Volunteers

A few hours each month can make a world of difference in a child's life.

Franklin County Children Services helps thousands of abused, neglected and troubled children each year, but we cannot do it alone.

Children Services' Friendship, Simba, Malaika and College-Bound mentoring programs match an adult one-on-one with a child under the care of Children Services.

Click here to see information about our programs.

Click here for the FCCS Volunteer and Mentor brochure.

We are looking for other ways volunteers can have a positive impact on the children and families that we serve. If you are interested in volunteering and have something different to offer, please click here to send us an email or click here to complete an inquiry form.

The minimum requirements for our volunteers and mentors are:

18 years or older (21 years or older for the College-Bound Program)
Valid driver's license, and car insurance
Once matched with a youth, the volunteer or mentor is asked to maintain contact with the youth at least two times a month for a minimum of six months.
Completion of a free, two hour training conducted by Children Services staff

Our Programs

Simba

Simba means "young lions" in Swahili, and the foundation for this program is based on Africentric mentoring and rites of passage. Simba matches African American male youths with African American men from the community to act as role models and give friendship, support, and guidance to the young men.

Malaika

Malaika matches African American women to act as role models, for African American girls. Malaika is a Swahili word meaning, "Angel," and is an Africentric mentoring program committed to affirming the positive aspects of childhood while easing the transition to womanhood.

Friendship Volunteer Program

Currently, we have a need for volunteers to work with children 12 years of age and older, particularly boys. Male volunteers are also in high demand. Friendship volunteers give a child the opportunity to have a positive, meaningful and continuing relationship with an adult.

College-Bound Program

Mentors have the rewarding experience of assisting youth preparing for college and reaching their dreams of higher education. Mentors assist students with negotiating through the process of finding information out about higher education opportunities, application processes, financial aid questions, and serving as a support person or advocate.

Crisis Center Volunteers

Our Crisis Center is located at our agency's Intake and Investigation's Department. Each of the volunteers at this location is not matched with a specific child. Instead, much needed support, interaction, and supervision is provided for children when they are brought to Intake. Because we don't know when families and children will be in crisis, there may be times when a volunteer is serving, and there are no children to help. Other times, our doors are bulging with children who need attention.

Act Now! Complete our Inquiry Form to get started!