'Caring For Kids' Monthly Newsletter
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YES! Voters approve Issue 1
On November 4, Lucas County voters showed their support for Lucas County Children Services by approving the renewal of the agency's 1.8 mill operating levy.
Based on preliminary results from the Lucas County Board of Elections, 64 percent of voters approved Issue 1, with just 36 percent voting against the measure.
Passage of Issue 1 is critically important for LCCS, as the agency faces rising costs to meet the needs of the growing number of traumatized youths who require specialized care. Placement costs for these youth have risen by 77% since 2021 -- from an average of $12.1 million to more than $21.1 million in 2024.
The success of the Issue 1 campaign would not have been possible without the support we received from the community. We were endorsed by business leaders, organized labor, the faith community, and scores of other citizens who believe that Lucas County children deserve to live in safe and caring homes – their family homes, kinship homes, or in one of our trained and licensed foster homes.
As we prepare to move on to 2026, LCCS pledges to continue promoting productive communications with all who come to the table, and to ensure that all families are treated equitably.
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SNAP Benefits Press Conference
Lucas County residents got to see leadership and teamwork in action as the directors and board chairs of four social service agencies came together to address the food shortages created by the suspension of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Randy Muth of LCCS, Scott Sylak of the MHRSB, Michelle Myerholtz of the Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Lynette Hair of Neighborhood Properties, Inc. met with the media on Monday to outline plans to fill in the "SNAP gaps" for the children, individuals and families they serve. These social service agencies all pledged funds to ensure that no one goes hungry during the federal government shutdown. LCCS pledged up to $50,000 from the agency's donation account, making sure citizens knew that no local tax funds would replace federal tax monies. While federal and state relief is on the way, there is still the uncertainty of when and how much aid will be given to SNAP recipients.
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Most children enter foster care with the goal of reunifying with their birth families. Unfortunately, for some families, the barriers are too great, and it falls to LCCS to find new, forever families for children. Many of our foster parents adopt the children who are placed with them. Others help children prepare for placement with an adoptive family or relative.
When a child or sibling group is placed into the permanent custody of LCCS and becomes available for adoption, the agency’s goal is to find them a permanent home as quickly as possible, in the least restrictive setting as possible.
>> Learn more about Foster-To-Adopt
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Promoting Safe Sleep Practices Across Lucas County
October marked SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) has been working hard to educate families on the importance of safe sleep for infants. >> LEARN MORE
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Protecting Children's Health
For any number of reasons, children who become involved with Lucas County Children Services may not have had the benefit of quality, consistent healthcare in their past.
>> LEARN MORE
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Doctors in the House
LCCS is doing its part to ensure that future pediatricians recognize and understand the impact of child abuse even before they begin seeing patients of their own. The agency recently welcomed Dr. Grace Cudjo and Dr. Astha Poudel, pediatric residents from Mercy St. Vincent's Hospital, for a day-long training with our child welfare professionals. >> LEARN MORE
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United in Excellence
Please join LCCS in congratulating Pathway Inc. Brothers United (BU) for their decade of service to fathers and men in Lucas County. BU, and its program director, Avis Files, work closely with LCCS to engage fathers in active parenting, strengthen family connections, and in many cases, prevent children from entering foster care. Over its ten-year timespan, BU has helped 3,573 fathers and 8,957 children in Lucas County!
For BU's tenth anniversary, local entrepreneur Jay Rayford, and his company, 1983 The Brand, honored BU by holding the annual BLAK GALA in their honor. Hundreds of community leaders turned out at the Premier to celebrate Ms. Files' achievement of promoting responsible fatherhood in Lucas County, and to see her accept a community leadership award.
As Ms. Files always says, #FATHERSMatter
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Successful Ride-Alongs
Each October, the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) asks its member county agencies to reach out to their elected representatives and invite them to "ride along" with caseworkers doing the hard job of ensuring the safety of children. >> LEARN MORE
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November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. This month reminds us of the rich diversity among the 574 federally recognized tribes—each with unique languages, traditions, and legacies that continue to shape our nation. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of Native communities, to acknowledge historical injustices, and to celebrate the ongoing leadership and creativity of their contributions today. Let’s use this month to learn, listen, and support Indigenous voices that continue to guide us toward understanding, respect, and belonging.
Attached is the Native Land Digital GeoMap: https://native-land.ca
This marks the original Indigenous territories on our world map. Please use this as an opportunity to promote education, awareness and dialogue!
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LCCS Annual Trunk or Treat
A beautiful, summer—like day greeted costumed kids and their caregivers at this year's LCCS Trunk or Treat, at The Believe Center in South Toledo. The event provided a safe daytime trick-or-treating opportunity for families living in the Old South End neighborhood. An estimated 2,500 kids attended the community outreach event, staffed by LCCS employees, high school volunteers, and more than 40 community partners, who appreciated the opportunity to share information about the services they offer.
Trunk or Treat is all about fun, but it's also about collaborative, collective community impact. LCCS and its partners distributed:
- 250,000 pieces of candy from LCCS staff, Friends of Lucas County Children Services, and community donors.
- 4,000+ toothbrushes and toothpaste donated by local dentists and a Medicaid provider and distributed by Owens Community College dental hygiene students.
- 2,500 pairs of socks from Hannah's Socks.
- 1,000 nutritious snack bags from Connecting Kids to Meals.
- 500+ donated books.
- 100+ pumpkins donated by Hoens Garden Center.
- Pizzas for sale, donated by LCCS board member Dan Ridi of S&G stores.
- Games, activities, arts and crafts, and balloon animals from Imagination Station and others.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and especially to the day's host, The Believe Center!
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National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
November is designated as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (NHYAM). This important recognition raises awareness and promotes action to help young people experiencing homelessness. Organizations and individuals participate in events, supply drives, education, and social media campaigns to highlight the issue and support vulnerable youth.
>> LEARN MORE
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Information In-Person Meetings:
- Monday, November 17, 2025 | 5-6pm
Waterville Branch Library (800 Michigan Ave., Waterville OH 43566)
- Monday, December, 15, 2025 | 5-6pm
Toledo Heights Library (423 Shasta Dr., Toledo OH 43609)
Information Virtual Meetings (ZOOM links to be emailed to participants):
- Monday, November, 17, 2025 | 12:00-12:30pm
- Monday, December, 15, 2025 | 12:00-12:30pm
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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 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.
| | 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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