Families from all 88-counties in Ohio have been using the OhioKAN Kinship and Adoption Navigator since its inception in October of 2020.
Region one is made up of 13 counties including Allen County and 37% of the phone calls they receive are from Allen County residents. The navigators provide personalized one-on-one support to assist with specific needs of kinship and adoptive families. Things like transportation issues and needs such as furniture and appliances. But the number one thing they are hearing is the need for that in-person counseling now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
Regional Director Jenn Butler explains, “It’s great that there’s been a virtual option for those social supports but having something in your community where individuals know the supports and resources that are right here in your hometown. And that relationship building there’s so much value in that. So, they are really wanting that connection with others.”
Butler says they are also asking for legal support regarding custody and what is next type of questions that people have. The main objective is to provide a safe and permanent home for these children.
