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Frequently Asked Questions Lucas County Children Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Children Services?
LCCS is the agency mandated by state law to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect against
children. If our investigation indicates abuse/neglect, the agency then offers services to protect the child
from further harm.
LCCS touches the lives of more than 11,000 children and families in Lucas County each year.
Why are children abused and neglected?
Children are mistreated for
a number of reasons; substance abuse and a lack of parenting skills are two of the most
common causes we see. Others include stress, difficulty in controlling anger, and a lack of basic parenting
skills. Regardless of the cause of child abuse or neglect, we need to remember this: when children are
mistreated, we shouldn't assume their parents don't love them. Most parents really do love their children,
but need help from time to time.
What should I do if I suspect a neighbor, a relative, a friend or anyone else of abusing or neglecting
a child?
Call Children Services at 213-CARE (2273). You will be making what is called a "referral." You will be
asked a series of questions that will help us determine if we should assess the matter. We understand that
making a child abuse or neglect referral might be difficult for you, especially if the child's caretaker is a
relative or friend. But it is the right thing to do. Remember that your call will remain confidential. We do
not disclose identities of people who make referrals.
Children Services conducts nearly 4,500 investigations each year. More than 2,300 children each
year are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect.
What services does the agency offer?
We offer an array of services aimed at keeping the family together, or reunifying them if the child has
been removed from the home. These services include substance abuse assessment and treatment,
psychological evaluations, family counseling, parenting classes and daycare. We also develop a "safety
plan" for each family, which is an agreement between the agency and the family on what must be done to
make the home safe for the child.
LCCS has an average "caseload" of some 1,900 children. More than 730 are able to live at home while
we offer services.
What happens to a child who comes into the agency's care?
Our foremost concern – even above preserving families – is child safety. No child is left in his or her
home if we feel they will be further harmed. If a child is removed from the home, we first look to a
suitable relative to provide care. If a relative is not available, the child will enter foster care.
Nearly 1,300 children in Lucas County cannot live safely in their own homes. About 540 of them live with a
relative and the rest are in foster care.
Can Children Services remove a child from his or her home?
No. Only law enforcement and the courts have the authority to remove a child from the home. When a
child must be removed, Children Services will seek assistance from the police, county sheriff's
department or juvenile court. Similarly, Children Services does not have the authority to charge people
with crimes. Any criminal charges, such as child endangering, is a matter for law enforcement and the
county prosecutor's office.
Do any children live at the agency?
No. Children Services does not operate a residential facility. We believe children should live in a family
environment whenever possible, and 97 percent of the children in our care are either living at home, with
a relative or in a foster home. Only 3 percent of the children are in a group home, institution or other
residential facility.
When children are removed from their homes, do they ever go back?
Yes, whenever possible. We value families, and believe the best place for a child is a safe, loving home
with the birth family. We provide services to families – directly or indirectly – aimed at reunifying
children with their parents.
In 2007, approximately 170 children were reunited with their families.
What happens if Children Services determines a child can never live safely with her or his birth
parents again?
In that case, LCCS will do one of the following: 1) ask that the court award legal custody to a relative,
who then becomes the child's primary caregiver; 2) place the child in foster care until he or she becomes
of legal age; or 3) petition the courts for permanent custody of the child, and upon receiving custody place
the child into an adoptive home.
More than 180 children are adopted through LCCS each year.
Who can become a foster or adoptive parent?
Anyone who is at least age 21, complies with a background check, meets certain criteria and can provide a
safe, loving home is welcome! Single or married, with children or without, male or female – it doesn't
matter.
Children Services has more than 380 licensed foster homes.
Are foster parents and adoptive parents paid?
Not exactly, but there is financial support. All foster parents receive a daily stipend to care for the children
placed in their homes. This per diem starts at $12.00 for basic foster care, and increases depending upon
the needs of the child. The greater the child's needs – he or she may have emotional, behavioral or
medical problems – the greater the daily stipend. Once a child is adopted, LCCS and the federal
government provide a monthly subsidy until the child reaches legal age.
How big is the agency and how is it funded?
Children Services has nearly 400 employees and a budget of approximately $50 million. About half of agency revenue comes from Lucas County citizens in the form of two levies. LCCS also receives funding from the federal government, the state of Ohio and other sources.
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