Lucas County Children Services, the county agency responsible for leading the community in the protection of children, is sponsoring another in its ongoing series of “community conversations,” to be held Monday, March 24, 5 to 7 p.m., in the Scott High School cafeteria, 2400 Collingwood Boulevard, Toledo. Attendees are encouraged to enter door 20.
Kinship caregivers are especially welcome to take part in this session, as it will feature a presentation from the Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator. This is a free service that helps families access a wide array of services and supports to assist with a child’s upbringing. Forty-five percent of the children in the custody of LCCS are now placed with a relative caregiver.
These free, open conversations begin with the topic of “Safe Children, Safe Families.” LCCS staff, along with representatives of other community agencies, will discuss many of the concerns that families experience today, and options to prevent child abuse and neglect:
•Details of the new LCCS Family Help Center hotline and how it works.
•LCCS’ role, and what happens when you call 419-213-- 2273.
•Ways that families can address issues without LCCS intervention.
•Services for youth and adults that are available in your neighborhood.
•How to de-escalate a situation or family conflict.
•Who to call in an emergency.
“These conversations are providing a valuable exchange with our families and stakeholders,” explains Hope Bland, Ph.D., LCCS director of diversity, equity, inclusion and strategy. “While we try to educate attendees with programs and services provided by LCCS and its partners, our leadership team is educated on continuing community needs with the feedback those same attendees are providing to us. That creates a winwin situation for everyone.”
Light refreshments will be provided. Further information is available at 419-213-3727.
