessions)

In-Person Pre-Service in April

Are you ready to say, "YES" to becoming a foster or adoptive caregiver?

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9:00am – 3:45pm
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:30pm
Saturday May 2, 2026 | 9:00am – 5:00pm

Classes are held at the Northwest Ohio Regional Training Center, inside the Lucas County Children Services building, 301 Adams Street in downtown Toledo.

~ Download the full training schedule (PDF) ~

How to Register

Signing up is easy—choose the option that works best for you:

Complete the online Pre-Service Registration Form
Call 419-213-3336
Email Lucaskids-Recruitment@jfs.ohio.gov

Ready to take the first step?

Click the button below to choose the training series that fits your schedule.

2026 Pre-Service Series Selection Form

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 listen to your concerns, review your case, and determine if any recommendations should be made, as a result.