Message from Julie Barnes, Executive Director Greetings! As we celebrate May as National Foster Care Month, we realize that it takes a lot to be a Foster Parent. It takes courage to welcome a child into your home with little to no knowledge of who they are or what impact they will make. It takes understanding the impact of childhood trauma and making every effort to help children heal. For these things and more, we are eternally grateful. In the midst of these extraordinary global circumstances, honoring our foster parents may look a bit different in years past. From in person activities to virtual conferencing and meetings, we must continue to endure for the most vulnerable children in our care. YOU are the reason for lasting impact on the lives of these children. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Thank You, Foster Parents!

There is no greater job than that of a parent ... including that of a foster parent. Loving and caring for a child who has been placed in your home is what we ask of you each and every day. Providing for their needs and advocating for their mental health, education and medical care is what we expect of you each and every day. There are challenging and difficult times that test your patience, sometimes every day. But you do this time and time again ... without question and without hesitation. Why? Your reasons may vary, but you all have one commonality ... you all love these children. And through your love, you inspire and awaken their hearts.

SCCS is grateful for your willingness to open your hearts and homes to children in need. And we are thankful for your commitment to the safety, permanency and well-being of children, and working in partnership with each other, with families and the community.

Join us for this virtual open house style event for interested foster parents. Current SCCS foster parents can receive a $50 Target gift card by bringing a guest who's interested in learning more about foster care to this special Virtual Open House Event!   SCCS foster parent(s) and their guest(s) must register and participate in the Virtual Open House in order to receive the $50 Target gift card. Your guest must be 21 years or older and cannot be currently residing in your home. NOTE: This guest cannot be the same guest brought to the in-person Open House event held February 27, 2020. You will only receive one gift card regardless of the number of guests you have participate.  You and your guest must attend the Virtual Open House Event via Zoom Meeting on May 14, 2020 and remain connected for the entire presentation. Gift cards will be mailed. Gift cards are limited to the first 30 SCCS foster parents who register. When: Thursday, May 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Where: via Zoom Meeting (advance registration is required; Zoom instructions will be sent) How to Register: Onlin e (link below) or call (330) 379-1990 Deadline to register is May 10 or until full.

Register here

Welcome to Placement Services

Traci Foley NEW Department Director     Read Traci's Bio

Beth Kinney NEW Foster Home Support Supervisor Read Beth's Bio

Foster Parent Trainings May through August 2020 IMPORTANT NOTICE: All classroom training is CANCELED through May 31, including the Foster Parent Conference.    During the COVID-19 pandemic, online training hours are now available through the Foster Parent College. The Regional Training Center no longer needs to add units to your account. Please check with your coordinator about the number of hours you should take online. Contact Vickie Webb or Julie Hayden  to register for a Foster Parent College account if you don't already have one.    The Ohio Child Welfare Training Program (OCWTP) is also offering additional online trainings. You can see more details on their website.   Below is a link to the summer training schedule (May through August). As a reminder, all training in May is CANCELED . Summer Training Schedule

Who Should You Contact? Who to Contact

Waiting Child Profile

Ezekiel & Micah Born: April 2012 & July 2007 Micah and Ezekiel are siblings who want to be adopted together. Micah is 12 years old and a nurturing and attentive older sister. She is a good student and has several friends. Micah enjoys crafts, music, and basketball. She likes to watch television and play video games. Ezekiel is an active boy who has a great sense of humor. He is a very good student and excels in math. Ezekiel likes to ride his scooter, watch television and play video games. This sibling pair has some ongoing contact with a few members of their birth family and this is important to them. Email Ezekiel & Micah's Caseworker

Foster Parent Association

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foster Parent Association is essentially on pause with regard to events and fundraisers, so there is nothing new to report. The next meeting will be held Monday, May 18 from 6-8 p.m. via Zoom Meeting. We will provide the Zoom link for the meeting to the Facebook group in the events. Anyone who is not in the Facebook group can email us for the Zoom meeting link at info@summitcountyfpa.com .

Upcoming FCA Information Meetings Information Meetings continue to be held via Facebook LIVE each week for those who are interested in learning more about foster care and adoption with SCCS. Staff will review the process, requirements and share information about the types of children who enter agency custody.

SCCS Facebook Page

List of Upcoming Meetings

SCCS has new licensed foster homes! Welcome to ...

Colton & Megan Cantrill Michael & Michelle Lyons Shatara Nurse David Wokojance & Shannon Conrad-Wokojance Gary & Marisa Kanaga James and April Harper Lailee Zahedi Danielle Valentine Bradley and Ashley Eplin

IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following events scheduled in May have been canceled: Foster Parent Training Conference - scheduled May 7, 8 & 9 Foster Parent Recognition Dinner - scheduled May 15

Summit County Children Services 264 S. Arlington Street | Akron, Ohio 44306 24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline: (330) 434-KIDS (5437) Foster Care & Adoption Inquiry LIne: (330) 379-1990 ‌ ‌ ‌