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From education and income to physical and emotional health, learn about programs and organizations dedicated to supporting parents in Stark County as they navigate parenthood. Because a strong family foundation can help children succeed at home, in the classroom and in their relationships with others.

Nothing prepares you for parenthood. Parenting has been called the ultimate long-term investment. It’s one of the most complex and challenging jobs you’ll face in your lifetime – and also the most rewarding. Find local resources to help you navigate parenthood in Stark County.

Families begin in many different ways. No matter if you are a birth parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, step-parent or single parent by choice, learning to care for a child takes time. But the good news is that you already have the basics to parent successfully: your love for your child, instincts and common sense. All first-time parents bring their own skills, values and experiences to their families, and Stark County has community resources that are available to help you along the way.

The transition to parenthood is difficult at any age, and especially for teens and young adults. Find local resources, programs and organizations available to support young parents in Stark County, both financially and emotionally. Benefits of social support services for first-time parents include improved parenting knowledge, enhanced parent-child relationships and increased economic self-sufficiency.

The joy of having a baby is indescribable, yet being a first-time parent can feel overwhelming. Taking care of a new baby is so demanding, it doesn’t leave much time to focus on yourself. The support offered from parents in the same situation can help you through the difficult transition to parenthood.

If you are experiencing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone. Being a pregnant teen can be overwhelming and confusing, but community resources in Stark County are available to help you along the way. Find support groups, health care providers and confidential spaces to talk about your pregnancy options.

Pregnancy and parenthood is challenging at any age, and can be especially difficult for young parents. Find local mental health resources dedicated to supporting parents through a variety of functional challenges, including postpartum depression, stress management, relationship counseling and more.

Find local resources, organizations and public assistance programs dedicated to making reliable, safe and affordable child care accessible to all families in Stark County. Child care assistance helps to pay a portion of your child care costs, so you can continue to work and support your family.

Every student has unique needs and challenges, and a parent’s attitudes about education can be an important factor in a child’s journey through school. By modeling curiosity, confidence and a love of learning, parents can inspire a positive academic experience. Find helpful tips and resources for parenting during childhood education in Stark County.

Every baby should grow up in an environment where they are loved and protected. However, sometimes young children are placed in unfortunate situations that jeopardize their safety and well-being. Whenever a parent is unable to provide adequate care, a child may be removed from their home and paired with a foster or adoptive family.

Currently, many children in Stark County are in need of fostering or adoption, especially children with functional needs and sibling groups.

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.

To help address the growing issue of infant mortality in Stark County, local agencies have come together to form the Stark County THRIVE Pathways HUB. This county-wide initiative brings together community providers, medical resources and social services to help ensure every baby in Stark County is able to celebrate their first birthday. New and expecting parents can reach out today for help improving the health and stability of their growing families.

Many Stark County community members choose to expand their families through fostering and adoption. For children who need a stable home, the permanent care of adoption or the temporary safe haven of fostering can help. Even if you are not sure if fostering or adoption is the right path for you, find information to help you learn about the options available.

Most children who are eligible for adoption in Stark County are over the age of six and have experienced some level of trauma,

Are you interested in learning more about adoption services in Stark County? All children have hopes of being welcomed into permanent, loving and committed families. Whether you are pregnant and exploring your options or an aspiring adoptive parent, find local resources to offer support, knowledge and assistance throughout the process.

Caring for children with developmental disabilities presents unique challenges, and it’s normal to have questions and concerns. Find resources, tips and guides for parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. You will learn ways to advocate for your child’s rights and make sure they grow up safe and supported.

It is important that children receive immunizations early in life to help protect them from potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases. If your child is behind on their shots, don’t worry. Your pediatric or primary care physician can help determine a make-up vaccination schedule, so your child can get safely back on track.

Young children are not the only ones in need of safe and welcoming homes. Many teens in the Stark County foster system are seeking the love and support of adoptive families. Find Stark County resources to support these teens in their pursuit of family placements, or as they transition to living on their own.

For expecting mothers, preparing for a healthy birth starts long before labor and delivery. From conception until you bring your baby home, get the early and regular prenatal care you need for a happy and healthy pregnancy. There are many affordable prenatal care providers available here in Stark County.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are unsure about the family planning methods available to you and want to learn more about your options, you are not alone. Find local resources, programs and community organizations providing reproductive health services for individuals and couples in Stark County.

Early education programs provide learning opportunities for children, ages 3 to 5 years old, and are aligned with the Ohio Department of Education’s Early Learning Content Standards. These standards establish benchmarks that impact future learning. All early childhood education programming offered in Stark County is targeted to support children as they build a strong knowledge-based foundation.

Navigating life’s challenges is difficult enough. We’re here to make finding help for basic needs simple. Learn how to apply for cash, food and/or medical assistance and get started today. Cases are processed in the order they are received, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.

Family therapy can be a helpful tool to reduce household conflicts and concerns by encouraging more positive family interactions. Through open and honest dialogues, this method of group counseling can help set strong foundations for healthy minds and strong families. Find family and youth counseling resources here in Stark County.

Stark County parents have the right and opportunity to homeschool their children. In order to educate children at home, parents must notify their local school district and comply with Ohio homeschooling requirements. Students who meet all established requirements are excused from regular school activities and attendance.

Young people with developmental disabilities are at a much higher risk for also experiencing mental health challenges. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for these children, teens and young adults to get the support they need. They may have trouble communicating their symptoms and behaviors are often falsely attributed to their disabilities. As a result, co-occurring conditions can cause significant strain on parents and guardians who may not know the best ways to seek treatment for their loved ones.

Stark County offers a wide range of basic needs services from food, medicine and family assistance as well as targeted services for veterans, those in substance abuse recovery, homeless persons, parents and more.

With a main office in Canton and additional sites in Akron and Boardman, the Early Childhood Resource Center may be one of this region’s best kept secrets. As part of its mission to promote the healthy development of young children, the organization offers numerous programs aimed at strengthening families; improving the quality of early childhood care and learning experiences; and increasing school and community readiness, while also helping to inform public policy.

Assisting parents in finding child care,

Typically, speech and language impairments are identified by parents and/or teaching staff when a child reaches school age. These challenges could include stuttering, swallowing difficulties, problems with articulation and more. Every school district in Stark County offers speech and language services to eligible children starting at 3 years of age.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are required to receive special education services in Stark County public schools. These important documents are put together by the teaching staff, parents, school administrators and the students themselves, to prepare for success in school. Included in these plans are details about the child’s learning needs, services required from the school and ways to monitor the student’s progress.

The Evaluation Team Report (school district evaluation) is essentially the beginning step in the special education process. Before a child can receive educational accommodations and related services, the child must be evaluated to identify developmental delays. Once the evaluation is complete, the child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is assembled by a team including parents, teachers, therapists, behavioral specialists and school administrators.

Occupational and physical therapists support children with disabilities by developing fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills and sensory control. Stark County schools must provide this service when a child’s education needs demonstrate their necessity. Using direct and indirect services, as well as assistive technology and classroom modifications, therapists collaborate with parents, teachers and other intervention specialists to help children reach their full educational potential.

Caring for children with developmental disabilities presents unique challenges. For children up to age 3, Stark County Early Intervention (EI) provides services for families to help children reach their full potential. Using a team approach, developmental specialists and therapists, who are specific to the needs of the family, work with caregivers and children to coach, teach specific techniques, and provide appropriate resources to parents and caregivers. Learn more about the programs and services available for young children with developmental disabilities.

It’s never too early to think about children’s mental health. For women who are pregnant or parents who have young babies at home, community resources are available in Stark County to support their children’s emotional development.

Early childhood mental health is measured by a child’s behavioral well-being, including the capacity to express themselves, form relationships and learn. A baby’s caregiving arrangements, nutrition, safety and physical characteristics all have an impact on their behavioral development.

In honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, let us take a moment to learn more about what we can do in our personal and professional lives to create safe spaces and caring relationships for our LGBTQ youth (and adults).

Far too many LGBTQ+ youth do not feel safe and accepted or feel a sense of pride in themselves.  In fact, LGBTQ+ youth experience bullying, parental rejection, depression, and thoughts of suicide at significantly higher rates then their heterosexual peers.

Young children need proper nutrition and medical care in order to grow, develop and thrive. When a household is in financial crisis, it can have serious, long-term health, social and behavioral implications throughout their lives. Fortunately, families in Stark County are not alone in facing these challenges. There are local agencies dedicated to providing food, clothing, shelter and cash assistance to those who are experiencing hard times.

Even parents who are employed with steady incomes may struggle to make ends meet when they have child.

I love to take my children out of the house. Whether it is shopping, the park, going for a walk around the neighborhood, to church, or on an adventure- we are always on the go. However, as a parent of two special needs daughters, both with different needs, this can be a challenge. Having one child with physical disabilities means we must make sure the location is accessible and can be accommodating to our specific needs.

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),

Once your family is seated around the dinner table, the typical conversation starter is: “So, how was your day?”

And the typical answer? “Fine.”

Getting your child to say anything more can be a lot of work.

But what if you stopped thinking of the child’s attitude as the problem, and started with the question? What if there were some truly interesting questions you could ask your family? And what if they were excited to think about them and answer?

While the holidays are celebrated as “the happiest time of the year,” it doesn’t always feel that way. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, the holidays can be hard. If you’re feeling alone, know that there are places in Stark County where you can turn for support and help.

Struggles with mental health and the holidays can equal extra stress. Navigating the two at the same time can be difficult.

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May in the United States. It’s a time to recognize that our mental health is part of our overall health, fight stigmas surrounding mental health issues, learn about various issues and policies, and more. Whether or not you are personally dealing with a mental health issue, it is important to find ways to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month.

Here are four Mental Health Awareness Month tips so you can participate and support those around you.

Do you roll your eyes when you hear the words ‘self care’? Yeah, me too, and we are hearing it now more often than ever. For 20 years much of our community’s training emphasis has been on understanding both the devastation of trauma and the healing power of Resilience. Who knew that, unknowingly, we were preparing ourselves for 2020 – when our entire world would
experience a collective and ongoing traumatic pandemic.

The stability and predictability that had structured our lives?

As the opioid crisis in Northeast Ohio continued to grow, the Stark County Opiate & Addiction Task Force was created in 2011 to help educate the community and provide necessary resources on opioids. In 2014, Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) was created by the Ohio Health Department to bring together educational and naloxone distribution programs during the opioid epidemic. In order to prevent opioid overdose and to further harm reduction strategies, these organizations provide free overdose kits for anyone in Ohio who wants one.