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Lucas County Children Services

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1. How do I recognize child abuse or neglect?

Learn more here. How do I recognize child abuse or neglect?

2. Who is mandated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect?

A mandated reporter is someone required by law to report if they suspect or know that child abuse if occurring. The Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421 clearly removes the option of choice, and requires immediate reporting of known or suspected alleged child abuse and neglect for the following professionals: • Attorneys • Audiologists • Child care workers • Children Services personnel • Coroners • Day care personnel • Dentists • Nurses • Peace officers, including police, sheriff's deputies and highway patrol officers • Physicians, including hospital interns and residents • Podiatrists • Psychiatrists • School authorities, employees and teachers • Social Workers • Speech Pathologists • Animal Control Officers/Agents Although Ohio law encourages everyone to report alleged child abuse and neglect, in most cases it is an option left for personal and moral decision. The exception is those professions that have an inherent responsibility to report. The ethical commitment to families and children that these professionals have accepted through virtue of their positions is recognized under Ohio law, and thus they are mandated to report alleged child abuse and neglect.

3. Who do I contact?

Main number:	(419) 213-3200
To report abuse or neglect:	(419) 213-CARE (2273)
Foster care and adoption information:	(419) 213-3336
Ombudsman:	(419) 214-4061
Public Information / Speaker’s Bureau:	(419) 213-3253

4. How do I submit a records request?

Lucas County Children Services releases information pursuant to the requirements of Ohio law. The following are guidelines related to information requests: Individuals should print and complete the attached form in full in order to request information from Lucas County Children Services for personal use only. Please mail to the address given on the form. No online submissions can be accepted. Individuals requesting their own information, whether it is recent or from the Miami Children’s Center, should complete the form as fully as possible. Parents requesting information about their biological child(ren) must submit documentation of custody in order to request information. Examples include divorce decrees or other court documents showing that you have custody of the child(ren). Individuals requesting historical information from the Miami Children’s Center about a deceased relative should submit the form, along with proof of relationship and a copy of the person’s death certificate. Individuals seeking their adoptive history should be aware that these records may be sealed and you may need to proceed with your request through the Probate Court. This agency will make its best efforts to provide you with non-identifiable information as allowed by law. LCCS is prohibited from releasing any case information related to services provided by third parties, such as medical treatment or psychological services.

Questions? Call 419-213-3376, or send an email. 

Authorization for Release of Personal Information

5. How do I submit a comment, question or concern?

You may call one of the numbers listed above or submit your comments online here. More...

6. What services do you provide?

• Investigating reports of child abuse, neglect or dependency.
• Assessing the level of risk facing children.
• Makeing reasonable efforts to prevent the removal of children from their homes.
• Accepting custody of children from courts with juvenile jurisdiction.
• Providing temporary emergency shelter when necessary.
• Finding family foster homes for children.
• Providing services to protect children from abuse or neglect.
• Training, licensing and maintaining family foster homes

7. Who does LCCS serve?

Lucas County Children Services serves all children and families living in Lucas County.

8. If my children are removed, how do I get them back?

When a decision is made by the court that children need to temporarily leave the home, the parents will be made aware of the safety threats and issues causing the removal so that they can take steps to remedy their situation. The caseworker will write the case plan with the family, so they can provide input into services that are needed and they will know exactly what is expected of them in order to have the children reunified. Progress in the services and a discussion on the possibility of reunification will be reviewed formally every 90 days at the 90 day Case Review. The time that it takes to achieve reunification is based on the reduction of safety threats, and the parents' compliance in services, as well as demonstrated changes. The final decision is made by the Juvenile Court.

9. How do I get custody of a child?

Call the Lucas County Juvenile Court Clerk line at 419-213-6744, Option 4. An automated answering system will direct you to the appropriate clerk based on your answers to specific questions and the custody option that you are seeking.

Please understand that while information will be provided, the clerks are unable to provide legal advice. Custody forms are available at the main clerk's counter at Juvenile Court.

Neither Lucas County Children Services or the Juvenile Court can provide legal advice and counsel. However, there are resources available in the community if you require legal assistance.

If you have resources pay for legal services, contact the Toledo Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 419-242-2000 or 419-242-4763, for names of attorneys who handle this type of legal work.

If you are unable to pay for representation, contact either the Toledo Bar Association's Pro Bono program at 419-242-9363 or Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. at 419-724-0030. These programs will have criteria and other guidelines that must be met before their services can be utilized. Lucas County Juvenile Court

10. What is a Family Case Conference?

A Family Case Conference (FCC) is held for all decisions involving possible child removal, change of placement and permanency planning, including reunification. The initial FCC is held when a caseworker believes that a safety threat exists and the child(ren) may not be able to be safely maintained in their own home. The purpose of the meeting is to share all relevant information that relates to the protection and safety of the children regarding placement decisions. The goal is to reach consensus about a plan which protects the children, while also attempting to preserve and /or reunify the family. The FCC is held before any move would occur, or in cases of imminent risk/safety threat by the next working day, and always before the initial court hearing in cases of removal.

11. What will happen at the Family Case Conference?

A neutral trained facilitator will lead the meeting. The role of the facilitator is to focus the group's energy on the common task of reaching a decision about placement for the child. The caseworker will present the information regarding family history, strengths and concerns.
The parents and other involved relatives and professionals will be invited to the meeting and are strongly encouraged to participate. The parents may bring a support person to the meeting; this may be a relative, close friend, attorney, or Pastor.

12. What is an Administrative Review/ 90 Day Case Review?

A review of the current case is held every 90 days as long as the case is open. An Administrative Review is scheduled with every other 90 day Case Review (every 6 months). The purpose of the meeting is to review the safety threats, the strengths and needs of the family, reassess the risk, review the case plan services for all parties listed on the case, and review the placement, medical and educational information on each child. It is important that all invited parties participate in this meeting to provide input.

13. Is it important to attend the meetings scheduled on my case?

It is very important that parents attend all meetings scheduled regarding their children/family. Important decisions are made at the meetings and parents need to provide up to date information regarding their circumstances and should be a part of the decision making. The meetings can be scheduled later in the day to accommodate work schedules, and the meetings are often held at Neighborhood Centers for the convenience of families.

14. I am caring for a family member or friend’s child. What support is available to me?

Kinship Care is when a relative or non-relative has taken over the full-time care, nurturing and protection of a child. The definition for kinship caregivers also goes beyond the scope of blood relatives and may include an adult who has a familiar relationship/bond with the child and/or family.

Qualified families may be eligible for the Kinship Permanency Incentive, which provides limited financial assistance to relative caregivers.

The Area Office on Aging Kinship Navigator program also provides support for older adults caring for relative children.

More information is available in the brochure, "Kinship Care: Relatives Caring for Children."
Kinship information

15. What is your policy on equity and inclusion?

Lucas County Children Services has an Office of Equity and Inclusion. Please contact Mr. Walker at 419-213-3260.

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16. How do I set up child support for my child?

Child support matters are handled by the Lucas County Child Support Enforcement Agency. Please call them at 419-213-3000. Lucas County Children Services does not handle child support questions. Lucas County Child Support Enforcement Agency

17. I have a great program that would benefit LCCS clients. How do I get a contract with LCCS?

LCCS does not accept unsolicited proposals. LCCS contracts for services via the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. RFPs are generated based on LCCS client needs. If you would like to be added to the RFP notification list, please call 419-213-3658.

18. How do I request recent or historical records from LCCS or the Miami Children's Home?

Please download, print, complete and return this form (Adobe Acrobat Reader required), or call 419-213-3467 for assistance. Records Request

19. How large is LCCS and how is it funded?

The current operating budget for Lucas County Children Services is approximately $48 million (2019). More than half of the agency's funding comes from the citizens of Lucas County through two property tax levies. Children Services also receives funding from the federal government, the State of Ohio, and other sources. Lucas County Children Services has approximately 350 employees.