Family and Youth Programs and Services FAQs

Q:       Is this the county? 

A:       No. This is the City of Lakewood. All county related assistance including child support, food stamps, health insurance, job training, and emergency assistance, can be found by calling the Cuyahoga County Department of Jobs and Family Services at (216) 987-7000 or for concerns of child abuse and/or neglect please call the Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services at (216) 696-KIDS (5497). 

Q:       Who do I call if I think a child is being abused? 

A:       Please report all concerns of child abuse and neglect to Cuyahoga County Child and Family Services at (216) 696-KIDS (5437).

Q:       I am a parent with children and I need assistance, who can help me? 

A:       Please call the Division of Youth at (216) 529-6873 or email youth@lakewoodoh.net

Q:       My child is in trouble with the police, who can I talk to? 

A:       Juvenile Diversion Program is a voluntary program designed to offer first time juvenile offenders and their parents the opportunity to restore trust, give back to the community and to find ways to continue to be positively involved in their community. It is designed to empower families through education, direction and guidance for the betterment of the child, the City and its residents. Questions? Contact Juvenile Diversion Program at (216) 529-6870 

Q:       My child has been truant at school, who can I talk to? 

A:        Juvenile Diversion Program is a voluntary program designed to offer first time juvenile offenders and their parents the opportunity to restore trust, give back to the community and to find ways to continue to be positively involved in their community. It is designed to empower families through education, direction and guidance for the betterment of the child, the City and its residents. Questions? Contact Juvenile Diversion Program at (216) 529-6870 

Q:       I have a middle school child and looking for positive volunteer opportunities, do you know of any? 

A:        H₂O has a variety of programs to connect Lakewood middle school and high school youth to volunteer opportunities. Contact H₂O ‘Help to Others’ Youth Volunteer Program (216) 529-6045 to inquire about their programs.