News from Franklin County Children Services

As the summer sun sets a little earlier and the morning alarms start ringing, families across the community are gearing up for another exciting school year. While you are busy checking off supply lists and packing lunches, Franklin County Children Services wants to remind you of the most important back-to-school essential: keeping our kids safe and visible. With many students heading out the door in the early morning hours, the commute often begins in the twilight or complete darkness. To help your children stay "Safe & Seen" this school year, we have compiled a practical guide filled with essential pedestrian safety tips for your family’s daily routine. Dress to Stand Out (Be Seen!) Dark mornings require bright choices. Drivers often struggle to see small pedestrians in low-light conditions, making visibility your child's best defense. Choose bright clothing: Opt for neon, white, or light-colored jackets and hoodies instead of dark blues, blacks, or grays. Add refle...

More than 120 members of Team FCCS will be honored at the 2026 Team FCCS Employee Reception. Will you be one of them? The annual event celebrates staff's years of service and dedication to helping keep kids safer and making families stronger for longer. Six employees will be honored for their 35-year anniversary, another five will celebrate 30 years. Everyone at the agency is invited to attend the Team FCCS Employee Reception at the Columbus Museum of Art, starting at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10. In addition to exploring the musuem, staff can stay and enjoy the museum's Thursday BAM (Bar, Art & Music) with a live DJ and entertainment. More details about the Team FCCS Employee Reception will be sent out in the coming weeks.  Below is the full list of people being honored for their years of service. Help us celebrate thier dedication. CELEBRATING 35 YEARS Charles Cochran  Lisa Fisher  Tammy Grant  Joseph Humenay  Nicole Simcox  George Young  ...

Every day, members of Team FCCS pour incredible energy, empathy, and resilience into their work - no matter their role or job title - to support children, their families, our community, and each other. Because this work can be deeply impactful and emotionally demanding, looking out for one another is an essential part of keeping our team strong. We all experience days when the workload feels exceptionally heavy or an unexpected challenge throws off our rhythm. If you notice a colleague sitting at their desk looking overwhelmed, taking a heavy sigh, or seeming uncharacteristically quiet, reaching out can make a world of difference. Our FCCS Peer Support team has three supportive, low-pressure questions you can ask a coworker to show you have their back: 1. "How can I help lighten your load right now?" When someone is overwhelmed, a vague "Let me know if you need anything" forces them to do the mental work of finding a task for you. By asking how you can actively ligh...