News from Franklin County Children Services

From buildings and bridges glowing blue to powerful messages about coming together as a community to support families, Child Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County featured several impactful efforts that raised awareness and showcased Franklin County Children Services and its community partnerships to keep children safer from abuse and neglect. This year, the agency embraced the theme “Building A Hopeful Future Together” from our partners at Prevent Child Abuse America, spreading the message of creating nurturing and supportive environments for all families. 2024 Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast A highlight of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the annual Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast attracted nearly 300 guests to Mitchell Hall on the Columbus State campus.  With opening remarks by Executive Director Chip Spinning outlining the agency’s new Call to Action, keynote speaker Dr. Amy Acton - former Ohio Dept. of Health Director and recognized community leader - shared a powerful mess...

As the nation observes National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, the Central Ohio community is stepping up to address the critical issue of child abuse and neglect.  Since 1983, April has been dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting children and promoting family well-being. In Central Ohio, organizations such as The Center for Healthy Families, in partnership with Franklin County Children Services, are leading efforts to combat child abuse and raise awareness about its devastating impact. Child abuse, whether physical, sexual, or psychological, constitutes a grave violation of children's rights and well-being. It can manifest in various forms, including neglect and endangerment, and can occur in homes, schools, organizations, or communities. By fostering empathy and promoting education, our community aims to prevent these harmful practices and ensure the safety and protection of the whole child. Throughout April, The Center's Black Girls’ and Y...

April once again marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Franklin County Children Services is joining a nationwide call to action to raise awareness and build stronger community partnerships to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. This year, we embrace the theme “Building A Hopeful Future Together” from our partners at Prevent Child Abuse America, focusing on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for all families. “Just as we know that strong families are the first foundation to protecting children, we also know that families do better when they live in communities that are committed to helping them succeed,” said FCCS Executive Director Chip Spinning. Nearly 28,000 reports were made to the Franklin County Child Abuse Hotline in 2023, with more than half of the referrals raising concerns about a child being physically abused, one in six calls alleging sexual abuse, and one in eight reporting children in a home where domestic violence between parents had shattered the se...