News from Franklin County Children Services

Heralding the value of community, Franklin County Children Services has a renewed focus on re-investing tax dollars into businesses based in Franklin County and services provided by those organizations whose leaders are more reflective of the children and families we serve. All THAT (Teens Hopeful About Tomorrow) is one such enterprise with which FCCS has actively collaborated… and with impressive results.  Started by U.S. Army veteran Danella Hicks in 2009, All THAT provides academic assistance, career exposure, and life skills training to teens ages 13-19. This bustling nonprofit on Columbus’s far east side has a staff of 20 employees, 14 of whom are trained mentors and certified tutors.  All THAT’s daily mission is breaking down barriers - letting teens who might be disadvantaged or disengaged know that they have ample promise, potential, and opportunity, Ms. Hicks says.  Located at the corner of E. Livingston Avenue and Elaine Road, this flourishing neighborhood organ...

Adding to November’s National Adoption Month recognition - and celebrating the unique connection between gymnastics great Simone Biles and Franklin County Children Services - 11 agency-involved families who are on a similar adoption and kinship care pathway as the 11-time Olympic medal winner headed to Cincinnati to see her perform, thanks to a special invitation from FCCS and the Gold Over America Tour. --- As the world watched Simone Biles summersault to gold in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, five-year-old Rikki did cartwheels in her living room in front of her siblings… and likely never realized how much in common her family had with the 11-time Olympic medalist, 30-time World Championship medalist, and most decorated gymnast in history. A passionate advocate for kids involved in the child welfare system, Ms. Biles often shares her personal journey in foster care in the Columbus area, her kinship placement with relatives, and her eventual adoption, all managed through the effort...

Celebrating the nearly 300 children who found “forever homes” over the past year through adoption or finalization of a kinship placement, Franklin County Children Services hosted its first Forever Family Funfest. “When children can no longer safely remain in their parents’ custody, they deserve to have the permanent sense of belonging that comes with finding a family,” said Raquel Breckenridge, Family Service Director for Permanency. “And we want to celebrate those lasting connections.” Over the past year, more than 100 children and teenagers who were in the agency’s care found their forever homes through adoption. In addition, almost 200 children were permanently placed with family relatives - grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, or adult siblings - or close family friends such as teachers and coaches, church members, or neighbors. Dozens of those children and teens who found their forever homes through adoption or permanent kinship placement, along with their families and caregiv...