September is Kinship Month! |
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Message from
Cassandra Holtzmann, Executive Director
Hello All!
I hope that you are enjoying a safe and healthy summer while creating wonderful memories with family and friends.
As always, Summit County Children
Services (SCCS) remains committed to the safety, permanency, and well-being of all children served, in partnership with families and the community. Our staff continue to be extremely busy this summer, serving over 900 children in agency custody, providing essential services to the abused and neglected children and their families of Summit County.
We have also been busy on the grounds of the agency with capital projects, including the building of a pavilion on the west lawn. The pavilion will allow for additional outdoor space for family and children visitation as well as space for staff events on our beautiful grounds. Food trucks have also been a part of our summer schedule. They offer the opportunity for staff to get engage with one another during lunch breaks with some great food and snack options! Our food trucks are scheduled bi-weekly through the end of October. Come and join us!
Our parking lot resurfacing project began during the end of July and was done in 3 phases. If you were on our campus during that time, we thank you for your patience as we made some much-needed improvements to our parking areas and driveways.
I am grateful for your continued commitment and care for those who need it the most. We could not do this work without you. As caregivers, you are a significant part of our team, promoting the best interests of the children and families we serve. Being part of a family is vital to successful outcomes for our youth.
With the rising number of children in agency custody, we hope you will help us spread the word of our need for additional foster families. You are truly making a lasting impact in the lives of so many children and families.
September is celebrated as National Kinship Care Month, a time to recognize and honor all kinship caregivers. Many relatives and kinship families have stepped forward out of love and loyalty to care for children during difficult times, providing safety and stability to vulnerable children.
Once again, thank you for your continued support. Together, we can work hard for the well-being of children in this community.
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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.
2-1-1, a program of United Way of Summit & Medina Counties, is a comprehensive source of information about local resources and services. You can call 2-1-1 to be connected various health and human services in your area for help with food, housing (rent and mortgage assistance), health care, mental health, and more.
There are a wide variety of resources for kinship caregivers on the OhioKAN - Kinship & Adoption Navigator website. For more information about kinship care or the Kinship Navigator Program, call at (330) 996-1798 or toll-free at (866) 996-1798.
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Kinship Foster Care - One Family's Journey
When Jason and Brie Knight were contacted about the Kinship Care process with Summit County Children Services (SCCS), they were anxious and didn’t know what to expect. Luckily, they were met with an incredible amount of support, love, and preparation. Pictured: Brie Knight with the relative child.
“It was emotional; we hadn't done this before,” Mrs. Knight said. “Everything was new to us and raising a baby was especially. I had a lot of anxiety and would write down a list of questions, and agency staff was able to answer
all of them, calm my nerves, and talk me through it all.”
It was initially challenging, especially when the Knights live two hours away in Washington County. However, with help from caseworkers Sonya Cole and Julie Kirven, the Knights were given a clear set of directions, preparation for court dates and meetings, and an opportunity to receive assistance whenever they needed.
Since then, the Knights are thriving. They have expressed their appreciation for the support they’ve received, even calling their caseworkers “the A-team.” When asked what advice she’d give to other Kinship Care families in similar situations, Brie Knight said, “It can sometimes feel like an unpredictable situation that you have no control over, but you have to trust the process and the system. I couldn't imagine being in this position without the SCCS team I had by my side.”
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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.
Who do you know who might be interested in foster care! Who do you know who has a big heart filled with love for kids? Who do you know who wants to make a difference in a child's life?
Current SCCS foster parents are encouraged to invite others who want to learn more about foster care to our upcoming virtual Open House event. Guests will hear from a panel of foster parents who will share their personal stories and experiences. So they will hear firsthand what it's like being a foster parent. In addition, staff will explain in more detail about the process and share information about the support provided by the agency.
When:
Thursday, September 7, 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
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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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Upcoming Webinars
Kinship Voices—September 28, 2023 – REGISTER
With little notice or preparation, kinship caregivers step up to care for family or close friends. Hear what kinship parenting looks like from caregivers across the country and the resources that have helped them along the way this National Kinship Care Month.
Post-Adoption Support—November 16, 2023 – REGISTER
What happens after the adoption decree is signed? Hear from adoptive families what resources they’ve found, what more they need and how they’re faring.
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Foster Parent Trainings
August through December 2023
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Below is the August-December 2022 schedule. Register through CAPS LMS.
The NEORTC is once again hosting a special Foster Parent Training Blitz October 12-14. Register through CAPS LMS.
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.
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This serves as a friendly reminder to those caregiver families who received family movie passes to Lake 8 Movies at last year's Winter Wonderland event ...
TIME IS RUNNING OUT! You have until the beginning of December to use the family movie pass to Lake 8 Movies. There are plenty of movies currently at the theater and plenty more scheduled to be released in the coming months. So, schedule a Family Night at the Movies, dig out that movie voucher, sit back and enjoy!
NOTE: Voucher can only be used towards admission; it cannot be used towards concessions.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Join SCCS at the citywide Akron Equity March
& Pride Festival on Saturday, August 26.
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. The march route is .6-miles long. 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 Summer Site (off W. Bowery Street), and you are free to enjoy the Akron Pride Festival!
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SAVE THIS DATE!
The holidays will be here before we know it!!
Friday, December 8, 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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Alijah (AJ)
Birthdate: April 2014
Alijah (AJ) is a very outgoing boy. There is a side to him that likes to please adults and he responds well to positive attention. Alijah loves his tablet and playing race car games. He also enjoys playing outdoors. Alijah is friendly with adults but can sometimes pick fights with his peers.
AJ is currently struggling in school with his behaviors. He is very smart and can get good grades when he applies himself. He is in counseling as he works through his issues of loss and separation.
AJ is the second oldest of seven siblings. He is very bonded to them and maintaining a relationship with them is a must. Of the seven siblings, he is the only one without a permanency plan.
For more information about Alijah, contact his caseworker, Robert Ondash at (330) 379-1955.
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Celeste
Birthdate: April 2007
Juelz, who goes by Celeste, is a very outgoing young person. She loves anything that relates to the Korean boy band BTS and wants to learn all she can about the Korean culture and is teaching herself the language. She would do well in a structured home with very clear rules and boundaries, and is very understanding of her identity.
For more information about Celeste, contact her caseworker, Jodi Foraker at (330) 379-2073.
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Foster Parent Association |
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The Foster Parent Association is 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.
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Summit County Children Services will be out and about at several upcoming community events in August through October. Be sure to stop by the booth!
Saturday, August 26, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Akron Equity March & Akron Pride Festival
Lock 3 Summer Site, W. Bowery Street, downtown Akron
*March steps off at 10 a.m. from Spaghetti Warehouse
Friday, September 1, 6-9 p.m.
Kenmore First Friday
969 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron (near Kenmore Branch Library)
Thursday, September 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Senior Expo
Raintree Gold & Eventer Center, 4350 Mayfair Road, Uniontown
Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Craft Show & Vendor Fair
Apostolic Temple of Cuyahoga Falls
1601 Munroe Falls Avenue, Cuyahoga Falls
Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Stow Farmers Market
1567 Pilgrim Drive, Stow
Saturday, September 23, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Hartville Flea Market
1289 Edison Avenue, NW, Hartville
Friday, September 29, 5-7:30 p.m.
Kids Fun Run
Lock 3 Summer Site, W. Bowery Street, downtown Akron
*Held as part of the Akron Marathon Race Series
Saturday, October 7, 1-5 p.m.
Tallmadge Fall Festival
Tallmadge Recreation Center, 46 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge
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FCA Information Meetings held via Zoom
Virtual Information Meetings are held 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.
Advance registration in required at
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SCCS has new licensed foster homes! Welcome to ... |
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Catherine Donze
Brittany Leek & Brandon Neal
Stefan & Lindsay Burger
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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 Foster Care 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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