Thank you for your interest in learning more about the child protection services provided for families in Summit County, Ohio. We applaud you for your willingness to want to make a difference in the lives of children. Every day, more and more children come to the attention of Summit County Children Services (SCCS) because of child abuse and neglect concerns. This situation has been exasperated for the last several years by the opioid crisis. Through our 24-hour child abuse and neglect hotline (330-434-5437), Ohio’s Safe Haven for Newborns law, kinship care, foster care, foster-to-adopt opportunities and accompanying family support and community outreach programs, SCCS strives to provide comprehensive child protection services for the residents of Summit County.

Child Protection Services Process

A child suspected of being the victim of child abuse or neglect typically comes to the attention of SCCS through a call to our 24-hour child abuse and neglect hotline by a mandated reporter, concerned relative or community member. After a thorough assessment process, agency social workers determine if a child will be safe by remaining in his/her home. Sometimes situations are such that the child will not be safe, and he/she must be placed in the agency’s temporary custody. If no relative is available to care for the child, he/she is then placed with a foster family. It is critical that we have enough foster and foster-to-adopt families to temporarily and permanently care for children.