Message from Cassandra Holtzmann, Executive Director Greetings! Spring has sprung and we are off to a great new start here at Summit County Children Services (SCCS).   I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express how thrilled I am to be joining this wonderful organization. My name is Cassandra Holtzmann and I am the new Executive Director at SCCS. Beginning this journey as the new leader of SCCS is an exciting endeavor. I look forward to meeting you and working together to make a positive impact on the lives of the children and families we serve.    I have years of experience in the field of child protection both at Ashland and most recently with Crawford County. I am a strong advocate for children and families and share your passion for child safety, permanency and well-being. With nearly 850 children in agency custody and a need for more resource families, we have our work cut out for us.   The month of May is National Foster Care Month, a time to celebrate you, our foster parents and your families. You have answered the call to become a foster parent to children in need and for this and so much more, we are grateful.  Our foster parents mean a lot to our staff and children in care. You have opened your hearts and home when children need it the most.    Thank you for ‘Being the Reason Children are Safe’ and loved in this community. I look forward to meeting you very soon. Happy Foster Care Month!

Thank You, Foster Parents!

There is no greater job than that of a parent ... including that of a foster parent. Loving and caring for a child who has been placed in your home is what we ask of you each and every day. Providing for their needs and advocating for their mental health, education and medical care is what we expect of you each and every day. There are challenging and difficult times that test your patience, sometimes every day. But you do this time and time again ... without question and without hesitation. Why? Your reasons may vary, but you all have one commonality ... you all love these children. Through your love, you inspire and awaken their hearts.

SCCS is grateful for your willingness to open your hearts and homes to children in need. We are thankful for your commitment to the safety, permanency and well-being of children, and working in partnership with each other, with families and the community.

The NEORTC is pleased to present its Annual Foster Parent Training Conference, May 5-6-7. All trainings are in-person. There are attendance limitations, so be sure to register through E-Track early. Linked below is the Conference brochure. NOTE: Face masks are optional.

Conference Brochure

Join us for this virtual open house style event for interested foster parents. Current SCCS foster parents can receive a $50 Target gift card by bringing a guest who's interested in learning more about foster care to this special Virtual Open House Event!   SCCS foster parent(s) and their guest(s) must register and participate in the Virtual Open House in order to receive the $50 Target gift card. Your guest must be 18 years or older and cannot be currently residing in your home. NOTE: This guest cannot be the same guest brought to the any of the virtual Open House events held in 2021 and in February 2022. You will only receive one gift card regardless of the number of guests you have participate.  You and your guest must attend the Virtual Open House Event via Zoom Meeting on May 12, 2022 and remain connected for the entire presentation. Gift cards will be mailed. Gift cards are limited to the first 30 SCCS foster parents who register. When: Thursday, May 12, 6-7 p.m. Where: via Zoom Meeting (advance registration is required; Zoom instructions will be sent) How to Register: Online (link below) or call (330) 379-1990 Deadline to register is May 10 or until full.

Register here

Foster Parent Trainings May through August 2022 In-classroom trainings continue. Linked below is the May through August 2022 foster parent ongoing training schedule. Please register through E-Track. NOTE: There are no scheduled trainings in July. Online training hours continue to be available through the Foster Parent College. Please check with your coordinator about the number of hours you should take online. Contact Vickie Webb or Kim Gear to register for a Foster Parent College account if you don't already have one.    The Ohio Child Welfare Training Program (OCWTP) is also offering additional online trainings. You can see more details on their website. REMINDER TO FOSTER PARENTS: Please remember to bring your agency badge with you when you come to the agency. To enter the campus, swipe your badge at the reader panel to the left in front of the gate. To enter the Education Building, swipe your badge in front of the reader panel to the right of the doors. Campus visitors are restricted to those who are scheduled for training or business on campus. The NEORTC is following all CDC-recommended safety guidelines and protocols (linked below). Please carefully review all guidelines prior to coming to the NEORTC. NOTE: Face masks are optional. May - August 2022 Training Schedule

Who Should You Contact? Who to Contact

Waiting Child Profile

Harleigh Born: August 2012 Harleigh is an outgoing 9-year-old female who loves dancing, doing craft projects, and playing outside. Harleigh has a great sense of humor, and she wants to please the adults in her life. Harleigh has a younger brother and older sisters, and although they do not live together, she would like to maintain a relationship with them. Harleigh is very strong willed and at times has difficulty getting along with others. Harleigh would thrive in a family that gives her a lot of attention and is committed to her. Harleigh will also need ongoing counseling to help her address past traumas.  For more information about Harleigh, contact her caseworker, Alaina Ondash at (330) 996-1794 or by email at alaina.ondash@summitkids.org.

Foster Parent Association

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foster Parent Association is essentially on pause with regard to events and fundraisers. Anyone interested in joining the Facebook group can email us for the Zoom link at info@summitcountyfpa.com.

Foster care and adoption recruitment is back in action! Summit County Children Services will participate in these upcoming community events and activities. Be sure to stop by our booth and say 'hello!' Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Hartville Flea Market 1289 Edison Street, NW, Hartville Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Senior Summit Expo Firestone Community Learning Center 470 Castle Blvd., Akron Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. National Missing Children's Day Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market Street, Fairlawn Tuesday, May 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Fun @ First & Main in Hudson Downtown Gazebo Area Saturday, May 28, 6 p.m. (gates open) Akron RubberDucks Baseball Game Canal Park, 300 S. Main Street, Akron Upcoming FCA Information Meetings Information Meetings continue to be held via Zoom Meeting for those who are interested in learning more about foster care and adoption with SCCS. Staff will review the process, requirements and share information about the types of children who enter agency custody. We've also added a new event called 'Chat with a Coordinator.' These are informal gathering where folks can ask additional questions about the process or home study. Advance registration is required for all events.

SCCS Facebook Page

List of Upcoming Meetings

SCCS has new licensed foster homes! Welcome to ...

Jasren Mobley Shannon Davey & Andrew Edwards Megan Prunty-Webster & Matthew Webster William & Lori Wills, IV Benjamin & Ashley Herald Samantha Fallucco Joseph & Felicia Hormell Bradley & Meghan Honcki James & Justine Berndt

Follow us on Social Media! SCCS is all over social media! Be sure to follow up on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. *See links directly below. Summit County Children Services 264 S. Arlington Street | Akron, Ohio 44306 24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline: (330) 434-KIDS (5437) Foster Care & Adoption Inquiry LIne: (330) 379-1990 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌