'Caring For Kids' Monthly Newsletter

February 2026

Ohio START:

Pathway to Sobriety and Stability

A successful Lucas County Children Services program that helps families achieve sobriety, safety, and stability is expanding to help more families escape addiction. >> LEARN MORE

Lucas County Children Services helped 110 individuals impacted by substance use disorder through family finding and kinship support?

23 of those individuals were children who were placed with relatives rather than going into foster care?

LCCS provided caregivers with more than 100 coaching sessions?

46 individuals were referred to
Area Office on Aging for supportive services?

LCCS Supports children and families!

Find Us at Franklin Park!

There is a tremendous need for foster parents in Lucas County
– people of all ages, interests, and abilities,

who care about the well-being of Lucas County's children.

You might be the right person

to help a child feel secure and accepted.

While you are doing

your Saturday errands

on February 7 and 21,
stop by the Dillard's entrance
inside Franklin Park Mall.

Saturday, February 7, 10:30 to 2 pm, and

Saturday, February 21 from 4 to 5 pm

Stop by and learn about the need, and how you can help.

You could be just the right person to provide a caring home

for a child in Lucas County.

Family Picture Night!

Lucas County Children Services

is having a Family Picture

and Movie Night

Wednesday, February 11,

at the Maumee Theater

601 Conant Street,

downtown Maumee

FREE family photos

from 5 to 6 pm, followed by a

FREE showing of the film

Puss In Boots at 6 pm

<< Download Flier (PDF) >>

Presented by Lucas County Children Services

While you're here, learn about foster care and adoption!

February
Foster Parent Information Meetings

<< SIGN-UP >>

~ Information In-Person Meeting ~

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 5-6pm

Heatherdowns Branch Library

3265 Glanzman Rd, Toledo OH 43614

~ Information Virtual Meeting ~
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 12:00-12:30pm
(ZOOM links to be emailed to participants)

Community Conversation Rescheduled

Winter weather caused LCCS to postpone the first of four scheduled community conversations for 2026. The event was originally scheduled for January 26 at the Heatherdowns Branch Library, but Mother Nature had different plans.

The winter meeting will now take place on February 23, from 5 to 7pm. still at the Heatherdowns Branch library, 3265 Glanzman Rd, Toledo 43614.

The gatherings will follow the same format 2025's meetings, with presentations from LCCS departments and community partners.

<< Download Flier (PDF) >>

Isaiah 117 House
to Welcome Prospective Volunteers

Know someone interested in volunteering at Isaiah 117 House Lucas County when they open in the spring? Now is the time to get involved, as Isaiah 117 House is offering introductory information sessions for prospective volunteers. The "Red Door Connection" meetings offer a complete overview of Isaiah 117 House and the many ways to get involved. Prospective volunteers don't need to RSVP or register, just show up! Meetings are happening:

Tuesday, February 3, 6p-8p

and Monday, February 9, 6p-8p

Church of the Cross

1750 Eastgate Road, Toledo, OH 43614

Isaiah 117 House provides a comforting, temporary place for children who are being removed from their homes out of concern for their safety. Rather than spending hours or days in Children Services offices waiting to be placed in a foster home, Isaiah 117 House is a safe place that is staffed by trained volunteers who provide clean clothes, favorite foods, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to be comforted and cared for while child welfare staff identifies a good placement.

The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold:

Reduce trauma for children awaiting placement

Lighten the load for child welfare services

Ease the transition for foster families

For more information, contact Isaiah 117 House at https://isaiah117house.com/

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 employees trained to answer your specific questions. We also have a Grievance Officer, who can help you share your concerns in the most productive way possible.

~ February Survey ~

What information about Lucas County Children Services do you want to learn more about?

We value your feedback —
please tale a moment to answer our survey question.

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:

Community events and initiatives
Parenting resources and tips
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)

LUCAS COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES

301 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604

419-213-3200 (24/7 Switchboard)

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