News from Franklin County Children Services

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE TIPS FROM CHRIS VINEIS AT UNITE FOR SAFE SOCIAL MEDIA Social media platforms can lead to positive connections and learning experiences for young people. But, as pointed out by CEO and founder of Unite for Safe Social Media Chris Vineis, parents need to monitor and set rules for how often, how long, and where teens go online. And most important, don't dismiss the dangers of cyberbullying and sextortion by thinking they can't happen to your teen. Both are very real. Jon Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation says teens spend an average of 6-8 hours on screen-based leisure activities, with at least five hours a day on their favorite social media sites. Other studies suggest it's closer to seven.  With that in mind, there’s little doubt that adolescents are more preoccupied with TikTok and YouTube than homework, as Gallup found in a survey last year. “This type of obsessive behavior increases risks for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm and eve...

You can see it in the pictures: mentor Jarrett Rardon and his 7-year-old mentee Zidane were instant friends when they first met.  Connected through Franklin County Children Services’ new 60 for Six mentoring program last summer, the two hit it off from the start and have already built a special bond. And during National Mentoring Month in January, the agency is hoping to replicate more of these important mentoring relationships. Zidane is an exuberant second grader who lives with his grandma. He sees Rardon as a cherished friend: “He feels like someone that I have known for a long time.” he says.  In just a few months, the two pals have enjoyed music lessons together, carved pumpkins, and gone fishing. Zidane even caught his very first fish last summer, a bluegill. “It was so cool.” As for Mr. Rardon, who works as a research coordinator at Nationwide Children’s, becoming a mentor was especially important to him. Because of his own time spent in foster care in early adolescence...

Celebrating how families do better when they live in communities that are committed to helping them succeed, Franklin County Children Services recognized the annual National Family Week by honoring several families and community partners. “Strong families are the first foundation to protecting children, and tonight we will hear powerful stories of how families have become stronger than ever,” offered FCCS Executive Director Chip Spinning, echoing the agency’s Call to Action of strengthening all families. “We believe that any family in Franklin County - no matter the family’s size, income, neighborhood, background, and diversity - should have access to the supports and resources parents need so they avoid concerns that might force them into the child welfare system,” added Executive Director Spinning.. “That’s why we also celebrate tonight the organizations and community partners and volunteers who stand with us in this mission to relentlessly advocate for all families,” he added. Throu...

Celebrating the love, support, safety, and sense of belonging that comes with finding a “forever family,” Franklin County Children Services and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption honored National Adoption Day on Tuesday, November 19, by bringing together six families and eight children currently in foster care who will finalize adoptions in court on the same day. Hear highlights of the Franklin County National Adoption Day 2024 by clicking here . Christina and Burl Queen simply could not imagine life without their beloved Izzy, a joyful two-year-old with a lively, affectionate spirit, who first entered their lives two years ago and on National Adoption Day, officially joined their family.  “It’s like holding your breath for two years and then finally getting to just exhale,” Christina says.  The Queens were one of six happy families finalizing their adoptions, and both Christina and Burl are grateful, relieved, and overjoyed for Izzy’s adoption day to have finally arrived...