Children Services

Services

Fulton County Children Services works to ensure that all children in Fulton County live in safe and stable homes free from child abuse or neglect. At the forefront of our services are thorough investigationsof allegations of child abuse. These investigations determine if a child is at risk of harm, how great that risk is, and what action is necessary and appropriate based on the level of risk.

Home Issue

 If possible, services are provided to the family with the child remaining in the home. If necessary for the child’s safety, a recommendation may be made to Fulton County Juvenile Court for the child to be temporarily removed from the home and placed with an appropriate relative, family friend, or licensed foster family.

We know it’s best if children stay in their own homes, but the unfortunate truth is that some children are harmed by family members or others. Our first and foremost concern is for the well-being of the child. Actions taken by our agency and by the Court will be in accordance with the child’s need for protection, safety, and stability.

Report Abuse or Neglect

A caseworker is on call at all times to respond to emergencies. The identity of the referent is always kept strictly confidential. When calling in a referral, you should provide the name and address of the child victim, the parent’s names, and as much information about the child and family situation as possible.

To report child abuse or neglect in Fulton County call Fulton County Job and Family Services at (419) 337-0010 Option 3 then 2 or (800) 344-3575 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. After hours, please call the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 335-4010.

Safe Haven for Newborns

Not all women who get pregnant are ready to raise a child. Sometimes they see no options except to abandon the baby. Safe Havens provides a new option. It allows a birth parent to leave an infant (up to 30 days old) with a medical worker in a hospital, a medical worker at a fire department /emergency service organization or a peace office as a law enforcement agency.

Ohio’s Safe Haven for newborns permits the birth mother or birth father to leave the infant at one of the “safe havens” (hospital, fire department, or police station) and provides protection from prosecution for the birth parents if the infant is not abused. The birth parents face no legal consequences for making the choice to relinquish their parental rights by using the Ohio Safe Haven.

The birth parent is not required to provide any information, including his or her name; however, it would help the baby if basic health information is provided with the completion of a Medical Information Form.

Safe Haven Brochure (PDF)

Medical Information Form (PDF)

Once the infant is left, an evaluation will be conducted to determine if immediate medical treatment is required. Fulton County Job & Family Services will be contacted and the baby will be placed in an adoptive home.

Having a child is a life-long commitment, when a parent isn’t ready or cannot care for the infant, leaving the baby at a Safe Haven may be the best choice for the child. If the birth parent is not sure about this decision, an adoption social worker can help by providing information on available options and services for birth parents. Please call (419)337-0010 Option 3 then 3 to speak with an adoption social worker.