'Caring For Kids' Monthly Newsletter
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LCCS Director
Shares Vision With Toledo Rotary Members
LCCS executive director Randy Muth captivated the 80-plus members of the Toledo Rotary who attended the organization's June 1 meeting. As the day's keynote speaker, he was there to help the city's most prominent business leaders to understand the many ways that LCCS works proactively to prevent children from being maltreated. For children who are victims, he explained the way that the agency employs family search and engagement and a kin-first culture to keep children connected to their families.
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A Graduation Celebration
A remarkable milestone was celebrated at LCCS as graduates reflected on their hard work, achievements, and the exciting opportunities ahead. See how this special day brought family, friends, and the community together. >> Learn More
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Melissa McCartt
to Speak
at National Aging Conference
Lucas County Children Services' Melissa McCartt will represent the agency on a national stage this July, presenting at the USAging Conference. She will speak on the way that innovative partnerships and opioid settlement funding are helping strengthen kinship connections and support families in recovery. >> Learn More
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Basketball Hoop
Part of Isaiah 117 House
Isaiah 117 House is trying to make their place as much like home as possible for children entering foster care—and that includes a big backyard. There's already a swing set in place. Recently, contractors added a large concrete pad to serve as a basketball court. Thanks to a partnership with Friends of LCCS, there’s now a new basketball hoop installed, too. Word is that a three-point line and foul line will be painted on the concrete surface so kids can play a game, HORSE, or whatever they'd like. Good things happen when LCCS and its nonprofit partners work together for kids!
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What are the signs of
child abuse and neglect?
Child abuse and neglect can occur in any family, neighborhood, or community and involve actions—or failures to act—that harm a child's well-being.
Abuse generally falls into three categories: 1) physical abuse, which involves non-accidental injury; 2) sexual abuse, which includes any sexual act involving a child; and 3) emotional abuse, which damages a child's psychological and social development.
Neglect is the failure to meet a child's basic needs and may be physical, emotional, or educational in nature, affecting a child's health, safety, development, and access to learning.
Understanding the different forms of abuse and neglect is essential to recognizing warning signs and helping protect children from harm. >> Learn More
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LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in June
At LCCS, Pride Month reinforces our commitment to ensuring every young person feels safe, respected, valued, and supported for who they are. >> Learn More
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National Reunification Month is observed every June to celebrate families that have overcome challenges to safely reunify after being separated in the foster care system. It honors the resilience of parents, the dedication of child welfare professionals, and the support of foster families.
Created in 2010 by the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, the month highlights the fact that reunification with birth families is the most common and often the most desirable permanency outcome for children in the child welfare system.
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Talk to a Foster Care/Adoption Recruiter!
Friday, June 12, 2026 @ 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Clever Bee Academy Presents Community Connections Fair
545 Woodville Rd, Toledo, Ohio 43605
Friday, June 12, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
Q105 Toledo Eric’s Throwback Skating Party
Glass City Metropark Ribbon
1505 Front Street, Toledo, OH 43605
Saturday, June 13, 2026 @ 12:00 PM
Career and Health Fair
Woodward High School
701 E. Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43608
Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 11AM–4PM
Padua Summer Party 2026
1416 Nebraska Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43607
Saturday, September 12, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3rd Annual Mercy Health Fair
4126 N Holland Sylvania Rd, Toledo, Ohio 43623
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Virtual Foster Parent Informational Meeting
Monday, June 15, 2026 | 12:00-12:30pm
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 12:00-12:30pm
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, June 15, 2026 | 4:30pm-5:30pm
Lagrange Branch Library
3422 Lagrange St, Toledo OH 43608
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 5-6pm
Locke Branch Library
703 Miami St, Toledo OH 43605
~ SIGN UP FORM ~ (for both the online and in-person sessions)
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Virtual Foster/Adoptive Parent Pre-Service Training Series in August
Are you ready to say, "YES" to becoming a foster or adoptive caregiver?
Sign up for pre-service training – the first step on your foster or adoption journey.
Friday, August 14, 2026 | 9:00am – 3:45pm
Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:30pm
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
~ 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.
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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.
| | 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)
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