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Advocacy & Parenting Information

Action for Children

Provides free information on childcare and early development for parents and caregivers; foster parent training, and professional support for childcare providers. Parent & Youth ambassadors offer free 1:1 care navigation services to help families with service referrals, benefit navigation, and more. They offer year-round parenting classes for parents with kids of all ages throughout Central Ohio, information about choosing quality childcare, and resources for co-parenting. Help Me Grow and SPARK Kindergarten Readiness programs offer free home-visiting services are available for parents who are pregnant or have a child up to 4 years old. FatherUp offers free support for dads navigating the child support system, co-parenting, employment, or other challenges.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222
Checklist for Choosing Childcare: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2018/09/5C-checklist.pdf
Childcare Finder: actionforchildren.org/parents-guardians/choosing-child-care
Parent Learning Website: afclearning.org
Main Website: actionforchildren.org

Adoption Network Cleveland

Provides information, advocacy, education, and support for members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive/kinship/foster parents), youth in foster care, siblings, and related professionals. Services include in-person and virtual support groups, DNA discovery and birth parent search support, life coaching, specialized support for kinship families, and financial assistance through the Family Resilience Fund. They offer Adoption 101 and Adoption 201 trainings for prospective adoptive parents. They also provide professional education and internships, virtual speakers and trainings, and adoption assessor training. Anyone can call the Helpline for questions or support related to foster care and adoption.
12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Helpline: (216) 325-1000
adoptionnetwork.org

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Healthy Children

This website is a great source of verified health information for parents on a wide range of health topics, such as healthy living, family life, immunizations, child development, and medical conditions. They offer articles with topics including safety, disaster preparedness, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse, emotional wellness, psychiatric medications, grief and more. You can also use the website to find a pediatrician in your zip code.
healthychildren.org

BabySignLanguage.com

Baby sign language is a way for all parents to improve early infant communication and communicate with children before they can speak. This website has free resources including videos, downloadable flash cards, and tutorials to help you start signing at home.
babysignlanguage.com

BOLD Beginning! Ohio Early Childhood Programs

Anyone with young children in their life can use this website to learn about Ohio’s early childhood programs and agencies. There is helpful information about developmental milestones, screenings, emotional wellness tips, healthy pregnancy and more. Use the Child Care Search tool to find a quality program near you.
boldbeginning.org
Child Care Search: childcaresearch.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Children and Youth: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov

Common Sense

  • Common Sense Media: Independent, non-profit that offers age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Ratings and reviews are based on age-appropriate behaviors, positive messages, diverse representations, educational value, and quality of media. The website has helpful resources for parents on managing screen time, digital anxiety, and more.
  • Common Sense Education: Provides free resources, including ratings and reviews of digital tools, a comprehensive K–12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum, ready-made lesson plans, videos, webinars, and more.
  • Common Sense Kids Action: Advocacy platform with information on the research, digital equity, and tech accountability for healthy kids.

commonsense.org

Community Mediation Services (CMS) of Central Ohio

Offers an alternative to the court system by providing an impartial mediator who helps work out conflicts. They provide problem-solving services for domestic and family issues, divorce, neighborhood conflicts, tenant-landlord disputes to prevent eviction, workplace issues and consumer rights disputes. They also help clients access supports like rental assistance. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale. Professional training opportunities are available for individuals and organizations.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
communitymediation.com

Conscious Community Collectives

Provides an online resource directory for families in Central Ohio to find consciously chosen resources. Their resources include education and tutoring, childcare, pregnancy, mental health providers, fun activities, and more. Small business owners can join the Business Collective to be added to their directory and access professional support services. Families can call the number below for free concierge services to help them get connected to the resources they are looking for.
PO Box 1655, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(614) 315-1851
consciouscommunitycollectives.com

Family & Children First Council Franklin County

Advocates for families and connects agencies to coordinate services for children in Franklin County. Care coordination can help children and families involved with multiple systems (like mental health, developmental disabilities, Franklin County Children Services, court, school) for free. Services include scheduling meetings, coordinating evaluations, Help Me Grow home-visiting, and providing information for families. Parents can visit the website to learn about caregiver support groups, community gatherings, and parent training opportunities. They also offer professional development opportunities for service providers.
2760 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 407-9040
franklinfamilyfirst.org

Grandfamilies.org

This website is a national resource in support of grandfamilies/kinship care families. Visit the website for a searchable database on laws and legislation impacting families inside and outside the foster care system for all 50 states. They also have an online resource library with information on adoption, healthcare, financial assistance, kinship support programs, and more.
grandfamilies.org

Help Me Grow – Ohio Home Visiting & Early Intervention Program

Help Me Grow is a system of free support services for pregnant parents, caregivers with young children, and families with young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Anyone can refer themselves or another family by completing the online form. Parents and pregnant people are encouraged to sign up for services as soon as possible. Services include:

  • Home Visiting: Voluntary, home-based program for pregnant/expecting parents or parents with children under the age of 3. Professionals visit at the time and location you request, to provide non-judgmental care and information on topics like pregnancy, breastfeeding, child growth and development, toilet training, safety, and more. Professionals can also help you connect with community resources like WIC.
  •  Early Intervention: Helps families address any developmental concerns and identify if a child has a delay or disability. A Family and Service Coordinator develops a plan to support the family and help them connect with important resources. Children already diagnosed with hearing loss, neonatal abstinence or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndromes, and children with elevated blood lead levels are automatically eligible.
  • Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Sparkler App: Parents can download the free Sparkler App to track your child’s development from home.

Franklin County: (614) 656-3322
Ohio: (800) 755-4769
Online Referral Form: ochids.odh.ohio.gov/public/refer
Main Website: helpmegrow.org/Default.aspx

JAN (Job Accommodation Network)

Offers free, expert guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, ADA and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. Their website also has helpful information on a wide range of medical conditions with related resources and accommodations.
Voice: (800) 526-7234
TTY: (877) 781-9403
Text: (304) 216-8189
askjan.org

Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO: Formerly LASC)

Provides free civil legal assistance and guidance to low income residents and senior citizens of Columbus and Central Ohio. Legal Aid attorneys may be able to help you with the following types of cases or legal problems: consumer law, immigration, family law, housing, public benefits, reentry, seniors, tax law, veterans, and education. Their website also has a page of Resources with easy to read information on these topics.

  • Columbus Office: Serves Franklin and Madison county
    1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    Intake: (888) 246-4420
    General Inquiries: (614) 224-8374 or (877) 224-8374
  • Marion Office: Serves Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union county
    150 Oak Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
    (740) 383-2161 or (888) 301-2411

lasco.org

My Village Ministries

Faith-based organization offering support and community to parents in crisis. Crisis may include homelessness, addiction recovery, domestic abuse, and medical or family emergency. Children stay with host families so parents can focus on their own recovery/treatment. Parents are connected with a team of support and help accessing resources. Families are reunified upon recovery, and parents never lose custody of their children. The primary goal of the program is to keep families together. Call or complete the online form to request support. This program is available in Columbus and Mansfield, Ohio.
Columbus: (614) 210-3267
Mansfield: (419) 982-2839
myvillageministries.com

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Proud Linden Parent

A free parenting program for parents and caregivers of children ages 2-8 living in the Linden neighborhood of Columbus (zip codes 43211 and 43224). Participants connect with other parents in the community at various locations in Linden for 11 weeks and learn skills for raising young children. Families receive meals and other incentives for participation. Visit the website or call to sign up.
(614) 623-6635
nationwidechildrens.org/about-us/population-health-and-wellness/healthy-neighborhoods-healthy-families/neighbors/linden/proud-linden-parent-program

Nemours KidsHealth and TeensHealth

This website from Nemours Children’s Health offers tons of important health information for kids, teens, and their parents. Kids can find fun videos on how the body works and approachable answers to questions like, how do casts work? The Teen website covers topics like depression, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, body image and much more. Parents can find medically-reviewed articles on how vaccines work, how to choose a car seat, developmental milestones, supporting kids’ emotional wellbeing, healthy eating, and more. Educators can also find free health-related lesson plans for PreK-12.
Kids: kidshealth.org/en/kids
Teens: kidshealth.org/en/teens
Parents: kidshealth.org/en/parents

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles ID R Kids

Parents can apply for an Ohio ID card for their children at any Deputy Registrar BMV location. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card can also add their contact information to their child’s record for use in the event the child becomes lost or is reported missing. The fee is waived for children under age 17 with a disability.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268
Ohio ID Card Info: bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Find a location near you: publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office

Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF)

Provides statewide advocacy, funding, and educational resources for parents and professionals to prevent child abuse and neglect. Programs include Parent Cafe support groups for parents, free online positive parenting classes (Triple P), and online resources for parents. Visit the website to email their office.
(614) 387-5478 or (614) 722-5305
To report child abuse in Ohio: (855) 642-4453
Triple P: octf.ohio.gov/what-we-do/statewide-initiatives/triple-p-online
Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Website: octf.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/octf

Ohio Children’s Alliance

Membership organization for child welfare agencies. They provide support and advocacy for individuals and organizations working to protect children. 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.
2600 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231
(614) 461-0014
ohiochildrensalliance.org

Ohio Family Care Association (OFCA)

Educates, supports, and advocates for adoptive, foster, kinship and respite families impacted by Ohio’s child protection system. Families affected by child welfare can visit the website and complete a Warm Line Support Form for support, resource referrals, and help navigating the child welfare system.
2931 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 222-2712
ofcaonline.org

Ohio PTA

Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) are networks of families and educators supporting children’s learning. The Ohio PTA offers annual $500 scholarships for high school seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, a technical certification, or Special Education degree. Students must attend a school in a district with official PTA status to apply. The National PTA offer additional awards and programs. Their website has tons of helpful information for parents and educators on topics like special education, state assessments, college readiness, summer learning, safety, and more.
40 Northwoods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 781-6344
Ohio PTA: ohiopta.org
National PTA: pta.org/home/family-resources

Ohio Safe Havens for Newborns

This law provides an option for parents who are not ready to raise a child. A mother or father may 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. The parent is not required to provide any information, including his or her name. If either parent changes their mind and wishes to get their newborn back, the parent will need to go to the local public children services agency in the county where the newborn was left. The parent will be asked to complete a DNA test to confirm maternity or paternity.
(866) 886-3537
PDF: odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/DCY08099/pdf
jfs.ohio.gov/child-and-adult-protection-foster-and-adoption/services-for-families-and-children/resources-for-parents/safe-havens

Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center

Provides training and educational resources for families to support their child’s learning, emotional health, and plans for the future. They also offer professional training and tools for school leaders, teachers, and community partners. Visit the website for resources on topics including attendance, literacy, English learner family toolkits, and more.
1900 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-2805
ohiofamiliesengage.osu.edu

Parents Encouraging Responsible Choices (PERC)

A group of volunteer teachers and parents in Dublin City Schools providing education to keep youth safe and healthy. The committee meets each month during the school year to discuss issues such as underage drinking, internet safety, bullying, and eating disorders. They offer free educational programs for the community and help parents find helpful resources.
5175 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, Ohio 43017
percdublin.org

Partnership to End Addiction

This organization provides resources for families seeking guidance on teen alcohol and drug use. Visit the website for helpful articles and online support groups. The Helpline offers confidential, personalized support for youth and parents through email, text, or phone call in English or Spanish.
Helpline: (855) 378-4373 or Text CONNECT to 55753
drugfree.org

Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO)

An association of Ohio’s Public Children Services Agencies. They advocate for safe children, stable families, and supportive communities. Visit the website for information on child welfare policies and a directory of Ohio agencies. Professionals can find state child welfare data and job opportunities.
37 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-5802
pcsao.org

Red Treehouse

Online resource directory supporting families and children with life challenges, disabilities, and healthcare needs from prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources such as special education, legal support, financial support for rare diseases, and more. Users can search for resources by need or medical condition.
redtreehouse.org

Sesame Street in the Communities

Provides fun and educational resources for families from the child educators behind the Sesame Street show. Topics range from ABCs & 123s to tough topics that affect children’s lives; including health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, race, grief, and more. They offer free videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore; and resources for parents and educators.

Sesame Workshop Resources for Families Website: sesameworkshop.org/resources
Kids’ Website: sesamestreet.org/home

Transracial Journeys

Provides practical tools and post-adoption support for parents of a different race than the children entrusted to them. They offer a monthly online support group for transracial adoptive parents, a monthly newsletter with resources and activities, and book recommendations for the family. They host an annual summer camp for families formed through transracial adoption to access post-adoption education and experience community. Contact the organization through the website.
transracialjourneys.org

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

A law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation, IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to eligible individuals 0-21 years old with disabilities. Their website has national resource directories, toolkits, and legal and advocacy updates.
ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers/osep

Zero to Three

Offers helpful information about behavior, development, care and education of infants in their first 3 years of life. Access free resources and articles to learn about prenatal care, what to expect as your child grows, how to deal with challenging behaviors, and evidence-based positive parenting practices.
(202) 638-1144
zerotothree.org

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