Parenting Resources

What is parenting?
Raising and nurturing a child from infancy to adulthood with care, love, and guidance.

In this section, find out about:
● Parenting Classes & Resources
● Advocacy & Information
● Adoption & Foster Care
● International Adoption
● Kinship Care
● Breaks for Caregivers (Respite Care)
● Parenting Children with Special Needs
● Parenting Children with Mental Health Needs
● Support Groups for Parents
● Help for Families with Parents in Prison
● Child Custody & Divorce Help

● PARENTING CLASSES & RESOURCES ●
Action for Children
Serves 7 counties in central Ohio and offers free resources to help parents find quality child care in their area. Their parenting page has information about choosing child care and parent resources. They also offer a parenting class (TAPP) that focuses on creating a healthy family environment.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222, ext. 103
- www.actionforchildren.org
Action for Children / Directions for Youth & Families Partners in Parenting
Action for Children and Directions for Youth and Families have teamed up to offer free parenting classes for parents who are unable to afford traditional classes. Click for the schedule and registration form. Classes are specialized for single parents, parents working with the legal system, teen parenting or parents with children who have behavioral challenges. There are income requirements, and child care is not available during the classes.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222, ext. 103
- www.actionforchildren.org
Catholic Social Services
Offers free parenting classes open to the public on a wide range of topics, including safety, family roles and community resources. Services are offered in Newark and Zanesville as well.
197 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-5891
- www.colscss.org
Center for Latin Hope (Centro Esperanza Latina)
Offers an eight-week parent training class for Hispanic families. Child care is provided during classes.
2300 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 358-3584
- www.centerforlatinhope.org
Child Development Council of Franklin County
Provides services for parents of children enrolled in their Head Start program. This includes their Fatherhood Project, which offers parenting education and support for fathers.
300 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-1709
- www.cdcheadstart.org
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Offers several parenting programs for parents and families at locations throughout the Columbus area. Visit their website for a complete list of programs.
96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-2ASK or (614) 645-2275
- http://events.columbuslibrary.org
Columbus Urban League
Their Father To Father program helps men 16 to 35 become nurturing fathers and develop strong parenting attitudes and skills. Call for an intake appointment.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
- http://cul.org/afr_american.aspx
Directions for Youth & Families Parenting Classes
Parenting classes help improve the quality of family life. Some classes are free, and others are based on a sliding fee scale, depending on income. Services are provided in homes and other convenient locations in the community. There are specific classes for teen parents and Spanish-speaking parents. Their free Ready Set Grow Program is for parents of children ages 2 to 6, to prepare kids for kindergarten.
1414 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205
(614) 294-2661
- www.dfyf.org
Directions for Youth & Families Teen Parent Connection
Offers counseling, parent education and help finding community resources for teens ages 12 to 21 who are parenting or are in their second or third trimester. Free childbirth education classes are also offered.
1414 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 294-2661
- www.dfyf.org
Flying Colors Incredible Years Parenting Program
The preschool offers programs for children ages three to five in Licking County, including programs for kids with special needs. Their free 12-week parenting program is designed to help parents build a positive relationship with their child and handle problem behaviors.
675 Price Road Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-1629
- www.flyingcolorspreschool.com
Godman Guild
Parent advocates work with parents of kindergartners, first and second graders who attend school in the 43201 zip code area.
303 East Sixth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-5476
- www.godmanguild.org
Jewish Family Services
Offers a family-based program for parents of children up to age 5, and a Help Me Grow program for parents who are pregnant or parents who have children less than age 3 and are having problems with their development. Counselors meet with parents in the home and office.
1070 College Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
- www.jfscolumbus.org/Parenting.asp
Mentoring Center of Central Ohio
A mentor is a caring, unrelated adult or older youth who builds a relationship of trust and commitment with a younger, less experienced person. The relationship is designed to enhance the young person's attitudes, skills and behaviors. Click below for a list of agencies that provide mentoring services in central Ohio.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus , OH 43215
(614) 233-6368
- www.mentoringcenterco.org
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Child & Family Advocacy
Offers many programs for families to help keep the community safe and healthy and to prevent child abuse.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43205
(614) 722-8200
- www.nationwidechildrens.org
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Parenting Classes
Offers classes for parents and for parents and kids. Parenting classes are offered for parents of kids of all ages (infants to young adults) and abilities.
700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
- www.nationwidechildrens.org
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center
Offers several services for families at Nationwide Children’s Hospital during their visit, including educational programs, a library and resource center, lounge, kitchen, laundry room, shower, breastfeeding room with breast pump, fitness area and lockers. Visit their website to find out more about their programs.
700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2252
- www.nationwidechildrens.org
Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Offers parenting classes for Hispanic families.
3556 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 275-1755
- www.ohiohispaniccoalition.org
Ohio State University Extension
Their website offers several handouts and resources for parents, including teaching children to resolve conflict, tips for new parents and how to stay involved in your teen's life.
2105 South Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 866-6900
- http://extension.osu.edu
Ohio Youth Advocate Program (OYAP)
Offers ongoing evening parenting classes for parents with children ages 0 to 12. Child care is provided during the sessions. The classes are for biological families (not foster families) involved with OYAP, but they do take referrals from outside agencies on a case by case basis. They take foster care referrals as well and help connect foster children with resources in the community.
  • 1801 Watermark Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    24-Hour Centralized Intake: (877) 692-7226
  • 1445 Summit Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (866) 438-6508 or (614) 583-1005
  • 1303 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (800) 256-5001 or (614) 252-6927
  • 1984 Coffman Road, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 349-7511
- www.nyap.org
Parents Encouraging Responsible Choices (PERC)
PERC is a group of teachers and parents in Dublin City Schools who provide education designed to keep youth safe and healthy. Underage drinking, internet safety, bullying and eating disorders are some of the topics they focus on. Presentations are free and open to the general public.
7030 Coffman Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 764-5913
- www.percdublin.org/programs.html
South Side Settlement House
Offers a free eight-week parenting course for anyone in need. The class is offered twice per year. Call to sign up.
310 Innis Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 444-9868
- http://southsidesettlement.org
Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY)
The Teen Parent Program helps youth who are pregnant and youth who are parents, as well as children in placement with teen parents.
4615 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(888) 590-7239
- www.safy.org
St. Stephen’s Community House
Educates parents and provides home visitation services to families living in the Linden area.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
- www.saintstephensch.org
Zero to Three
Offers helpful information about behavior, development, care and education of infants in their first 3 years of life. Learn what to expect as your child grows and how to deal with challenging behaviors.
2000 M Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 638-1144
- www.zerotothree.org
● ADVOCACY & INFORMATION ●
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Healthy Children
Provides the only parenting website backed by 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. The website contains information about healthy living, family life, safety, developmental stages and more.
141 Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
(847) 434-4000
- www.healthychildren.org
Born Learning
A public service campaign supported by United Way that helps parents, grandparents and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities.
360 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-2700
- www.bornlearning.org
Center for Effective Discipline
Provides information on the effects of corporal punishment of children and alternatives to its use. Their website has information about discipline at home and at school, as well as laws and helpful links.
155 West Main Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
(614) 221-8829
- www.stophitting.com
Choose Your Partner Carefully
Franklin County Children Services and Nationwide Children's Hospital Center for Child and Family Advocacy have made a guide to help people choose a partner who will be safe and helpful around their children.
855 West Mound Street, Columbus Ohio 43223
24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline: (614) 229-7000
- www.co.franklin.oh.us
Help Me Grow (HMG)
Their parents and caregivers page has information about child health, children with special needs, school readiness, safety, resources by county and parent rights.
246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 644-8389
- www.ohiohelpmegrow.org
Ohio Safe Havens for Newborns
Provides birth parents the option to leave an infant (up to 30 days old) with a medical worker in a hospital, a medical worker at a fire department or other emergency service organization, or a peace officer at a law enforcement agency. If the infant is left with a person at one of these places, and has not been abused, the parent will face no legal consequences for making this choice. Call the Help Me Grow hotline for information and advice.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Help Me Grow Hotline: (800) 755-4769
- http://jfs.ohio.gov/safehavens
United Services for Effective Parenting of Ohio
Offers advocacy for families, as well as resources, education, support and training.
4245 Donlyn Court, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 868-8600
- www.oatfacs.org
● ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE ●
Adopt Ohio
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides a 40-page adoption guide with extensive information about the adoption process in Ohio, including a glossary of adoption terms and a listing of public and private adoption agencies in Ohio. They also have a statewide adoption information hotline.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(866) 886-3537, option 4
- http://jfs.ohio.gov/oapl
Adopt U.S. Kids
Dedicated to finding permanent, loving adoptive families for the thousands of U.S. children who are currently waiting in foster care. This website is sponsored by the U.S. government and allows prospective adoptive parents an opportunity to search for children by looking through their photolistings. Call the toll-free number for information about adoption and foster care.
8015 Corporate Drive, Baltimore, MD 21236
(888) 200-4005
- www.adoptuskids.org
Adoption by Gentle Care
Gentle Care is a licensed adoption agency that specializes in private domestic adoptions. They provide adoption home studies and post-placement visits, services for adoptive parents and services for birth mothers. Their website has helpful information for those considering adoption and information about the six step process to adoption.
380 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 824-9633
- www.adoptionbygentlecare.org
Adoption Circle
Adoption Circle is a licensed adoption agency that offers full adoption services for private domestic and foreign adoptions.
400 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 927-7222
- www.adoptioncircle.org
Adriel School
Provides services throughout Ohio for foster youth with special needs, with the goal of helping foster children return home to their families. They serve children from birth to age 21 and work on adoption if return to family is not possible. Referrals may be made to their foster care program by agencies, parents or legal guardians. They also provide on-site counseling and treatment for youth.
5940 Venture Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017
24-hour: (800) 262-0065 or (614) 761-0010
- www.adriel.org
Bair Foundation
Offers several services, including adoption, foster care, kinship care and independent living services. They provide respite care for their foster families as well.
665 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(888) 705-3577
- www.bair.org
Buckeye Ranch
Provides foster care services at their Broad Street location. Referrals are typically through mental health and government organizations (such as FCCS). They provide respite services and work with foster youth with special needs as well.
697 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 875-2371
- www.buckeyeranch.org
Catholic Social Services
Offers post-adoption counseling for adults and maintains a list of post-adoption resources on their website.
197 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-5891
- www.colscss.org
Center of Vocational Alternatives (COVA) Transition Youth Services
Helps teens with mental illnesses and other disabilities. They provide free transitional services to foster kids exiting Franklin County Children Services, ages 18 to 21, who are leaving home care and need help becoming independent. This includes accessing housing, education, and employment, as well as other needs. High school students above age 16 with emotional disturbances receive career skills to help them transition from school to work.
3770 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 291-0498
- www.cova.org
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Provides a lot of information and resources regarding foster care and adoption and was developed by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Users can search the national foster care and adoption directory to find foster care and adoption resources in their area.
1250 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC 20024
(800) 394-3366
- www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Provides free adoption resources and adoption facts. Their resource page contains information about domestic infant adoptions, international adoptions, financial help, special needs adoptions, foster care adoptions and more.
525 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(800) 275-3832
- www.davethomasfoundation.org
Dungarvin Ohio
Dungarvin is a licensed foster care agency serving youth with developmental disabilities. They offer several services in Franklin County (and several other counties), including foster care, in-home services, respite care (for parents who need time away from their children) and developmental services.
6555 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(800) 646-4612 or (614) 436-7440
- www.dungarvin.com
Franklin County Children Services
Provides information about adoptable kids, the adoption process and foster care. There is no fee for adoptive placement, and financial help is available. They also provide information on kinship care (when a relative or non-relative takes over the full-time care of a child).
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 341-6060
- www.co.franklin.oh.us
Franklin County Probate Court
Finalizes all adoptions in Franklin County. Those wishing to adopt are required to have a personal and home investigation to insure their suitability as adoptive parents. Their website has helpful information about starting the adoption process in Ohio.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-3894
- www.franklincountyohio.gov
Life Start
As a licensed foster care agency serving children and adults with special needs and disabilities in Franklin County and its neighboring counties, they provide extensive foster family support. They help children with machine dependency, tube feeds, mental retardation, autism and other special needs.
142 North High Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 478-5448
- www.lifestartinc.com
Nationwide Children's Hospital Adoption Academy
Provided by Capital University Law School and Nationwide Children's Hospital, the Adoption Academy provides in-depth classes on foreign and domestic adoptions for a minimal fee. Click for the brochure and to register.
700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
- www.law.capital.edu
Nationwide Children's Hospital Fostering Connections Program
The Center for Child and Family Advocacy provides a specialized foster care clinic that offers comprehensive health care services to children and adolescents placed in out-of-home care. The clinic coordinates the medical care of the patients it serves and streamlines access to behavioral health services as well. Click for their brochure.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-6789
- www.nationwidechildrens.org
New Roots Adoptive Families Support Group
Provides support, education and encouragement for families with adopted children, those in the process of adopting and those considering adoption. Their website lists local adoption events and resources.
PO Box 14953, Columbus, Ohio 43214
- www.insouciant.com/newroots
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Committed to meeting the needs of waiting children and the families who adopt them, they offer information and support to adoptive families and prospective adopters. Families can search their database of parent groups to find support groups in the area. They also offer phone consultation and materials to address parents' questions about adoption subsidies for children with special needs.
970 Raymond Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55114
(651) 644-3036
- www.nacac.org
Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies (OACCA)
Their website contains helpful resources relating to juvenile justice, foster care, adoption, kinship care (relatives and non-relatives raising children) and information for youth transitioning from the foster system to adulthood, as well as a referral form for services throughout Ohio.
50 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 461-0014
- www.oacca.org
Ohio Department of Health Adoption Registry
Houses birth and adoption records for people born in Ohio and adopted anywhere in the United States. Their website has a list of adoption laws and procedures that are used in Ohio, as well as the Ohio Adoption Registry, which provides a confidential and voluntary way for adopted Ohioans and their biological families to find one another.
PO Box 118, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(614) 466-4784
- www.odh.ohio.gov
Ohio Family Care Association
Serves as the statewide voice for adoptive and foster families in Ohio. They educate Ohio’s policymakers about the needs of abused, neglected and dependent children. They also keep members informed about the latest news related to adoption and foster care and provide a warm line for families who are experiencing difficulties related to out-of-home care by providing referral to local agencies for support.
823 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 222-2712
- www.ofcaonline.org
Ohio Post-Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS)
Families may apply for PASSS funds (up to $10,000 per year) after the adoption is finalized. The funds help families pay for costs related to a child’s physical, developmental, mental, or emotional handicap or condition. There is no fixed income limit, and the funds are available to all adoptive families, with the the exception of step parent adoptions, regardless of the type of adoption (public or private, domestic or international). More information can be found in Ohio's 20-page adoption subsidies guide or by contacting the children services agency in your county.
855 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 341-6060
- www.franklincountyohio.gov
Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA)
Provides free legal advice to people with a low income throughout Ohio. Click to read their brochure After Foster Care: What Next?, which is for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. Their website below also has a lot of information about local rules and regulations regarding adoptions and foster care, legal rights of teenage mothers and homeless youth.
555 Buttles Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) LAW-OHIO or (800) 529-6446
- www.ohiolegalservices.org
Ohio Youth Advocate Program (OYAP)
Offers counseling services for foster children and adolescents throughout central Ohio. They also provide sex offender treatment services for youth and in-home programs for teens with aggressive or violent behaviors. They offer emergency and specialized foster care services, in addition to respite care and alcohol and drug programs. They take foster care referrals and help connect foster children with resources in the community.
  • 1801 Watermark Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    24-Hour Centralized Intake: (877) 692-7226
  • 1445 Summit Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (866) 438-6508 or (614) 583-1005
  • 1303 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (800) 256-5001 or (614) 252-6927
  • 1984 Coffman Road, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 349-7511
- http://www.nyap.org/Ohio.cms.aspx
Parenthesis Family Advocates
Offers education, support and respite services for foster families. They also offer pre-adoption and post-adoption counseling and support.
6500 Taylor Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
(614) 751-9112
- www.ctcadoptiontherapy.com
Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY)
Provides services throughout Ohio, including a program for foster children who are "aging-out" of the foster care system, a foster care program for children with developmental disabilities and special needs, pre-adoption and post-adoption services, respite care for families who need time away from their children and a juvenile justice program for teenagers in trouble with the law.
4615 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
Intake: (800) 532-7239 or (614) 729-2024
- www.safy.org
Starr Columbus
Offers a wide range of services for troubled and at-risk youth, including a program for foster children ages 0 to 18 who have been abused or neglected, a program for delinquent male students 12 to 18 years old who have sexually offended and a program for foster teens ages 16 to 18 who are learning to transition to adulthood and living on their own. They also offer the Ohio Families First program which offers 4 weeks of intensive counseling in order to prevent crisis and out-of-home placements.
301 Obetz Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(866) 289-9202 or (614) 491-5784
- www.starr.org
United Methodist Children’s Home
Offers adoption services, residential services for boys above age 10 who have special needs and mental health issues and a foster care program for kids with special needs.
1033 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 885-5020
- http://umchohio.org/programs.htm
Village Network
Provides several services throughout Ohio, including programs for youth ages 10 to 18 who need intensive mental health services, a juvenile sex offender program, a program for foster families who need time away from their children (respite services) and foster programs for kids with special needs and mental health issues.
4440 Poth Road, Columbus, Ohio 43213
(614) 751-9068
- http://thevillagenetwork.org
Vineyard Community Center Chosen 4 Love
Chosen 4 Love is a community of families with a passion for adoption, foster care and caring for orphans. They serve as a resource for adoptive families and for people who are considering becoming foster or adoptive parents. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 781-0392
- www.vineyardcommunitycenter.org
Young Adult Community Development (YACD)
Mentors youth ages 16 to 24 who are aging out of the foster and kinship care system. Mentors provide free help with careers, housing and basic life skills. My Life is a program that matches a youth who has a parent in prison with a responsible adult.
(614) 315-5024
- http://yacdinc.org
Youth Advocate Services (YAS)
Offers services for at-risk children, including emergency, short-term crisis intervention services for youth who are unable to continue in their current living situation, foster care services for youth who have problem behaviors, respite care services for parents who need time away from their children, foster parent training, mental health services and help transitioning youth to a family home or foster family placement.
965 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 258-9927
- http://yascolumbus.org/Programs.html
● INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION ●
Central Ohio Families with Children from China (COFCC)
Represents over 200 families who are in the process of adopting or have adopted children from China in the Columbus area. They have several support groups which focus on building peer relationships with other adopted children and provide advice and awareness to others who are trying to adopt children from China.
PO Box 554, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
- www.centralohiofcc.org
Nationwide Children's Hospital International Adoption Clinic
Offers a wide range of services before, during and after adoption. The clinic physicians are experienced in addressing the physical, psychological and developmental challenges facing a child born in another culture. Most insurance plans are accepted. Call for more information or click for their brochure.
555 South 18th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-4459
- www.nationwidechildrens.org
Central Ohio Families with Latin American Children (COFLAC)
COFLAC is a montly support group for central Ohio families who have adopted children from Latin America, or who are considering adopting from Latin America.
- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/coflac
U.S. Department of State Intercountry Adoption
Has information about intercountry adoption, visas and specific country information.
2201 C Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20520
(888) 407-4747
- http://adoption.state.gov
● KINSHIP CARE ●
Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center Kinship Care Program
Supports relative caregivers who have taken custody of children who cannot be cared for by their parents. The program helps children avoid placement in a non-related foster home when parents are absent, and therefore helps them maintain stability in their education. Help is provided in many areas including food, housing, health care and transportation.
14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-3539
- http://clintonvillecrc.org
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Kinship Care
Click for the 75-page kinship care book, which helps relatives and non-relatives taking over the full-time care of a child. Caregivers may also call to request a copy of this useful resource guide. Some kinship families are eligible for cash payments if a judge has ruled that the child was abused, neglected, dependent or unruly.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(866) 886-3537, option 4
- http://jfs.ohio.gov
● BREAKS FOR CAREGIVERS (RESPITE CARE) ●
Respite Care
Find resources for respite care and temporary breaks for caregivers in the special needs section of CAP4Kids.
● PARENTING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ●
Arch National Respite Network & Resource Center
Respite, a break for caregivers and families, is a service in which temporary care is provided to a child or adult with disabilities, or chronic or terminal illnesses, and to persons at risk of abuse and neglect. Go online to access their respite locator, which helps parents and caregivers find local respite resources in their area.
800 Eastowne Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
(919) 490-5577
- http://chtop.org/ARCH
Disaboom
Started by a physician who is a quadriplegic, this website provides people with disabilities the answers, solutions and connections they need. There is extensive information on parenting children with special needs.
7730 East Belleview Avenue, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
- www.disaboom.com/disability-parenting
Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
New or expectant parents of children with Down Syndrome can speak with a new parent mentor who will give them parenting support and advice.
510 East North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 263-6020
- www.dsaco.net
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Helps families who have a child with a developmental disability. They offer a parenting class for parents with developmental disabilities (Parent Plus Program) who have a child under age six. This is a 12-week course that takes place for two hours a week and is offered three times per year. Adults must have participated in special education as a child to be eligible.
2879 Johnstown Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 475-6440
- www.fcbdd.org
Mothers United for Moral Support (MUMS)
MUMS is a great resource for parents and caregivers of a child with any disability, rare or not so rare disorder or health condition. They provide support nationwide to parents in the form of a networking system that matches them with other parents whose children have the same or similar condition. The annual fee is $15 but free for anyone who cannot afford it.
150 Custer Court, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301
Toll-free: (877) 336-5333
- www.netnet.net/mums
Nationwide Children's Hospital Parenting Classes
Offers a range of free and inexpensive classes on raising and parenting children with hearing impairments, ADHD, autism, special needs and developmental disabilities. Their parenting class for children with special medical needs is offered twice a year in partnership with the Buckeye Ranch and is only $10. Click for the program brochure.
700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
- www.nationwidechildrens.org
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
Offers resources for parents of children with disabilities, including parenting classes.
165 West Center Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
(800) 374-2806
- www.ocecd.org
● PARENTING CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS ●
National Eating Disorder Association
Their Parent Toolkit is a resource to get answers to questions and concerns. Parents can learn how to be supportive and get advice from other parents.
603 Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 382-3587
- www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Parent's Guide to Bipolar Disorder
This booklet helps parents who think their child may have symptoms of bipolar disorder, or parents whose child has been diagnosed.
6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
(866) 615-6464
- www.nimh.nih.gov/health
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Their underage drinking site has helpful information and resources for parents to talk to their kids about drinking, including conversation starters and reasons why children start drinking.
PO Box 2345, Rockville, Maryland 20847
(877) SAMHSA-7 or (877) 726-4727
- http://underagedrinking.samhsa.gov
● SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PARENTS ●
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)
Provides information to those looking for support through a support group. They have information on mental health support groups, support groups parenting children, support groups for survivors of abuse and violence, and alcohol and drug support groups.
447 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 224-1057
- www.adamhfranklin.org
Columbus Parent Magazine
Offers many resources for parents in central Ohio, including local support groups for parents. They also provide advice on a range of parenting issues.
34 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 461-8878
- www.columbusparent.com
Parents Without Partners
Provides single parents and their children with the opportunity for personal growth by offering friendship, support, and exchange of ideas through programs involving a variety of family and parent educational activities.
PO Box 293, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 675-1227
- www.pwp227.org
Vineyard Community Center
Offers several activities and groups for a variety of populations including single moms, single dads, persons going through divorce and blended families. Visit their website for a complete list of programs.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5500
- www.vineyardcommunitycenter.org
● HELP FOR FAMILIES WITH PARENTS IN PRISON ●
Alvis House
Their Breaking the Cycle program begins while the father is still in prison, where the fathers receive visits from their families, attend parenting classes and receive life-skills classes. Alvis House staff also work with the mothers and children. They begin attending classes and support groups and receiving employment leads, clothing and children’s items as needed. Once the father is released, both parents and children continue to work with a case manager. The young adult reentry program also provides parenting skills education as part of its family-focused approach.
1780 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 252-0295 or (614) 252-8402
- www.alvishouse.org
Community Connection for Ohio Offenders
Through the Aunt Mary’s Storybook Project, they arrange for mothers and fathers in prison to tape record books for their children. The books and tapes are then given to their children to encourage literacy and strengthen family bonds. Extensive parenting education is also offered in the Franklin Pre-Release Center for mothers preparing to be reunited with their children.
993 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0660
- www.communityconnectionohio.com
● CHILD CUSTODY & DIVORCE HELP ●
Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio
Offers an alternative to the court system by providing an impartial mediator who helps work out voluntary settlement to conflict situations. They help solve family disputes such as marital conflicts and child custody issues. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
- www.communitymediation.com
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations
The Mediation Services Office provides a neutral professional (the mediator) who helps the parents solve a visitation disagreement so they can avoid going to court and having a judge make that decision for them. The mediator will also ask the parents to discuss the needs of their children in order to do what is best for the children involved. Services are provided for free.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-6147
- www.fccourts.org
Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency
Enforces child support orders so payments can be made, and gives advice to parents. They can also help with establishing paternity and health insurance coverage for children.
80 East Fulton Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-3275
- www.franklincountyohio.gov
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Offers several services for domestic and family issues, including help solving child support and custody issues. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(888) 246-4420
- www.columbuslegalaid.org
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Divorce Mediation Services Program
Provides a range of services for children and parents going through divorce, separation or high conflict regarding parenting issues. Services include counseling and mediation for parents and children.
700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-8080
- www.nationwidechildrens.org/divorce-services
Welcome to Our Place
Offers mental health counseling to children and families, as well as supervised transfer of children from one parent to the other. It is a visitation and exchange program for families who have been ordered supervised visitation by the courts.
700 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 888-1690
- http://welcometoourplace.org
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CAP4Kids does not recommend or endorse the agencies or resources listed on the site. This is an informational site only. We encourage users to carefully review and evaluate all services and decide what is best to meet the needs of their families.