Here's what we found for you
- Legal assistance: young adults
While youth ages 18 to 25 are still developing into mature and self-sufficient adults, many laws and policies begin treating them as adults at age 18. Poor decisions made during this time can have life-long consequences and may make it more difficult to access employment, housing and other basic needs later on. Seek out local legal assistance for the complex challenges these transition-age youth face, including record expungement eligibility.
- Legal assistanceIn addition to a wealth of print and online resources, Stark County has many legal advocates available to support young people in the local justice system. These experts – from program providers to pro-bono attorneys, law schools, bar associations and other organizations and individuals –selflessly deliver valuable legal aid to local youth and their families.
- Juvenile Criminal Case InformationYoung adults who were involved in the criminal justice system as minors will experience a different system as adults. While they retain the right to an attorney and privilege against self-incrimination (among others), the juvenile court system focuses more on rehabilitation and usually offers reduced sentencing options.
- Child custody legal assistance
As you consider the best care for a child following a divorce, separation or another difficult family situation, it is important to have appropriate legal representation to guide you through the process. We’re here to help you get started.
- Guardianship
Guardianship is established when a person with functional needs is no longer able to maintain control over their own decisions. Because this is a legally binding process, it should only be considered as a last resort. Explore alternatives to guardianship and learn about ways to protect the rights of Stark County residents with disabilities.
- How Teen Court Benefits Defendants, Participants, the Court and the CommunityTeen Court is an alternative to traditional juvenile court & prevents recidivism with youth-to-youth accountability. Learn about its impact on Stark County.
- Child custody: youth & teens
The family court considers many factors when considering the best custody arrangements for youth and teens. As children get older, their school schedules become more complex and they likely have stronger opinions about their living arrangements. Most judges encourage flexibility when it comes to caring for older children, so they are best set up for success. Find help navigating teen custody cases in Stark County.
- Child custody: childhood
Child custody decisions differ depending on many factors, one of which is the child’s age. Children ages 4 to 10 thrive best when their experience in school remains consistent and parental involvement is frequent and structured. Determining the best child arrangements can be confusing, especially during difficult situations such as divorce or separation. Find resources to help Stark County parents and caregivers navigate child custody cases.
- Child custody: early childhood
As with all custody cases, the family court carefully considers what is in the best interest of the child when deciding the custody arrangements for very young children (ages 0 to 3). Whenever possible, separation between each parent and the child is minimized to promote bonding and reduce anxiety. Find legal assistance and resources to help families navigate custody cases for infants and toddlers in Stark County.
- Mental health & addictionIt is common for people who struggle with substance use to also receive mental health services. Those who have been through trauma or experience anxiety or depression may turn to alcohol and drugs to cope. Fortunately, community programs are available to help these individuals find healthy ways to heal and move forward.
- Migrant workingPeople who work outside of their home country are especially susceptible to human rights violations. They are often forced to work in unsafe, unsanitary environments and face abuses that go largely unseen and unreported. Find local resources to support these underrepresented employees.
- Mental health service providers
For Stark County families to grow stronger and healthier, it is important that everyone has the support they need to maintain their emotional well-being. There are hundreds of mental health, substance use and trauma recovery resources available here in Stark County, including individual, family and faith-based services.
- Father’s rights
The bond between a child and their father sets an important family foundation. Community agencies all over Stark County work every day to remove barriers and promote more positive father/child relationships. Even if a father is not the custodial parent, they still have rights when it comes to caring for their children. Find information, programs and organizations dedicated to supporting fathers legally, financially and emotionally. Because stronger relationships lead to stronger families.
- HOPE Program Addresses Mental Health in Those on ProbationStark County’s HOPE Program is an alternative to prison for those who have a history of mental health issues and are involved in a probation offense.
- 2-1-1 Helpline Transitions Resources to StarkHelpCentral.com
In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com.
Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.
StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),
Community Legal Aid Services
Providing legal counsel and assistance to low-income individuals and families in Northeast Ohio.
Open Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm, closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm daily.
Canton, OH 44702 Learn more
Stark County Public Defender
Legal counsel and representation for low-income residents who are unable to afford a private defense attorney.
Suite 104
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Bar Association
Referrals for people who have questions or need legal advice but do not know where to turn for a lawyer.
Suite 400
Canton, OH 44702
Troop & Family Assistance Center Specialist
Offers resources and links to veteran programs for jobs, education, health care, legal and financial services. Contact Jennifer Perez, Contractor.
Stark County Family Court
Legal services for child custody, behavioral health and domestic relations cases. Visit their website for more information.
Intake specialists who work with juvenile offenders and their families to prepare for court cases and provide mediation when possible are available at (330) 451-7317.
Suite 670
Canton, OH 44702
Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI)
24-hour Crisis Hotline: 330-453-SAFE (7233)
Provides emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence in Stark County and surrounding communities
- Emergency Protective Shelter
- Outreach and Aftercare
- Legal Advocacy
- Transitional Housing
- Medical Advocacy
- Peer Support
Lake Local School District
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
- Career-based intervention (CBI)
- Health tech
- Legal studies
- Marketing & business management
Performing Arts Summer Spectacular: A unique six-week theater camp for students entering seventh through 12th grade that culminates in the performance of a musical production.
Uniontown, OH 44685
Aultman Hospital
The largest hospital in Stark County.
Emergency Room provides services for individuals with urgent health care concerns. Also a place for parents to safely and legally give their babies up.
Aultman Serenity Program provides medical forensic nursing care to individuals impacted by violence. Including individuals that have experienced: abuse and neglect, domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault.
Offer grief support groups, more details online here.
Canton, OH 44710