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Specialized Team at FCCS Helps Youth in Care Overcome Obstacles on Academic Journey to College

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For teenagers in foster care who are thinking about life after high school, the decision on choosing a college or career path can come with unexpected obstacles.  That’s why Franklin County Children Services is helping young people in the agency’s care navigate those challenges by connecting them with educational resources, financial aid guidance, and opportunities to plan for their futures. “We know they have challenges focusing on more than the here and now,” said Staci Pelton, a member of the FCCS Education Supports team which works with youth connected to the agency on identifying academic goals and accessing resources that can support their academic journey past high school. According to national research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as low as 29% of youth with a foster care history enroll in college or other postsecondary programs after high school. As Ms. Pelton points out, these findings highlight the persistent barriers and the need for continued guidance and suppor...
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SAFE & SEEN: Shorter Days Call for Safer Ways to Keep Children Visible

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As daylight saving time ends and sunset comes earlier, Franklin County Children Services wants children in our community to stay SAFE & SEEN by finding safer ways during these shorter days.   “That extra hour of sleep felt like a treat, but turning back the clocks brings more than just a change in routine,” said FCCS mascot Ted E Bear - the bear who cares about keeping children safer. “It’s going to start getting dark earlier and earlier each day, and that makes visibility and attentiveness especially important for children walking to school, waiting at bus stops, and traveling through their neighborhoods.”  Walking Safety in Changing Daylight  As daylight hours grow shorter, Ted E Bear encourages families to revisit their children’s walking routes and prepare for changing visibility conditions, particularly during afternoon commutes.  Walk the route together: Review the path during morning and afternoon hours to identify busy intersections, poorly lit area...
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FCCS Spooky Skate Jam 2026 Details for Saturday

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Are you ready to roll, shred, and celebrate this Saturday? Our team at Franklin County Children Services looks forward to seeing you and your awesome mentor/caregiver at Spooky Skate Jam 2026 this Saturday, October 10th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Below are a few important reminders to help your arrival and check-in go smoothly. Parking Parking is available at the following locations: Schneider Park next to the Community Gardens Along Sheridan Avenue Along Astor Avenue Please do not park in the lot across from Moshi Sushi on Main Street, as that lot is reserved for business patrons.  Event Registration Location Schneider Shelter House 853 Village Creek Dr. Although the address is listed as Bexley Skate Park, 2130 Astor Ave, the skate park is located inside the larger park. All participants must first check in at the Schneider Shelter House (853 Village Creek Dr.) before heading to the skate area. Staff and volunteers will guide youth to the skate park in groups after regis...
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Kinship Care: the Thread that Keeps Children Safely Connected to Family

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When a child can no longer safely remain at home with their parents, Franklin County Children Services first looks to kinship care. Caseworkers seek out grandparents, relatives, or trusted family friends who already know the child to help them maintain important relationships and connections during a time of major transition and trauma.  For caregiver Elmira Rash-Davis, stepping up for her family has been natural. She has cared for grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other young relatives whenever help was needed, including times when safety or neglect concerns brought FCCS into the picture. She knows the importance of offering a familiar face and a stable routine during those moments of uncertainty: “Every Sunday, bookbags are lined up by the door… Breakfast starts at 5:45 a.m.… Clothes are set out for the week, homework is reviewed… and bikes are tucked away before bedtime.”  Organization keeps the household moving, Ms. Rash-Davis shared, but she believes it also offers the ...
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FCCS Ted E Bear Wants Little Ghouls to Shine Bright this Halloween

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Ted E. Bear wants children in Franklin County to be SAFE and SEEN for Halloween.  As trick-or-treat night approaches, our FCCS mascot Ted E. Bear -  the bear who cares about keeping children safer - has some practical safety tips for parents and caregivers to keep kids protected, visible, and happy this spooky season. The costumes, the treats, and the neighborhood walks all create memories that last a lifetime. "Staying safe doesn't mean skipping the fun," says Ted E. Bear. "It just means planning ahead so kids can be easily seen and protected while they collect their goodies!" To keep Beggars’ Night filled with treats rather than tricks, Ted E. Bear has put together a handy guide to help parents and caregivers keep their little monsters secure and highly visible while out in the neighborhood. Be Bright, Be Seen Add reflective tape: Attach reflective strips to the front and back of your child’s costume and trick-or-treat bags. Carry light sources: Give every ch...
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Reflection Room: Team FCCS Talks Mental Health, Connection, and Suicide Prevention

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“Sometimes the person who needs support is a family member. Sometimes it is a coworker. Sometimes, if we are honest, it is us.”  This message, shared with members of Team FCCS, shaped September’s Reflection Room, which recognized National Suicide Prevention Month by offering practical ways to encourage those who are struggling to seek help, including when that person is us.  “People need people,” said Alyx Gold, a local recovery advocate whose personal experiences with grief, addiction and a mental health crisis shaped her work and advocacy. Ms. Gold joined Jenna Riggs, a mental health professional, and Rachel Pickett, a community advocate, for a candid conversation about connection, resilience and the importance of supporting one another.  Sometimes, It Starts with Noticing  Struggling is not always visible. “Poor mental health also wears lipstick. It does not matter how good you look. You can still be struggling,” said Ms. Pickett.  She explained that coworker...
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Team FCCS Employee Reception: Celebrating our Call to Action Awardees and Nominees

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A new tradition during the Team FCCS Employee Reception is celebrating our Calls to Action awardees, recognizing staff whose work over the past year best exemplify our agency's priorities... from Protecting the Whole Child and Strengthening All Families to Valuing our Team Culture and Engaging our Community Authentically. Leading up to the 2026 Team FCCS Employee Reception, there were more nominations made by staff than last year, so there are even more winners, as selected by our agency's Executive Council.  As you'll read below, every awardee and nomination is impressive. WINNER: Stefanie Miller - Program Services/ West Region  Nominated by Meghan Stokes: "Stefanie’s work on this complex triple‑companion case exemplifies FCCS’s Call to Action 1: Protecting the Whole Child. Faced with a minor mother, an adult sibling with young children, and an infant with extensive medical needs, Stefanie navigated concerns spanning substance use, mental health, delinquency, medical ...
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