An introduction to Athens County Children Services

Protecting Children Strengthening Families Securing Futures

We are dedicated to the challenge of providing children the opportunity to grow in a safe, nurturing, and permanent family.

Athens County Children’s Home Athens County Children Services was founded in 1876 when philanthropist John S. Fowler started a fundraising drive to build a children's home for Athens County.

ACCS Board Community volunteers appointed by the Athens County Commissioners The Board sets policy and acts as the stewards and trustees of Athens County Children Services 2011 ACCS Board Members Nancy Schell, Chair Mary Mitchell Paula Carpenter Chris Innis Lacy Russell Barry Oches Missy Bond

Agency Services Our services are based upon state and federal laws as well as the fundamental principle that each child has the right to grow and develop with his or her own family in a safe, nurturing, and stable home. We are committed to: Child protection Community awareness and parent education Other services to reduce the number of families needing our protective services

Intake - Reports of Abuse and Neglect Suspected child abuse or neglect is often brought to our attention by a neighbor, family member, or friend. We also receive reports from health care professionals, teachers, daycare workers, attorneys, ministers and others who are required by Ohio law to report suspected abuse or neglect. In 2010, there were 1360 calls to the agency reporting child abuse and neglect. Of these 1360 calls, 446 of these reports were investigated for child abuse and neglect.

Family Services Family services caseworkers work with the family and community to help mobilize the resources required to strengthen the family unit. Every effort is made to help the family make positive changes in order to ensure the children remain in a safe environment. If a child's safety is compromised, Juvenile Court may order the child's removal from the home. When that occurs, actions are taken to reduce the risk of harm so the child may be able to return home. In 2010.. 42 children who were out of the home were reunified with their parents 79 families on average served each month by the Family Services Units 13 children found a temporary home with a kinship placement

Family Support Unit Parent educators work with an average of 16 families per month Family support workers monitored 1373 visits in 2010 The FSU has four sub-units: parent mentors, visitation, parent mentors and School Social Workers

School Social Workers "It gives kids a chance to get the help and support that some kids may never have if it weren't for School Social Workers." - Parent "It is wonderful to have someone be a go-between" between home and school." - Teacher Serving an average of 33 families per month in the Trimble, Federal Hocking and Athens school districts!

Kinship Services Athens County Children Services is committed to children remaining with family members whenever possible when they cannot stay with their parents. In 2010, a Kinship Caseworker was added to ACCS program staff. In 2010, 60 kinship home studies were completed.

Foster Parenting & Adoption We need parents who have faith in themselves and in children. Parenting is a tough job. It can take a while to see the rewards, but there is nothing more satisfying than seeing those rewards. Homes are needed for children of all ages.

Foster Parenting “My goal,” says Beitzel, “is to provide care for the young, making sure they are safe, secure and loved. Each child is different – you just have to feel out their personality and their needs and go from there.”

Adoption We work to bring together children (primarily those with special needs) who are available to be adopted and people who want to build families through adoption. Because adoption is a lifelong process, we also provide services to help adoptive families remain strong through the years. Counseling and support is also offered to birth parents. 22 adoptions were finalized in 2010 At the end of 2010, there were 41 children waiting for a family of their own

Voluntary program for Ohio's expectant parents, newborns, infants and toddlers that provides health and developmental services so children start school healthy and ready to learn

Volunteer Opportunities ACCS is committed to a dynamic volunteer program. This program includes social work interns, public relations/advertising interns, AmeriCorps volunteers, as well as many volunteer opportunities at agency events.

Family Garden Volunteers Volunteers are needed to help with our family garden! We are looking for volunteers to work with families as well as to maintain the garden.

Community Events Volunteer Opportunities Lace Up For Kids Santa Tree Kidfest Ohio University Homecoming Parade Athens County Fair Kid’s Day And more!

Kidfest!

Athens County Fair Kids Day!

ACCS Volunteers on Parade!

Boogie on the Bricks

Girl Power Lock-In

OU Homecoming Parade

ACCS appreciates the support of the Athens community! The primary funding source for Athens County Children Services is a 3-mill ten-year property tax levy approved by the voters in 2005 and a 2-mill ten-year property tax levy approved by the voters in 2010. These funds allow ACCS to be responsive to the needs of the community.

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