Parenting / Foster Care / Adoption

Action for Children The Art of Positive Parenting (TAPP) Program

Offers year-round parenting classes for parents with kids of all ages at many locations in Franklin and Delaware counties. Their parenting page has information about resources for parents. TAPP classes focus on creating a healthy family environment. Financial help may be available. They also assist parents with finding quality child care.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222, ext. 103
www.actionforchildren.org

Adopt Ohio

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides a 40-page adoption guide with extensive information about the adoption process in Ohio, including a glossary of adoption terms and a listing of public and private adoption agencies in Ohio. They also have a statewide adoption information hotline.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-1213 or (866) 886-3537, option 4
http://jfs.ohio.gov/oapl

Adopt U.S. Kids

Dedicated to finding permanent, loving adoptive families for the thousands of U.S. children who are currently waiting in foster care. This website is sponsored by the U.S. government and allows prospective adoptive parents an opportunity to search for children by looking through their photolistings. Call the toll-free number for information about adoption and foster care.
605 Global Way, Litnthilum, Maryland 21090
(888) 200-4005
www.adoptuskids.org

Adoption Circle

Adoption Circle is a licensed adoption agency that offers full adoption services for private domestic and foreign adoptions.
One Americana, 400 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 237-7222
www.adoptioncircle.org

Adoption by Gentle Care

Gentle Care is a licensed adoption agency that specializes in private domestic adoptions. They provide adoption home studies and post-placement visits, services for adoptive parents and services for birth mothers. Their website has helpful information for those considering adoption and information about the six step process to adoption.
370 South 5th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 824-9633 or (614) 469-0007
www.adoptionbygentlecare.org

Adriel School

Provides services throughout Ohio for foster youth with special needs, with the goal of helping foster children return home to their families. They serve children from birth to age 21 and work on adoption if return to family is not possible. Referrals may be made to their foster care program by agencies, parents or legal guardians. They also provide on-site counseling and treatment for youth.
5940 Venture Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 761-0010 or (614) 584-1520
www.adriel.org

Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)

Provides information to those looking for support through a support group. They have information on mental health support groups, support groups for parenting children, support groups for survivors of abuse and violence, and alcohol and drug support groups.
447 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 224-1057
www.adamhfranklin.org

Alvis House Family Reentry Program

This program begins while the father is still in prison, where the fathers receive visits from their families, attend parenting classes and receive life-skills classes. Alvis House staff also work with the mothers and children. They begin attending classes and support groups and receiving employment leads, clothing and children’s items as needed. Once the father is released, both parents and children continue to work with a case manager. The young adult reentry program also provides parenting skills education as part of its family-focused approach.
2100 Stella Court, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 252-8402 or (614) 223-1499
www.alvishouse.org

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Healthy Children

Provides the only parenting website backed by 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. The website contains information about healthy living, family life, safety, developmental stages and more.
141 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
(847) 434-4000
www.healthychildren.org

Bair Foundation

Offers several services, including adoption, foster care, kinship care and independent living services. They provide respite care for their foster families as well.
665 Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(888) 705-3577 or (614) 846-6265
www.bair.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Program

A one-to-one mentoring program that matches children of incarcerated parents with volunteers from the community.
1855 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43229
(866) 892-2447 or (866) 892-BIGS
www.amachiohio.org

Born Learning

A public service campaign supported by United Way that helps parents, grandparents and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities.
360 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-2700
www.bornlearning.org

Buckeye Ranch

Provides foster care services at their Broad Street location. Referrals are typically through mental health and government organizations (such as FCCS). They provide respite services and work with foster youth with special needs as well.
697 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 384-7700
www.buckeyeranch.org

Caring for 2

This program is administered through Columbus Public Health with a team of community care coordinators, public health nurses and licensed social workers.  They provide guidance and health services for African-American women who are pregnant or parenting young children in zip codes 43201, 43203, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43209, 43211, 43215, and 43219.  All services are free to the women in the program.  You can also view their Maternal Provider Directory which lists providers who help with maternal mental health.  Call or visit their web page for details. 
240 Parsons Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 645-7417
http://publichealth.columbus.gov/caring-for-2

Catholic Social Services

Offers post-adoption counseling for adults and maintains a list of post-adoption resources on their website.
197 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 857-1218
www.colscss.org

Center for Effective Discipline

Provides information on the effects of corporal punishment of children and alternatives to its use. Their website has information about discipline at home and at school, as well as laws and helpful links.
327 Groveport Pike, Canal Winchester, Ohio, 43110
(614) 834-7946
www.stophitting.com

Center for Healthy Families

Pregnant teens in Franklin County ages 13 to 19, or teens who are parents, can call to get the help they need, including health care, parenting help, housing, education, child care and employment assistance, based on the individual needs of each teen. Health care professionals can click below to make a referral as well.
500 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 884-4200
http://centerforhealthyfamilies.org

Center for Latin Hope (Centro Esperanza Latina)

Offers an eight-week parent training class for Hispanic families. Child care is provided during classes.
2300 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 358-3584
www.centerforlatinhope.org

Center of Vocational Alternatives (COVA) Transition Youth Services

Helps teens with mental illnesses and other disabilities. They provide free transitional services to foster kids exiting Franklin County Children Services, ages 18 to 21, who are leaving home care and need help becoming independent. This includes accessing housing, education, and employment, as well as other needs. High school students above age 16 with emotional disturbances receive career skills to help them transition from school to work.
3770 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 291-7117
www.cova.org

Central Ohio Families with Children from China (COFCC)

Represents over 200 families who are in the process of adopting or have adopted children from China in the Columbus area. They have several support groups which focus on building peer relationships with other adopted children and provide advice and awareness to others who are trying to adopt children from China.
PO Box 554, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
www.centralohiofcc.org

Central Ohio Families with Latin American Children (COFLAC)

COFLAC is a montly support group for central Ohio families who have adopted children from Latin America, or who are considering adopting from Latin America.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/coflac

Child Development Council (CDC) of Franklin County

Provides services for parents of children enrolled in their Head Start program. This includes their Fatherhood Project, which offers parenting education and support for fathers.
300 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-1709
www.cdcheadstart.org

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Provides a lot of information and resources regarding foster care and adoption and was developed by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Users can search the national foster care and adoption directory to find foster care and adoption resources in their area.
1250 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC 20024
(800) 394-3366
www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad

Choose Your Partner Carefully

Franklin County Children Services and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Child and Family Advocacy have made a guide to help people choose a partner who will be safe and helpful around their children.
855 West Mound Street, Columbus Ohio 43223
24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline: (614) 229-7000
www.co.franklin.oh.us

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center Kinship Care Program

Supports relative caregivers who have taken custody of children who cannot be cared for by their parents. The program helps children avoid placement in a non-related foster home when parents are absent, and therefore helps them maintain stability in their education. Help is provided in many areas including food, housing, health care and transportation.
14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-3539
http://clintonvillecrc.org

Columbus Parent Magazine

Offers many resources for parents in central Ohio, including advice on a range of parenting issues.
34 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 461-8878
www.columbusparent.com

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio

Offers an alternative to the court system by providing an impartial mediator who helps work out voluntary settlement to conflict situations. They help solve family disputes such as marital conflicts and child custody issues. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
www.communitymediation.com

Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)

Offers free in-home parenting classes in Somali and Spanish. They also provide parenting help for teen parents, and offer specific information on how to raise children that are new to America.

• 3624 Bexvie Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  (614) 235-5747
• 4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  (614) 840-9634
• 3000 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  (614) 279-1354

www.cris-ohio.com

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Provides free adoption resources and adoption facts. Their resource page contains information about domestic infant adoptions, international adoptions, financial help, special needs adoptions, foster care adoptions and more.
716 Mount Airyshire Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(800) 275-3832
www.davethomasfoundation.org

Directions for Youth & Families Parenting Classes

Parenting classes help improve the quality of family life. Some classes are free, and others are based on a sliding fee scale, depending on income. Services are provided in homes and other convenient locations in the community. There are specific classes for teen parents, Spanish-speaking parents, parents working with the legal system and parents with children who have behavioral challenges. Their free Ready Set Grow Program is for parents of children ages 2 1/2 to 6, to prepare kids for kindergarten.
1414 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205
(614) 251-0101 or (614) 294-2661
www.dfyf.org

Directions for Youth & Families Teen Parent Connection

Offers counseling, parent education and help finding community resources for teens ages 12 to 21 who are parenting or are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Free childbirth education classes and mental health services are also offered.  Short Stop Youth location:
1066 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 299-5541
www.dfyf.org

Disaboom

Started by a physician who is a quadriplegic, this website provides people with disabilities the answers, solutions and connections they need. There is information on a wide range of topics, including disability scholarships, accessible travel, adaptive sports, parenting, disability arts, assistive technology, disability rights and more.
7730 East Belleview Avenue, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
www.disaboom.com

Dungarvin Ohio

Dungarvin is a licensed foster care agency serving youth with developmental disabilities. They offer several services in Franklin County (and several other counties), including foster care, in-home services, respite care (for parents who need time away from their children) and developmental services.
6555 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(800) 646-4612 or (614) 436-7440
www.dungarvin.com

Elizabeth Blackwell Center Parenting Program & New Moms Group

The Elizabeth Blackwell Center Parenting Program is offered as an extension of childbirth education and wellness programs at Riverside Methodist Hospital.  Their programs are designed to support the overall well-being of children and adults across the lifespan.  They offer a New Mother support group, Positive Discipline, Parenting Separately, and many more. There is also a Parent Helpline.  Some of the services are free and some of the programs require a small fee.  Click here for class and program listings. 
3724-A Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 566-4446
www.ohiohealth.com

Father 2 Father

This program helps men 16 to 35 become nurturing fathers and develop strong self-sufficient skills by increasing their parenting and life skills and strengthening their employment potential. Services include establishing linkages to community resources. Call for an intake appointment.
80 East Fulton Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-6409
http://franklincountyohio.org

Franklin County Children Services

Provides information about adoptable kids, the adoption process and foster care. There is no fee for adoptive placement, and financial help is available. They also provide information on kinship care (when a relative or non-relative takes over the full-time care of a child).
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 229-7000
http://www.franklincountyohio.gov

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations

The Mediation Services Office provides a neutral professional (the mediator) who helps the parents solve a visitation disagreement so they can avoid going to court and having a judge make that decision for them. The mediator will also ask the parents to discuss the needs of their children in order to do what is best for the children involved. Services are provided for free.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-6147
www.fccourts.org

Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency

Enforces child support orders so payments can be made, and gives advice to parents. They can also help with establishing paternity and health insurance coverage for children.
80 East Fulton Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3275
www.franklincountyohio.gov

Franklin County Probate Court

Finalizes all adoptions in Franklin County. Those wishing to adopt are required to have a personal and home investigation to insure their suitability as adoptive parents. Their website has helpful information about starting the adoption process in Ohio.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3894
www.franklincountyohio.gov

Flying Colors Incredible Years Parenting Program

The preschool offers programs for children ages three to five in Licking County, including programs for kids with special needs. Their free 12-week parenting program is designed to help parents build a positive relationship with their child and handle problem behaviors.
675 Price Road Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-1629
www.flyingcolorspreschool.com

Help Me Grow (HMG)

Their parents and caregivers page has information about child health, children with special needs, school readiness, safety, resources by county and parent rights.
246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 644-8389
www.ohiohelpmegrow.org

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Offers a family-based program for parents of children up to age 5, and a Help Me Grow program for parents who are pregnant or parents who have children less than age 3 and are having problems with their development. Counselors meet with parents in the home and office.
1070 College Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
www.jfscolumbus.org/HelpMeGrow.asp

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Offers a family-based program for parents and children. Counselors meet with parents in the home and office.
1070 College Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
www.jfscolumbus.org

Legal Aid Society of Columbus

Offers several services for domestic and family issues, including help solving child support and custody issues. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(888) 246-4420 or (614) 241-2001
www.columbuslegalaid.org

Life Start

As a licensed foster care agency serving children and adults with special needs and disabilities in Franklin County and its neighboring counties, they provide extensive foster family support. They help children with machine dependency, tube feeds, mental retardation, autism and other special needs.
142 North High Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 478-5448
www.lifestartinc.com

Mentoring Center of Central Ohio

A mentor is a caring, unrelated adult or older youth who builds a relationship of trust and commitment with a younger, less experienced person. The relationship is designed to enhance the young person’s attitudes, skills and behaviors. Click below for a list of agencies that provide mentoring services in central Ohio.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus , OH 43215
(614) 233-6368
www.mentoringcenterco.org

National Eating Disorder Association

Their Parent Toolkit is a resource to get answers to questions and concerns. Parents can learn how to be supportive and get advice from other parents.
165 West 46th Street, New York, New York 10036
(212) 575-6200
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Parent’s Guide to Bipolar Disorder

This booklet helps parents who think their child may have symptoms of bipolar disorder, or parents whose child has been diagnosed.
6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
(866) 615-6464
www.nimh.nih.gov/health

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP)

Offers counseling services for foster children and adolescents throughout central Ohio. They also provide sex offender treatment services for youth and in-home programs for teens with aggressive or violent behaviors. They offer emergency and specialized foster care services, in addition to respite care and alcohol and drug programs. They take foster care referrals and help connect foster children with resources in the community.

• 1801 Watermark Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  24-Hour Centralized Intake: (877) 692-7226
• 527 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  (614) 227-9444
• 1303 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  (800) 256-5001 or (614) 252-6927

http://www.nyap.org/Ohio.cms.aspx

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP)

Offers ongoing evening parenting classes for parents with children ages 0 to 12. Child care is provided during the sessions. The classes are for biological families (not foster families) involved with NYAP, but they do take referrals from outside agencies on a case by case basis. They take foster care referrals as well and help connect foster children with resources in the community.

• 1801 Watermark Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  24-Hour Centralized Intake: (877) 692-7226
• 527 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  (614) 227-9444
• 1303 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  (800) 256-5001 or (614) 252-6927

www.nyap.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Adoption Academy

Provided by Capital University Law School and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Adoption Academy provides in-depth classes on foreign and domestic adoptions for a minimal fee.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
www.law.capital.edu

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Family Safety & Healing

Offers counseling for children and adolescents who have been sexually or physically abused, children who have been exposed to family violence, and teens who have been victimized by relationship violence.
Program: office-based individual and family counseling, group counseling, psychiatry, medication management, psychological evaluations, developmental assessments and parenting classes
Eligibility: males and females of all ages up to age 21
Cost: government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay
Referral: patients may refer themselves or be referred by a physician
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722- 8212
www.nationwidechildrens.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Fostering Connections Program

The Center for Child and Family Advocacy provides a specialized foster care clinic that offers comprehensive health care services to children and adolescents placed in out-of-home care. The clinic coordinates the medical care of the patients it serves and streamlines access to behavioral health services as well. Click for their brochure.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-6789
www.nationwidechildrens.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Health E-Hints

Health e-Hints is a free, unique e-newsletter written by pediatric specialists and customized to meet the health and safety needs of your family. When you enter the ages of your own children, you’ll only get the articles that are relevant to your family. The newsletter is completely customized just for you! Click below to sign up.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2000
www.nationwidechildrens.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Health Information Library

Find age appropriate and medically reviewed health articles, breaking news, games, quizzes, health movies and much more for parents, kids and teens.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2000
www.nationwidechildrens.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Incredible Years Parent/Baby & Parent/Toddler Groups

The Help Me Grow Program and Nurse Family Partnership at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers a free parent support group to parents or caregivers of infants and toddlers.  The Parent-Baby support group requires an 8-week session commitment.  The Parent-Toddler support group requires a 10-week session commitment.  Sessions are held across from the hospital’s main campus at the Center for Family Safety and Healing.  Contact directly for more information.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio  43205
(614) 722-8260
www.nationwidechildrens.org/ccfa

Nationwide Children’s Hospital International Adoption Clinic

Offers a wide range of services before, during and after adoption. The clinic physicians are experienced in addressing the physical, psychological and developmental challenges facing a child born in another culture. Most insurance plans are accepted. Call for more information.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-4459
www.nationwidechildrens.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Parenting Classes

Offers classes for parents and for parents and kids. Parenting classes are offered for parents of kids of all ages (infants to young adults) and abilities.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
www.nationwidechildrens.org

New Roots Adoptive Families Support Group

Provides support, education and encouragement for families with adopted children, those in the process of adopting and those considering adoption. Their website lists local adoption events and resources.
PO Box 14953, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 833-6965
www.insouciant.com/newroots

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Committed to meeting the needs of waiting children and the families who adopt them, they offer information and support to adoptive families and prospective adopters. Families can search their database of parent groups to find support groups in the area. They also offer phone consultation and materials to address parents’ questions about adoption subsidies for children with special needs.
970 Raymond Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55114
(651) 644-3036
www.nacac.org

Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies (OACCA)

Their website contains helpful resources relating to juvenile justice, foster care, adoption, kinship care (relatives and non-relatives raising children) and information for youth transitioning from the foster system to adulthood, as well as a referral form for services throughout Ohio.
1151 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 461-0014
www.oacca.org

Ohio Department of Health Adoption Registry

Houses birth and adoption records for people born in Ohio and adopted anywhere in the United States. Their website has a list of adoption laws and procedures that are used in Ohio, as well as the Ohio Adoption Registry, which provides a confidential and voluntary way for adopted Ohioans and their biological families to find one another.
246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-2531
www.odh.ohio.gov

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Kinship Care

Click for the 72-page kinship care book, which helps relatives and non-relatives taking over the full-time care of a child. Caregivers may also call to request a copy of this useful resource guide. Some kinship families are eligible for cash payments if a judge has ruled that the child was abused, neglected, dependent or unruly.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(866) 886-3537, option 4 or (614) 466-1213
http://jfs.ohio.gov

Ohio Family Care Association

Serves as the statewide voice for adoptive and foster families in Ohio. They educate Ohio’s policymakers about the needs of abused, neglected and dependent children. They also keep members informed about the latest news related to adoption and foster care and provide a warm line for families who are experiencing difficulties related to out-of-home care by providing referral to local agencies for support.
1151 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 222-2712
www.ofcaonline.org

Ohio Hispanic Coalition

Offers several free services to the Hispanic community including community education, ESOL for adults, legal rights referrals and immigration services, translation and interpretation services, parenting classes, after school programs, summer programs and a culturally sensitive 24-hour domestic violence hotline.
6161 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Domestic Violence Hotline: (614) 746-3534
Referrals: (614) 840-9934
www.ohiohispaniccoalition.org

Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) Adoption & Foster Care Information

Provides up-to-date information for foster parents, adoptive parents and grandparents (kinship care).
50 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
www.olrs.ohio.gov

Ohio Post-Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS)

Families may apply for PASSS funds (up to $10,000 per year) after the adoption is finalized. The funds help families pay for costs related to a child’s physical, developmental, mental, or emotional handicap or condition. There is no fixed income limit, and the funds are available to all adoptive families, with the the exception of step parent adoptions, regardless of the type of adoption (public or private, domestic or international). More information can be found in Ohio’s 20-page adoption subsidies guide or by contacting the children services agency in your county.
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 341-6060
www.franklincountyohio.gov

Ohio Safe Havens for Newborns

Provides birth parents the option to leave an infant (up to 30 days old) with a medical worker in a hospital, a medical worker at a fire department or other emergency service organization, or a peace officer at a law enforcement agency. If the infant is left with a person at one of these places, and has not been abused, the parent will face no legal consequences for making this choice. Call the Help Me Grow hotline for information and advice.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Help Me Grow Hotline: (800) 755-4769
http://jfs.ohio.gov/safehavens

Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA)

Provides free legal advice to people with a low income throughout Ohio. Click to read their brochure After Foster Care: What Next?, which is for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. Their website below also has a lot of information about local rules and regulations regarding adoptions and foster care, legal rights of teenage mothers and homeless youth.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(866) LAW-OHIO or (866) 529-6446
www.ohiolegalservices.org

Ohio State University Extension

Their website offers several handouts and resources for parents, including teaching children to resolve conflict, tips for new parents and how to stay involved in your teen’s life.
2105 South Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 866-6900
http://extension.osu.edu

Parenting a Child with Special Needs

To find resources for children with special needs, visit the CAP4Kids Special Needs section.

Parents Encouraging Responsible Choices (PERC)

PERC is a group of teachers and parents in Dublin City Schools who provide education designed to keep youth safe and healthy. Underage drinking, internet safety, bullying and eating disorders are some of the topics they focus on. Presentations are free and open to the general public.
7030 Coffman Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 764-5913
www.percdublin.org

Parents Without Partners

Provides single parents and their children with the opportunity for personal growth by offering friendship, support, and exchange of ideas through programs involving a variety of family and parent educational activities.
PO Box 293, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 675-1227
www.pwp227.org

Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement for Moms (POEM)

Offers free mom-to-mom support over the phone, by email or in groups. Go online to find out more about postpartum depression, survivor stories and helpful links. Their central Ohio blogspot gives up-to-date information about local group meetings, support and information. POEM is the Ohio section of Postpartum Support International (PSI).
2323 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 315-8989
www.poemonline.org

Starr Columbus

Offers a wide range of services for troubled and at-risk youth, including a program for foster children ages 0 to 18 who have been abused or neglected, a program for delinquent male students 12 to 18 years old who have sexually offended and a program for foster teens ages 16 to 18 who are learning to transition to adulthood and living on their own. They also offer the Ohio Families First program which offers 4 weeks of intensive counseling in order to prevent crisis and out-of-home placements.
301 Obetz Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(866) 289-9202 or (614) 491-5784
www.starr.org

Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY)

The Teen Parent Program helps youth who are pregnant and youth who are parents, as well as children in placement with teen parents.
4615 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(888) 590-7239
www.safy.org

Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY)

Provides services throughout Ohio, including a program for foster children who are “aging-out” of the foster care system, a foster care program for children with developmental disabilities and special needs, pre-adoption and post-adoption services, respite care for families who need time away from their children and a juvenile justice program for teenagers in trouble with the law.
4615 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(888) 590-7239 or (614) 729-2024
www.safy.org

St. Stephen’s Community House

Educates parents and provides home visitation services to families living in the Linden area.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
www.saintstephensch.org

St. Vincent Family Center Incredible Years Parenting Program

Offers a free parenting program that meets once a week with trained therapists who can help families. Classes are for parents of children ages 0 to 12. Free child care and transportation are available as well.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731, ext. 1181
www.svfc.org

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Their underage drinking site has helpful information and resources for parents to talk to their kids about drinking, including conversation starters and reasons why children start drinking.
PO Box 2345, Rockville, Maryland 20847
(877) SAMHSA-7 or (877) 726-4727
http://underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

Teen Pregnancy Program (TaP)

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Adolescent Medicine Clinic, in partnership with Better Birth Outcomes, offers the Teen Pregnancy Program (TaP) to provide prenatal care for moms-to-be ages 12-21. This program also focuses on the overall health of mother and baby which may include the entire family and the father-to-be. A multi-disciplinary team works to support safe infant care, birth control options, positive parenting and school/family balance. Contact directly for details.
495 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio  43205
(614) 722-2450, option 2
 www.nationwidechildrens.org/adolescent-health

United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) Family Services

Two locations offer services to adoptive and foster care families.
Program: Provides foster care and adoption services, addresses anger management, independent living skills, and self-development.  Also assists families in preparing for adoption.  Post-adoption services provide clinical counseling and support for adopted children who may be struggling with day to day functioning.
Eligibility: males and females, ages 3 to 18
Cost: government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income)
Referral: individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization
Pre-Adoption Services: 6402 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
(614) 855-5020
Post-Adoption Services: 1033 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 855-5020
http://umchohio.org

U.S. Department of State Intercountry Adoption

Has information about intercountry adoption, visas and specific country information.
2201 C Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20520
(888) 407-4747
http://adoption.state.gov

Village Network

Provides several services throughout Ohio, including programs for youth ages 10 to 18 who need intensive mental health services, a juvenile sex offender program, a program for foster families who need time away from their children (respite services) and foster programs for kids with special needs and mental health issues.
1751 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 751-9068
http://thevillagenetwork.org

Vineyard Community Center

Offers several activities and groups for a variety of populations including single moms, single dads, persons going through divorce and blended families. Visit their website for a complete list of programs.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5500
www.vineyardcommunitycenter.org

Vineyard Community Center Chosen 4 Love

Chosen 4 Love is a community of families with a passion for adoption, foster care and caring for orphans. They serve as a resource for adoptive families and for people who are considering becoming foster or adoptive parents. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 781-0392
www.vineyardcommunitycenter.org

Welcome to Our Place

Offers mental health counseling to children and families, as well as supervised transfer of children from one parent to the other. It is a visitation and exchange program for families who have been ordered supervised visitation by the courts.
700 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 888-1690
www.welcometoourplace.info

Young Adult Brain Injury Support Group

This support and discussion group is for young adults ages 16-24 who have sustained a brain injury.  During the young adult group meeting, their parents also have a support and discussion group in a seperate room.  The meetings occur one evening a month on the campus of Ohio State University (OSU) in Dodd Hall. Contact directly for details.
480 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 685-8511 or (614) 293-3830
www.medicalcenter.osu.edu

Youth Advocate Services (YAS)

Offers services for at-risk children, including emergency, short-term crisis intervention services for youth who are unable to continue in their current living situation, foster care services for youth who have problem behaviors, respite care services for parents who need time away from their children, foster parent training, mental health services and help transitioning youth to a family home or foster family placement.
825 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 258-9927
www.yasohio.org

Zero to Three

Offers helpful information about behavior, development, care and education of infants in their first 3 years of life. Learn what to expect as your child grows and how to deal with challenging behaviors.
1255 23rd Street, Northwest, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 638-1144
www.zerotothree.org