Children's Day Celebration at COSI
September 21 – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Franklin County Children Services hosts this annual event at COSI that offers a free day of fun to children and families. Each year the generous support of corporate donations covers the cost of admission for children to get in free to COSI. Thanks to sponsors Kroger, White Castle, Nationwide and 92.3 WCOL, many children in need can enjoy and experience COSI. Free passes to COSI on Children’s Day are available at Central Ohio Kroger and White Castle stores beginning September 3rd. Special entertainment by Arnett Howard and drawings for great prizes are featured. For more information, view the Children's Day flyer or view the media release.
About Franklin County Children Services
Franklin County Children Services' mission is clear: to provide protection, care and permanency for children who are abused, neglected or dependent. Children Services is the public agency mandated by federal and state law to protect children and strengthen families. The agency is committed to making sure that every child has a safe and stable home. In partnership with more than 100 child-serving agencies and organizations, and with the help of 700 employees, 400 foster parents, 200 adoptive families and 500 volunteers and mentors. Franklin County Children Services is making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
In 2006, Franklin County Children Services helped 28,137 children and their families through prevention, protection, placement and permanency programs. Children Services' mission must be to protect and care for children. The agency does this in cooperation with parents whenever possible, by providing services to alleviate the problems that led the family to the attention of Children Services. These services include: in home counseling and community social and mental health services; day treatment, therapeutic arts, emancipation and volunteer services; placement of children in temporary foster homes; and other supportive services that enable the family to maintain or resume their role of raising their children. When parents are still unable to care for their children, Children Services petitions the court for permanent custody and places children in adoptive homes.
Children Services is governed by an 11-member volunteer board that establishes policy for the agency. Executive Director Eric Fenner is responsible for agency operations. The agency has 745 employees who are guided by the vision that all children and youth have a right to a safe and secure environment. In fulfilling its mission, Children Services social workers and support staff work to build stable and supportive living settings for young people and to strengthen family life and assist parents in meeting their responsibilities to their children.
Children Services is regulated by statutory mandates of the state and federal governments and regulations of the Ohio Department of Human Services. The agency is a member of the Child Welfare League of America and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children. Franklin County Children Services is one of only a few public county children services boards in Ohio and the nation to be accredited. This accreditation means that Children Services meets rigorous national standards regarding quality of services and sound management practice. In 2004, the Council reaccredited the agency, which will be reviewed again in 2008 for reaccreditation.
