Provides information, advocacy, education, and support for members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive/kinship/foster parents), youth in foster care, siblings, and related professionals. Services include in-person and virtual support groups, DNA discovery and birth parent search support, life coaching, specialized support for kinship families, and financial assistance through the Family Resilience Fund. They also provide professional education and internships, virtual speakers and trainings, and adoption assessor training. Anyone can call the Helpline for questions or support related to foster care and adoption.
12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Helpline: (216) 325-1000
adoptionnetwork.org
Provides faith-based respite care, on-site counseling and treatment for foster youth throughout Ohio, as well as family preservation programming. Referrals may be made to their foster care program by agencies, parents or legal guardians. They also assist families in the adoption process.
105 Commerce Park Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43082
(614) 761-0010 or call (614) 584-1520 for after-hours referrals
adriel.org
Serves foster families in Central Ohio by providing infant to teen sized clothing, shoes, coats, backpacks, toys, baby accessories and other essentials, at no cost to families through their Free Store. They also offer Comfy Kits for children entering foster care, Respite events/Parents’ Day Out and support groups for foster, kinship, and adoptive parents. Visit the website for additional contact information.
(614) 398-2203
aliciasclosetcolumbus.org
Provides information for young adults, families and professionals related to foster care, health and health insurance.
www.aap.org/en/patient-care/foster-care
Faith-based foster care agency offering foster care, foster parent training, adoption, and kinship care services. They also provide respite care and clinical behavioral health/mental health services. They have multiple locations in Ohio and across the U.S.
665 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 846-6265 or (888) 705-3577
bair.org
A voluntary program for young adults who left foster care in Ohio at age 18-21 and who are in school, working, participating in an employment program, or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to school or working. Participants are matched with a Bridges Liaison who can help with setting goals and accessing services, such as help with housing, education, employment, and well-being. Liaisons work with participants to meet their unique, individual needs as they transition to adulthood. Fill out the online application or call your region’s office.
Apply online here: oca.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/0d5dba79-b9fa-4ae6-9477-943ed3540ed0
Main/Informational Website: jfs.ohio.gov/child-and-adult-protection-foster-and-adoption/services-for-families-and-children/bridges/overview
Provides family-focused mental health treatment and services for behavioral, emotional and substance-abuse disorders to children and families.
Programs: In-home treatment, intensive and non-intensive residential treatment, family and outpatient counseling, foster parent training, services for transitional age youth, case management, alternative education day treatment, and the Somali Outreach Program.
Eligibility: Ages vary per program
Cost: Fees range depending on the type of care needed. Some service costs are offset by Medicaid, or the client’s local Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board.
Referral: For in-home and office-based services, individuals may refer themselves or be referred by their doctor. For residential services, referrals must come from the courts, the county or another referring agency.
Intake/Referral: (614) 384-7798
Foster Parent Inquiries: (800) 296-5113
buckeyeranch.org
Supports individuals and families experiencing violence, including; child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. Services include:
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
General: (614) 722-8200
familysafetyandhealing.org
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.
(800) 394-3366
childwelfare.gov
14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-8118
clintonvillecrc.org
National civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. They provide specialized legal services for cases that have the potential to affect large groups of people with disabilities and achieve law reform. Their website has helpful information on topics like healthcare access, special education, foster/kinship care, and transportation. They also post job and internship opportunities.
3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, California 94703
(510) 644-2555 or (510) 841-8645 TTY
dredf.org
Serves: Children, adolescents, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Private service provider offering in-home services, foster care for youth or adults with complex needs, day services, shared living services, and residential care. They serve the following counties in Ohio: Butler, Cuyahoga, Fairfield, Franklin, Lucas, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Portage, and Summit.
294 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 880-6000 or (800) 646-4612
dungarvin.com/locations/ohio
Hosts free monthly support groups for adoptive and foster parents and kinship caregivers, and also separate support groups for adult adoptees and foster care alum. Offers a monthly art studio for foster and adopted youth. Hosts monthly educational webinars for parents, professionals and adult adoptees / foster alum. Serves young adults beyond age 18 as well. Scholarships are available. They also provide coaching and counseling services.
122 South Terrace Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(502) 873-6723
encompassadoptees.org
Individuals can report child abuse or neglect in Franklin County through their 24-hour child abuse hotline or visit the office in person. Emergency placement can be provided for at-risk children and teens. When appropriate, temporary placement with relatives, foster homes, or treatment centers are coupled with services to support family reunification and reduce the level of risk to the child. They also provide information about adoptable kids and the adoption process. View the 2024 FCCS Community Resource Guide.
24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: (614) 229-7000
General Questions: (614) 229-7100
childrenservices.franklincountyohio.gov
Provides support and resources to kinship caregivers in Franklin County, who are caring for minor children from birth to age 17 (18 if enrolled in high school). Offer assistance with appliances, caregiver counseling, diapers, infant cribs, mattress sets, pull-ups, wipes and additional community resources. The Office on Aging provides additional services like home-delivered meals, adult day services, minor home repair, and more for any adult in Franklin County age 60+.
280 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525- 5230 or (614) 525-6200
officeonaging.org
Provides national resources in support of grandfamilies within and outside the child welfare system. You can find information on current and pending laws, adoption, financial help, special guardian options and more. Visit the website for resources, programs and benefits.
grandfamilies.org
Provides free civil legal assistance and guidance to low income residents and senior citizens of Columbus and Central Ohio. Legal Aid attorneys may be able to help you with the following types of cases or legal problems: consumer law, family law, housing, public benefits, reentry, seniors, tax law, veterans, and education. Their website also has a page of Resources with easy to read information on these topics.
A licensed foster care agency serving children and adults up to age 21 with special needs and disabilities in Franklin County and its neighboring counties. Provides foster parent training, respite services, and on-call services for foster parents. Helps children with machine dependency, tube feeds, medically fragile conditions, autism and other special needs.
4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 478-5448
lifestartinc.com
Program: Offers an array of therapeutic services for youth and families including; foster parent training, kinship care and adoption support, community-based and home-based behavioral/mental health services, group living care, independent and transitional living services, case management, substance abuse treatment, services for sexually reactive children, and services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Eligibility: Ages 5 to 21
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 someone else
Offers a range of free and low cost classes for children, teens, adults and parents of infants and kids of all ages and abilities. Find courses on everything from babysitting and parenting to CPR training, autism and diabetes. Visit the website for a full list of classes. Some classes offered are:
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
nationwidechildrens.org/education-classes
Private therapeutic organization that offers foster parent training, foster to adopt, counseling and behavioral health services, independent living, and residential care.
515 East Main Street Columbus, Ohio 43215
Foster Care: (614) 444-2273
Behavioral Health Services: (614) 347-3982
necco.org
facebook.com/NeccoColumbusOH
Parents can apply for an Ohio ID card for their children at any Deputy Registrar BMV location. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card can also add their contact information to their child’s record for use in the event the child becomes lost or is reported missing. The fee is waived for children under age 17 with a disability.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268
Ohio ID Card Info: bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Find a location near you: publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office
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 advocacy information.
2600 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231
(614) 461-0014
ohiochildrensalliance.org
Find information on kinship care and material resources for relatives and non-relatives taking over the full-time care of a child.
(614) 466-1213
fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov/kinship-care
This federally-funded, state-administered program helps youth who were in U.S. foster care. Students may receive up to $5,000 a year for qualified school related expenses. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students.
General: (855) 471-1931
Education Services: (219) 426-2166
ETV Program: fosteredservices.org/ohio-etv
Foster to Success Programs: fc2success.org
Educates, supports, and advocates for adoptive, foster, kinship and respite families impacted by Ohio’s child protection system. Provides educational resources, virtual family support groups, and a Warmline to get support. Keeps members up to date on the latest news related to foster care and adoption.
303 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 222-2712
Warmline: (800) 228-3014
ofcaonline.org
Provides foster care and adoption education and resources in the state of Ohio. Get current information about new adoption laws, changes in policy, upcoming Ohio adoption community events and resources to help birth families.
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Provides a variety of behavioral health services for adults and families throughout Northern and Central Ohio. Services include psychiatry, respite care, job training, care coordination, foster parent training and support, substance abuse and addiction recovery and more.
General Information: (844) 622-5564
Cuyahoga County Crisis Line: (440) 260-8595
Services: ohioguidestone.org/services
Locations: ohioguidestone.org/locations
A network of foster alum, professionals, and schools across Ohio supporting higher education students with a history of foster care, kinship care, or out-of-home placement. The Ohio Reach scholarship is a renewable award given each semester, with applications due in the spring season. Emergency Funds are available for students needing financial assistance for an emergency or unexpected situation. Students can also contact the organization to get connected to other supportive services through their network. Visit the website to contact the organization or complete an application for scholarships / funds.
ohioreach.org
Is a flexible and responsive kinship and adoption navigator program designed to support children, youth and their families navigate and connect with all available resources, locally and statewide. Call or complete an online referral to complete a resource/needs assessment. OhioKAN is funded through Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS), one does not have to qualify for public assistance through ODJFS to access the services.
OhioKAN Direct Line: (844) 644-6526
ohiokan.jfs.ohio.gov
ohiokan.jfs.ohio.gov/make-a-referral
Provides grants to help cover clinical, equipment, displacement, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs. They also provide Care Kits with age-appropriate personal care and comfort items for children going through life challenges such as foster care. Requests can be made through their website.
(816) 201-1569
oraclehealthfoundation.org/pediatric-grants
A national organization that provides support for moms and dads experiencing postpartum depression or needing emotional support. They do not offer medical advice or treatment. They have free, virtual parent support groups for moms, dads, family members, queer and trans parents, military parents, adoptive and birth mothers, postpartum psychosis, and those experiencing lost pregnancy of death of a child.
Helpline: Call or text HELP to (800) 944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Mental Health Emergency Line: (800) 273-8255
postpartum.net
Advocates for and supports child protection program and public policy for safe children, stable families, and supportive communities. They also provide leadership opportunities for young people (aged 14-24) who have experienced foster care. Go online to find resources and information, referrals, and follow-up services to grandparents and other relatives raising children through kinship care.
37 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-5802
pcsao.org
Provides therapeutic foster care, in-home and community-based behavioral health, adoption services, family preservation and reunification programs to preserve families and support youth. Anyone can make a referral. Their services help all ages from infant to 18+ throughout Ohio. They also offer free classes to support parents and guardians of youth participating in SAFY programs. Visit the website for other Ohio offices.
212 West Johnstown Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230
(614) 729-2024 or (888) 590-7239
safy.org/ohio
Faith-based community center serving the Linden-area community. Programs include rental and utility assistance, childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, afterschool and summer programs, Kinship Aftercare, Family to Family empowerment program for families with open cases with FCCS, senior food and transportation, and more. They are also a Mid-Ohio Market site, providing a food pantry with Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Find program details online.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
Behavioral health intervention and treatment services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Program: Outpatient and inpatient services (home-based and school-based), telehealth, therapeutic preschools and after school programs, residential care, support for foster families, and specialized services for Hispanic/Latino children. Children with an autism diagnosis are eligible for outpatient mental health and play therapies.
Eligibility: Youth ages 3-18 years old, and their families.
Cost: Therapies can be billed to Medicaid and a variety of insurances.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Walk-in services (no appointment needed) are available.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org
Provides “Hope Cases” filled with comfort items and essentials for kids (newborn to 18 years old) entering the foster care system, with the goal of providing hope in an uncertain time. Foster families and kinship families can reach out when they are placed with a child coming into care for the first time. The program is free.
stitchedtogether.org
Program: Multi-discipline behavioral health organization serving youth and families in Ohio and West Virginia. Outpatient services include Parent/Child Interaction Therapy, Intensive Home-Based Treatment, Day Treatment for Ages 7-18, and wraparound programs for youth in Juvenile Court. Residential Treatment is available for boys and girls ages 10+ with complex needs such as mental health crisis, complex trauma, or sexual behavior problems. They offer foster parent training, Treatment Foster Care, and support for Kinship placements.
Eligibility: Ages 0-21, Eligibility varies based on program.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), Private/Commercial insurance, Self-pay (sliding fee scale available for those without insurance).
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred through the court system or by an organization
Columbus Location: 1751 East Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203
(800) 638-3232 or (614) 253-8050
Discuss Payment Options: (330) 202-3838
All Locations By County: thevillagenetwork.org/about/locations
Main Website: thevillagenetwork.org
Provides practical tools and post-adoption support for parents of a different race than the children entrusted to them. They offer a monthly online support group for transracial adoptive parents, a monthly newsletter with resources and activities, and book recommendations for the family. They host an annual summer camp for families formed through transracial adoption to access post-adoption education and experience community. Contact the organization through the website.
transracialjourneys.org
Program: Provides foster and adoptive parent training, and treatment foster care. Outpatient mental health/therapy services are open to children, young adults, families, and individuals. Psychiatry services are available for those already established with the organization. They also offer Intensive Home-Based Treatment for serious emotional or behavioral difficulties.
Eligibility: Individuals, Children, Teens, Adults, Families, Ages 4+
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, CareSource, No Cigna), Private/Commercial insurance, or Self-pay. Medicaid is required for Intensive Home-Based Treatment.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Go online to complete the referral form.
431 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 855-5020
umchohio.org
Program: Provides behavioral health, early intervention, traditional and therapeutic foster care, pre- and post-adoption support, and respite services for youth and families in Central Ohio.
Eligibility: Ages 4 and older, eligibility varies by service.
Cost: Contact organization. Families seeking Behavioral Health services must have Medicaid.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization.
2323 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 258-9927
Offers free services for youth and young adults up to 23 years old who have had an open case with Children Services, have lived in a group home, have been in foster care, or have aged out of care. YNN Navigators work with clients one-on-one to connect them to important resources such as food and shelter, healthcare, education, parenting help, legal help, job services, and more. Flex Funds are available for those age 21-22 that have aged out of foster care, for one-time help paying for needs like housing, work uniforms, application fees, textbooks, and more. Text, call, or go online to connect with a YNN Navigator.
Ohio Department of Children & Youth
246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Text (740) 639-5252
Call (833) 644-6966
ynn.ohio.gov