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24 Hour Abuse Hotline (330) 434-KIDS (5437)

Supporting children and families involved with Summit County Children Services (SCCS) is a shared community responsibility. It takes the involvement of individuals, families, businesses, faith communities, and organizations to help ensure that children in foster care have the resources, stability, and support they need to thrive.

While SCCS is primarily funded through taxpayer dollars, there are important needs that extend beyond public funding. To help meet these needs, we rely on the generosity and partnership of community members, civic groups, agencies, businesses, and places of worship.

As the number of children served by our agency continues to grow, so does the need for foster and adoptive parents, as well as volunteers and community partners who can support special programs and initiatives throughout the year.

Below are several ways you can partner with SCCS and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

Become a foster parent

Children in foster care are children first. While they have experienced difficult circumstances, those experiences do not define who they are or who they can become. What they need most are safe, stable, and caring adults who are willing to be present during a critical time in their lives. Through this pathway, individuals and families can become certified foster parents with Summit County Children Services (SCCS), providing full-time care for children in their home. SCCS also offers the opportunity to become a certified respite foster parent, providing short-term care (up to 30 days) to support foster families when temporary coverage is needed. Both roles play an essential part in promoting stability and well-being for children in care.
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Donate or Volunteer

Foster families play a vital role in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children in care. In doing so, they often take on additional responsibilities and unexpected expenses. Community support can make a meaningful difference in helping families meet those needs and continue providing quality care. Through this pathway, businesses, community groups, faith-based organizations, and individuals can partner with Summit County Children Services (SCCS) as donors or volunteers. Opportunities may include providing practical assistance, supporting special programs and events, or donating items that promote the care, comfort, and well-being of children and youth served by the agency. Community involvement helps strengthen foster families and enhances outcomes for children in Summit County.
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Request a Speaker

Staff and volunteers are available to speak to your organization and provide information and resources regarding child abuse and neglect as well as a whole host of other topics
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Become a Care Community Partner

Summit County Children Services recognizes the important role that community partners play in supporting children and families. This opportunity is available to places of worship and faith-based organizations interested in providing practical support to foster and kinship families within their congregations and the broader community. Through this initiative, congregations can form a Care Community team of 4–8 trained volunteers who commit to offering consistent, ongoing assistance to foster and kinship families. Support may include providing meals, childcare, transportation, and help with household tasks such as laundry or yardwork. Reliable, community-based support can help families feel encouraged and better equipped to continue providing stable homes for children in care. Participating faith-based organizations will partner directly with Hope Bridge, a Hartville-based organization that provides training and guidance for forming and sustaining Care Community teams.
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Be Foster Friendly

Supporting children in foster care is a shared community effort. Local businesses and organizations can play an important role in strengthening the network of support surrounding foster families in Summit County. Through SCCS’ Foster Friendly Program, businesses and organizations are invited to become partner locations by offering a discount or complimentary item to SCCS foster families. Participating partners determine the type of discount or free item offered, as well as any limitations or redemption guidelines. Foster families are issued specially designed redemption cards to present at the time of purchase. By participating, businesses demonstrate their commitment to supporting children and families in our community.
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