Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) recognized the important role that foster caregivers play in the community by holding a “ribbon-tying” ceremony at its downtown offices on May 14.

Agency caseworkers tied ribbons around the trees in front of the building to generate awareness for the need for foster families and to salute those families who provide essential care for children.

In 2008, nearly 500 Lucas County children lived with foster caregivers at some time during the year. Nearly as many lived with a relative or other, “kinship caregiver.” These individuals and families take care of children for anywhere from a few days to a year, while their birth families can resolve whatever issues are making it unsafe for them to live at home. Foster caregivers also serve as role models to help birth families learn good parenting skills.

LCCS currently needs foster parents for teens, minor mothers and groups of three or more brothers and sisters. Becoming a foster parent is easier that most may think. Foster parents:
• Must be 21 years old;
• Can be married or single;
• Can own or rent your home;
• Can work outside the home;
• Don’t have to earn a lot of money, just enough to support yourself;
• Need a safety inspection for your home;
• Receive free training;
• Agree to a background check;
• Receive financial support, based on the needs of the children in the home.

The next round of foster care and adoption pre-service training classes begins June 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. Classes are held at the Northwest Ohio Regional Training Center, 705 Adams St., Toledo.

Register by calling 419-213-3336 or visiting www.lucaskids.net.

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