September is Kinship Month! |
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Message from
Cassandra Holtzmann, Executive Director
Hello all!
I hope that the summer months have been good to you and have allowed you to create some wonderful memories with your children.
My first few months as Executive Director at Summit County Children Services (SCCS) have been a bit of a whirlwind, but I feel honored to serve in this role every day. SCCS has a tremendous reputation throughout the State, and I can attest to the great work that is done here every day. I am inspired by the commitment of our staff, foster parents, kinship caregivers and community partners.
You are an important part of our team and help us fulfill our mission of safety, permanency and well-being for all children served. With over 800 children in the custody of the agency, we rely on the love and care you give to those most in need each day. Please know that your tireless efforts in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable children and families in our community does not go unnoticed.
The month of September is special as we recognize National Kinship Care Month. At SCCS, we celebrate all kinship caregivers who provide stability for children while maintaining family relationships and cultural heritage. Thank you for welcoming a loved one’s child into your home and helping us achieve our mission and vision.
I am so thankful for being a part of this great organization. Together, we will continue to keep children safe in this community and work hard to strengthen the lives of families we serve in Summit County.
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Kinship Navigator & Other Resources |
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Kinship care is the most desirable out-of-home placement option for children who cannot live with their parents. Approximately 40% of the children in the custody of SCCS are placed in kinship homes and a similar number of children are in the temporary custody of kinship caregivers while their parent work towards reunification. There are also many other children who are being cared for by relatives without any involvement with Summit County Children Services (SCCS). Oftentimes these caregivers face challenges and hardships and need help, support and access to resources.
OhioKAN is a statewide program designed to help kinship and adoptive families navigate and connect with available resources, locally and statewide. Kinship caregivers and adoptive families can call 1.844.OHIOKAN Monday through Friday, 8:30am-6:30pm to speak with an OhioKAN Navigator who can assist with accessing financial resources, navigate benefits, find support groups and more.
For kinship caregivers who have placement of a child, the Kinship Support Program (KSP) provides time limited financial assistance to kinship families while the agency holds custody of a child who is placed in the home. KSP replaces OWF Child Only Benefits during the period of eligibility. Once eligibility ends, caregivers who continue to have placement of a child and who have not become licensed foster parents are encouraged to apply for OWF Child Only Benefits for ongoing financial support online through Benefits.Ohio.gov or by calling 1-844-640-6446.
For kinship caregivers who have gained custody of a child, application for OWF Child Only Benefits, food assistance and continued medical coverage can be made online through Benefits.Ohio.gov or by calling 1-844-640-6446.
The Kinship Permanency Incentive Program (KPI) provides time-limited incentive payments to kinship families who have been granted legal custody of a child. Eligible families in Summit County may contact Luann Auerbach at 330.375.1195 to learn more about the program and application process. Kinship caregivers outside of the county should contact their local children services.
There is a resource guide on Ohio.gov/KinshipCare called "The Ohio Resource Guide" that provides information on additional resources. For more information about kinship care or the Kinship Navigator Program, use the buttons below or call at (330) 996-1798 or toll-free at (866) 996-1798.
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Attention Caregivers:
Countdown to CAPS LMS!
CAPS LMS is the acronym for the new Child and Adult Protective Services Learning Management System that will replace E-Track. CAPS is being developed through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Office of Families and Children and is tentatively scheduled to launch on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
What Does This Mean For You?
- Your training records will be in one place
- Training materials can be launched and accessed from within CAPS — no more searching for training links!
- More virtual training opportunities
Have Questions?
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Post-Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS)
The purpose of the Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) is to assist Ohio families after the finalization of their adoption. The subsidy is available to all adoptive families regardless of the type of adoption (international, attorney, public or private agency), with the exception of step-parent adoptions. The child DOES NOT have to meet either the federal or state definition of special needs to receive this subsidy. Each child may be eligible for up to $10,000 per year ($15,000 if residential treatment is recommended by a qualified professional).
In order to qualify for PASSS the following criteria must be met:
- The child must have a special need consisting of a physical, developmental, mental, or emotional condition.
- The child's special need must have existed before the adoption was finalized or can be attributed to a pre-adoptive condition.
- The child is less than 18 years of age (or is less than 21 years of age and mentally or physically handicapped).
- The family has explored other sources of assistance, but the resources are inadequate or are not available to meet the needs of the child.
- Expenses are beyond the economic resources of the adoptive family.
- The child is not in the custody of a Public Children Services Agency (PCSA).
- The family resides in the state of Ohio.
PASSS Applications are now available through the OhioKAN program, Ohio's Kinship and Adoption Navigator. Please clink on the following link to access the application instructions and materials: PASSS | OhioKAN Kinship & Adoption Navigator).
There is no fixed income limit in order to receive PASSS funding. The main concern is whether the service your child requires is beyond the family's ability to provide. Therefore, even if you have a good income, if the cost of service is beyond your economic resources, you may be able to receive assistance.
PASSS is intended to pay for services not covered under other programs in the community, adoption subsidy programs, insurance programs or Medicaid. PASSS funds can be used to cover medical or psychological services that are deemed necessary by a qualified professional, to meet the needs of the child. Respite care and the maintenance costs of residential treatment programs may also be covered under the PASSS program. PASSS will not cover educational services, camps, or dental services/orthodontia.
Once the family submits an application packet to OhioKAN it is submitted to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) for approval or denial of the application. The family is notified in writing of the decision by ODJFS. If you are not in agreement with the decision regarding your PASSS application, then you may apply for a state hearing by contacting ODJFS.
For additional information or to request a PASSS application packet, please call OhioKAN at 1-844-OhioKAN or you can visit their website at ohiokan.jfs.ohio.gov.
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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.
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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 virtual Open House events held in February and May 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 September 8, 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, September 8, 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 September 6 or until full.
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Free Family Memberships to the YMCA! |
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Have you heard? Foster families and kinship caregivers are able to receive free 12-month family or individual memberships to the YMCA!
Certified foster homes must prove eligibility with both of the following:
- A copy of the family’s current JFS 01213 Notice of Approval for Foster Home showing the family is currently certified as a foster home.
- A letter from the family’s recommending foster care agency on the agency’s letterhead. You can obtain this letter by contacting your Foster Home Coordinator.
Kinship caregivers must prove eligibility with a letter from the agency that approved the family on the agency’s letterhead. You may obtain this letter by contacting_____.
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The Sign Says it All!
You can show your support by displaying a 'Be the Reason' yard sign on your front lawn! Show your neighborhood and community how they too 'can be the reason children are safe.'
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Foster Parent Trainings
August through December 2022
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Below is the August-December 2022 schedule. Register through E-Track.
The NEORTC is once again hosting a special Foster Parent Training Blitz October 13-15. Register through E-Track.
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.
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.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Agency Pride Event: Thursday, August 25
Akron Pride March: Saturday, August 27
We invite you to participate in the Agency Mini-Pride walk around SCCS campus on August 25 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.. The self-guided walk begins on the front steps of the agency with a group photo and ends at the Food Trucks!
AKRON PRIDE
Join The SCCS at the citywide Akron Equity March
& Pride Festival on August 27.
We encourage all foster parents, family members, and friends to march with SCCS. Come dressed in your brightest and best SCCS or PRIDE apparel. Lineup begins at 9 a.m. at the Spaghetti Warehouse parking lot, and we will step off at 10 a.m. There is free parking in any of the decks, parking lots, and on the street. There is NO parking at Spaghetti Warehouse. We will march to Lock 3, and you are free to enjoy the festival!
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SAVE THIS DATE!
The holidays will be here before we know it!!
Friday, December 2, 4-7 p.m.
SCCS is planning to host the Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru event again this year! Details and reservation information coming soon.
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Destiny & Michael
Birthdates: October 2012 & September 2015
Destiny is an outgoing girl, and she loves to talk and meet new friends. Destiny enjoys swimming, jumping on the trampoline, playing outside, and doing crafts. Destiny struggles in school and receives extra help, but she tries her best. Destiny is very strong willed and sometimes has trouble getting along with others.
Michael can be very sweet, and he loves to play. Michael has a great imagination, and he enjoys playing outside, coloring, and going camping. Michael is trying hard to learn new skills in school, but he has had difficulties adapting to the structure of school. He needs frequent redirection to stay on task.
Destiny and Michael would do best in a family who leads an active lifestyle. They both will need to continue with therapeutic services to address past trauma and loss. Both children have been diagnosed with developmental delays and require time and patience with learning. They would thrive in a structured environment with a family who is patient and committed to them.
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Foster Parent Association |
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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
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Summit County Children Services will be out and about at several upcoming community events in August and September. Be sure to stop by the booth!
Tuesday & Wednesday, August 16 & 17, 4-9 p.m.
APS Backpack Adventure at the Akron Zoo
Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Avenue, Akron
Saturday, August 20, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Hartville Flea Market
1289 Edison Street, NW, Hartville
Friday, August 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Akron RubberDucks Baseball Game
Canal Park, 300 S. Main Street, downtown Akron
Friday, August 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Community Appreciation Day
The House of the Lord, 1650 Diagonal Road, Akron
Saturday, August 27, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Akron Pride Festival
Lock 3, 200 S. Main Street, downtown Akron
Thursday, September 8, 5-9:30 p.m.
Elevate Akron
Lock 3, 200 S. Main Street, downtown Akron
*Rescheduled from July 14
Friday, September 16, 5-7 p.m.
Community Resource Fair
Nordonia High School, 8006 S. Bedford Street, Macedonia
*Held outside the football stadium
Saturday, September 17, 8 a.m. (walks kicks-off at 10 a.m.)
Annual Mychal Clayton Sickle Cell Awareness Walk
Lock 3, 200 S. Main Street, downtown Akron
Friday, September 23, 5-7:30 p.m.
Kids Fun Run
Lock 3, 200 S. Main Street, downtown Akron
*Held as part of the Akron Marathon Race Series
Saturday, September 24, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Hartville Flea Market
1289 Edison Avenue, NW, Hartville
Saturday, October 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Health & Wellness Fair
North High School, 985 Gorge Blvd., Akron
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FCA Information Meetings held via Zoom
Information Meetings are now held twice each month 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.
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SCCS has new licensed foster homes! Welcome to ... |
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Eric & Lisa Ryland
Christopher & Kelly Mast
Tiffany Walker
Carl Shallenberger & Samantha Donaldson
Jeremy & Crystal Woodarski
Mallory Fetchu
Bradley & Rae-Diane Bournival
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Why buy toys when you can borrow them?
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United Disability Services' Toy & Resource Center loans developmental toys and resource materials to parents, grandparents, and anyone working with a child, newborn to age six. One of the largest in the state, the Toy & Resource Center has more than 4,200 toys kids love to play with that help foster essential developmental skills. They also have a large number of items adapted for children with special needs, including new toys that are beneficial to individuals on the autism spectrum.
An annual membership fee is charged based on the type of membership needed. Please call (330) 762-9755 for details.
The Toy & Resource Center is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-5 p.m. and Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. It is located at 701 S. Main Street, downtown Akron.
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Below are two area churches that have recently opened Clothing Closets for families. For more information, please contact the church. |
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The Clothing Crusade has a new permanent home at Hope Community Church! Clothing, bedding and home accessories available.
Hope Community Church
3033 Middleton Road
Hudson
Church: (330) 655-5170
FB: @clothingcrusade
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Their new Clothing Closet serves to meet the immediate supplemental need of foster families. Occasionally toys, strollers and other items will also be available.
Grace Church Norton Campus
3970 Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton
Contact: (330) 414-0206
FB: @gracechurchfostercarecloset
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264 S. Arlington Street | Akron, Ohio 44306
24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline: (330) 434-KIDS (5437)
Foster Care & Adoption Inquiry LIne: (330) 379-1990
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