November is "National Adoption Month," and Allen County Children Services is getting the word out about the process. So far this year, the agency has had twelve children find a forever home through adoption, triple the amount of last year. It's been one of the busiest years that Allen County Children Services has had, but there are still 10 children between the ages of 3 and 17 waiting for a permanent home, and that list could grow. So the call is going out for loving families to step forward and learn about the rewards of providing a child with a loving place to call home.

LIMA, OH(WLIO) - Crossroads Crisis Center took a night to honor victims and those who stand up for them.

If you would like to help change a child's story, you may consider becoming a child advocate. CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties is looking for volunteers to help children who had to be removed from their families because of the situation they are living in. Advocates would help the children in court proceedings get a better life and outcome than they are leaving.

Making friends is often seen as a natural part of childhood, but it may be easier for some kids than others. Bethany Ulrick tells us about a recent poll of parents and what they think about their kids developing friendships. A new poll from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital finds that one in five parents say their child between the ages of six and twelve has no friends or not enough friends.

No one ever said parenting is easy, and the West Ohio Community Action Partnership is looking for some "MVPs." WOCAP is currently forming its "Most Valuable Parent" classes. It's a free program for parents and caregivers of minor kids in Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer counties. Participants attend a series of workshops that will address topics such as stress, anger management, and creating family rules and boundaries.

Students that build positive connections with teachers and other kids could lead to better mental health and success in education. A new poll by the Kids Mental Health Foundation says that 50% of parents believe too much technology hinders kids from making connections in the classroom. Parents say their kids don't make good connections because the students don't believe they fit in because of race, culture, or socio-economic status. Experts have some advice.

The Jegna Corporation continues its efforts to reach out to local youth before it's too late. "Know Your Rites" was another of many workshops organized to teach kids, parents, and professionals who work with youth about the challenges faced by young people today and tactics to keep them on the right path. Several guest speakers held separate sessions catered towards each group, with boys and girls breaking into their own groups as well. Participants learned about topics like emotional literacy, setting goals, and how trauma can lead to unhealthy behavior.

Are you in a “situationships"?  it is a normal relationship that doesn't have the labels like boyfriend or girlfriend and psychologist say it is not for everyone.

The City of Lima will be hosting a regional roundtable event focusing on early childhood education and development. Groundwork Ohio, a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy organization, will be in town next week for a "Roadshow Listening Tour" at the Lima Public Library. Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith and Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn will be hosting the event, where they want to hear from daycare providers, parents, and anyone who is involved in the early development of children from birth to 5 years of age.

Learning how to take care of yourself when caring for a loved one is the goal of an upcoming seminar at the Springs of Lima. They're called the sandwich generation—individuals who are taking care of a parent while still taking care of their children. It can be tireless and sometimes thankless while adding additional stress to your life. Trilogy Health Services and the Alzheimer's Association of Northwest Ohio recognize this and invite you to a program to hear how important it is for a caregiver to build a support team to help them manage their stress.