June is Responsible Fatherhood Month!
SCCS is very excited to relaunch its Fatherhood Program!   Shawn Crable from the Early Childhood Resource Center of Stark County is the new SCCS fatherhood practitioner. Mr. Crable will begin hosting classes using the 24/7 Dad Curriculum over the summer. Anyone can father a child, but being a dad takes a lifetime. Fathers play a role in every child’s life that cannot be filled by others. This role can have a large impact on a child and help shape him or her into the person they become.
Welcome
Shawn Crable!

Shawn Crable is a 2003 graduate of Washington High School in Massillon. From 2003 to 2008, Shawn was a member of the University of Michigan football team and was a four-year letterman under Coach Lloyd Carr. He graduated in 2013 with a degree in General Studies. Shawn is currently enrolled in the Master of Organizational Leadership Program at Malone University.
4th Annual Father Friendly Community Event
SCCS took part in the 4th Annual Father Friendly Community Event held Saturday, June 8 at Lock 3. This event celebrated responsible fathers across Summit County and connected dads and their children with supportive services. Father Friendly drew a crowd or more than 1,000 parents and children and featured a wide variety of activities, inflatables, musical entertainment and prizes.

Event photo credit - Tim Fitzwater
June is also National Reunification Month!
SCCS is committed to the safety, permanency and well-being of all children served, in partnership with families and the community. However sometimes, it's necessary for children to enter the agency's custody. And when this does occur, agency staff actively engages families and diligently work towards reunification.

Did you know? In 2018, 84% of children who were is the agency's custody successfully reunified with their families. That's incredible!

In celebration of National Reunification Month, SCCS wishes to recognize all families who have worked and achieved reunification!
SCCS has Launched a New Website!
SCCS is thrilled to announce a new website redesign went 'live' June 7. The new website has a much needed fresh look and user-friendly functionality. Some of the changes to the website include:

  • New streamlined design with a color scheme that now matches our Summit County Children Services logo color pallet.
  • The new site is 100% mobile compatible.
  • The redesign will drive more traffic to the site and make content more accessible for users searching for content on major search engines (i.e. Google.com, bing.com, etc.).  
  • The new site includes improvements on the page which features children available for adoption and now includes a blog. Various other features have had updates applied for better mobile compatibility and ease of use.
Setting the Record Straight
Answering commonly asked questions about foster care

Q: Do I have to own my own home?
A: No, you can rent a home or an apartment. But you must have adequate space available and your landlord's approval in order to care for foster children.

Q: Do foster children have to have separate bedrooms?
A: No, but each child must have a separate bed. Foster children cannot sleep in a bedroom that is in the attic or basement. After age five, boys and girls must sleep in separate bedrooms.
Waiting Child Profile

J'Vonte
Birthdate: June 2004

J'vonte is a very shy young man. However, once he gets to know you, he becomes very friendly. He likes to make others laugh by telling jokes. J'vonte likes being outdoors and taking long hikes. He enjoys playing sports; basketball and swimming are his favorite. J'vonte really enjoys watching YouTube, and aspires to be a YouTuber some day. He wants to be loved and is looking forward to being in a forever family. Could you be that family?
Special Viewing of 'Instant Family'

SCCS and the Summit County Foster Parent Association is hosting a special viewing of 'Instant Family' on Saturday, June 22, 1-4 p.m. at the West Theater in Barberton. Following the movie will be a brief foster care presentation.
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required.
Upcoming Events

Touch-a-Truck Event
Tuesday, June 18
1:30-3 p.m.
AMHA Van Buren
410 Pasadena Place, Barberton

Foster Care & Adoption Information Meeting
Wednesday, June 26
6-7:30 p.m.
Maple Valley
Branch Library
1187 Copley Rd., Akron

Elevate Akron Outdoor Yoga Festival
Thursday, July 18
4:30-9:30 p.m.
Lock 3, Akron
Join us for Akron's largest outdoor yoga event! Proceeds from donation-based massages and Reiki will benefit SCCS!