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Foster Care & Kinship Care Resources

Adoption Network Cleveland

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

Adriel School

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

Alicia’s Closet

Serves foster families in the Central Ohio area by providing infant to teen sized clothing, shoes, coats, backpacks, toys, baby accessories and other essentials, at no cost to families. Visit the website for additional contact information.
(614) 398-2203
aliciasclosetcolumbus.org

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Foster Care Information

Provides information for young adults, families and professionals related to foster care, health and health insurance.
www.aap.org/en/patient-care/foster-care

Bair Foundation

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

Bridges to Success For Young Adults Transitioning out of Foster Care

Provides guidance and supportive services to young adults who left foster care in Ohio at ages 18, 19 or 20 as they transition to adulthood. They offer services in housing, education, employment and help youth with getting health insurance, finding a doctor or improving physical or mental health in any way.

  • Central Region
    (614) 568-9428
    Counties:  Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Ross, Union, Vinton
  • Southeast Region
    (614) 869-3889
    Counties:  Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, Washington

jfs.ohio.gov/child-and-adult-protection-foster-and-adoption/services-for-families-and-children/bridges/overview

Buckeye Ranch

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 counselingfoster care services, transitional living services, case management, alternative education day treatment, Permanent Family Solutions Network
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.

  • East Main Street
    4653 East Main Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
    Offerings: Same Day Access, Permanent Family Solutions Network (PFSN), Foster Care, Bridges, Clinical community Based Programs, Outpatient, Medication Management
  • Grove City
    5665 Hoover Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
    Offerings: Residential programs, Outpatient counseling, and Training
  • West Broad (Hilltop)
    2865 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    Offerings: Same Day Access, The Bonner Academy at Cross Creek, Outpatient Counseling, Home-Based Services, and Multisystemic Therapy Team (MST)
  • Columbus – My Place
    1625 East Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    Offerings: Transitional Living Facility
  • Newark
    195 Union Street, Suite B-3, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (800) 859-5665
    Offerings: Foster care

(614) 875-2371
Intake/Referral: (614) 384-7798
buckeyeranch.org

Center for Family Safety & Healing

Supports individuals and families experiencing violence, including; child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. Services include:

  • Counseling Services: for adults, children, and families.
    Adult Counseling Services:  (614) 722-8293
    Child & Family Counseling: Intake – (614) 722-8212, Questions/Concerns – (614) 722-8210
  • Child Assessment Center: provides comprehensive evaluation, medical treatment, and community resources for children who have experience abuse.
    (614) 722-3278
  • Fostering Connections: specialized clinic and care coordination for youth in foster care.
    (614) 722-6789
  • Maternal-Infant Home Visitation: programs for caregivers who are pregnant or parenting a newborn.
    (614) 722-8222

655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
General: (614) 722-8200
familysafetyandhealing.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.
(800) 394-3366
childwelfare.gov

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC)

  • The CRC Family Services & Choice Food Pantry help is provided in many areas including food, clothing, household items and other support items.
  • The Youth Services – Kids Club is an afterschool and summer program for youth in grades K-5 at various locations.
  • The Kinship Care Program supports kinship caregivers and helps children avoid placement in a foster home by connecting caregivers with case management, material assistance, and referrals.

14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-8118
clintonvillecrc.org

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)

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

Dungarvin Ohio

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

Encompass Adoptees

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

Franklin County Children Services (FCCS)

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.

  • Main Office: 855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 275-2571
  • Intake, Assessment and Investigations: 4071 East Main Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
    (614) 229-7100
  • Provider Agency Concerns: 855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 275-2621

24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: (614) 229-7000
General Questions: (614) 229-7100
childrenservices.franklincountyohio.gov

Franklin County Office on Aging Kinship Care Resources

Provides support and resources to kinship caregivers 55 years of age and older, 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

Grandfamilies.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

Leap614 (App on Google Play Store)

Download this app from the Google Play Store onto your phone to access resources regarding health, education, employment, housing resources, support centers, and more.
App on Google Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nchri.itri.leap614
Website Version of Leap614: nationwidechildrens.org/leap614

Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC)

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.

  • Columbus Office: serves Franklin and Madison county
    1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    Intake: (614) 241-2001
    General Inquiries: (614) 224-8374 or (877) 224-8374
  • Marion Office: serves Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union county
    150 Oak Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
    (740) 383-2161 or (888) 301-2411

columbuslegalaid.org

Life Start

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

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP)

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

  • Administrative Office: 1801 Watermark Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (877) 692-7226
  • 527 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 227-9444
  • 1303 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (800) 256-5001
  • 431 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 227-9420
  • 1395 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 987-7200
  • 59 Grant Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 349-7511
  • Adoption Services: (937) 277-6101

nyap.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Education Classes

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. Classes include:

700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
nationwidechildrens.org/education-classes

Necco

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

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles ID R Kids

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.
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

Ohio Children’s Alliance

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

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) Kinship Care

Click to view their kinship care book, with general information about kinship care, and material resources for relatives and non-relatives taking over the full-time care of a child. More resources and information can be found at the website below.
(614) 466-1213
fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov/kinship-care

Ohio Education & Training Voucher (ETV) Program

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

Ohio Family Care Association (OFCA)

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

Ohio Foster Care & Adoption

Provides foster care and adoption education and resources. Get current information about new adoption laws, changes in policy, upcoming Ohio adoption community events and resources to help birth families. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Office of Families and Children provides a 40-page adoption guide with information about the adoption process in Ohio.

fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ofc

Ohio Guidestone

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

Ohio Reach

Provides resources like scholarships, mentorship and community events to foster care alumni enrolled in higher education. Ohio Reach is administered by the Ohio Children’s Alliance in partnership with the Ohio Department of Higher Education and acts as a network of professionals, advocates, and students across the State of Ohio determined to support former foster youth on their higher education journey. Visit the website for contact information.
ohioreach.org

OhioKAN (Kinship & Adoption Navigator)

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

Oracle Health Foundation

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

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

A national organization that provides support for moms and dads experiencing postpartum depression or emotional problems. 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

Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO)

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

Sesame Street in the Communities

Provides information and videos to help children thrive and deal with issues that affect children’s lives. Resource topics include health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, diversity and inclusion, and school readiness. They offer videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore, and free webinars for parents and educators.

Sesame for Families: sesameworkshop.org/resources
sesamestreet.org/home

Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY) of Ohio

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

St. Stephen’s Community House

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

St. Vincent Family Center (SVFC)

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.
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.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org

Stitched Together

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

Transracial Journeys

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

United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) Family Services

Program: Provides foster care and adoption parent training, treatment foster care, outpatient mental health services, and intensive home-based treatment focused on anger management, independent living skills, and self-development.  Post-adoption services provide clinical counseling and support for adopted children who may be struggling with day to day functioning.
Eligibility: 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
431 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 855-5020
umchohio.org

Village Network

Program: Juvenile court programs, residential treatment, crisis stabilization/intervention and assessment services, treatment foster care, respite care, outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse services, intensive home based treatment, school-based mental health and prevention services
Eligibility: Ages 12 to 18
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance, self-pay with a sliding fee scale
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred through the court system or by an organization

  • 1751 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
    (614) 253-8050
  • 14 Sandalwood Drive, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 788-8850
  • 17606 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
    (740) 397-7582

(800) 638-3232
thevillagenetwork.org

Youth Advocate Services (YAS)

Program: Provides behavioral health, early childhood, traditional and therapeutic foster care, pre- and post-adoption support and community respite services for youth and families around the central Ohio region.
Eligibility: Ages (4 and older) vary by service and intervention
Cost: Contact organization
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization
2323 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 258-9927

  • Foster Care Placement: (614) 313-2497
  • Behavioral Health Referral: (614) 285-3765
  • General Questions or Concerns: (614) 285-3754

yasohio.org

Youth Navigator Network

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


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