About Us

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History

Established in 1993, Ohio Family and Children First Council (FCFC) is a partnership of State and local government, communities, and families that enhances the well-being of Ohio's children and families by streamlining and coordinating government services for children and families, building community capacity, coordinating systems and services, and engaging families. 

Mission

The mission of the Hancock County Family and Children First Council, in partnership with families, will prioritize and evaluate services, coordinate and implement processes to address gaps, and promote the strength of families.

Our Council has been identified as the vehicle to coordinate efforts to improve access to streamlined services, as well as to improve outcomes for children and families in Hancock County. This family-centered approach ensures:

  • Families are fully involved in making decisions for their children.
  • Services are responsive to cultural, racial, and ethnic differences.
  • Service outcomes are evaluated.
  • Wraparound and community support are utilized.
  • Duplicate efforts among agencies are reduced or eliminated.
  • Specialized treatment for difficult-to-serve populations and evidence-based treatment services are encouraged.

We are committed to supporting children and preserving families in our community.

Our Services & Programs

Service Coordination and Wraparound Services
Through Service Coordination, a coordinator works with youth-serving agencies and organizations to build upon the strengths of each multi-system involved family to meet their needs. Wraparound is implemented when traditional services are not working and involves a creative, out-of-the-box, approach to achieving service goals. Through Wraparound, a facilitator assists the family in putting together an individualized team that consists of the family's natural supports as well as the professionals who are working with them to support their success. 

Early Intervention
Early Intervention provides an assessment and, if necessary, coordinated services to parents/caregivers of infants and toddlers through age two with developmental delays. The program builds upon and provides support and resources to assist parents/caregivers in enhancing children's development through everyday routines.

Hancock County's No Wrong Door Program 
No Wrong Door helps to ensure the accessibility of information about resources with one call or visit. It ensures that families receive a warm hand-off and accurate referrals for the services they need, no matter what door they enter. Agencies and organizations participate in training on a regular basis to ensure staff is up-to-date. The program is implemented in partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement and University of Findlay. 

BREAK Events
BREAK stands for Building Respite Events Assisting Kids. These events are planned through multi-agency collaboration and intentional coordination. BREAK events serve as an opportunity for parents/caregivers to take a step back while kids engage in fun games and activities in a safe, controlled environment. 

Handle With Care
Handle With Care helps local schools be informed if a law enforcement officer encounters a child during a police call. When the law enforcement officer makes their report, information is provided to the school by the next business day. This allows the school to stay informed and implement support, as needed, so that they can "Handle With Care". 

Community Collaboration 

Fun For All Series
Fun For All is a series of free community events provided through the Community Foundation. Designed with youth in mind, these events offer safe and engaging activities outside the home. This allows youth to connect with their peers, discover new interests, and build lasting friendships in a welcoming environment.

AfterCare Coordination Workgroup
The Aftercare Coordination Group is a collaborative, multi-agency effort dedicated to supporting youth as they transition from residential treatment back into the community. By working together, we ensure each young person has the resources, guidance, and connections they need for successful community re-entry.

Early Childhood Education Workgroup
The Early Childhood Education Workgroup brings youth focused community partners together to discuss emerging trends that are affecting young children and their families. The group works to promote healthy, supportive family activities and share resources that strengthen early development to lifelong success.

Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Support Workgroup
The Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Support Workgroup coordinates resources to help support and address the unique challenges foster, kinship, and adoptive families may face. Each month there is a Support Group where these caregivers are led through a facilitated conversation to help them share their experiences, connect with one another, and receive encouragement, all while their children enjoy on-site, supervised care.

Health and Human Services Workgroup
The Health and Human Services Workgroup unites agencies in exploring creative ways to encourage individuals to pursue careers in this vital field. Through cross-organization collaboration, the workgroup seeks to inspire and support the next generation of professionals dedicated to serving our community.