Empowering Families in Champaign County

The Champaign County Family and Children First Council partners with local government and community social service agencies to serve children and families. Committed to improving child well-being and empowering parents, the Council believes that strong families create strong communities.

The Council oversees the Help Me Grow program, the Child and Family Team Wraparound initiative, and the Champaign County Drug Free Youth Coalition. Addressing needs early, the Help Me Grow program (https://helpmegrow.ohio.gov) encourages parents to engage with professionals when they notice concerns in their child’s development. Parents, acting as their child’s first teacher, gain confidence through these programs and learn about community resources that nurture healthy growth.

The Champaign County Drug Free Youth Coalition, mobilizing neighbors and stakeholders, offers a united voice for a safer environment. By focusing on alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention, this Coalition advocates for responsible choices among youth. For further local guidance and details, the Council lists active resources on its official site.

Established to coordinate shared local planning, the Champaign County Family and Children First Council brought social service providers together. Embarking on the Partnerships for Success project in 2004, the Council conducted community and resource assessments. These efforts revealed gaps in local youth data and inspired a commitment to deeper research and collaboration.

Seeking clear insight into student experiences, Council members received school district approval for surveys from the Search Institute (https://www.search-institute.org) in 2005 and 2007. These surveys uncovered concerns about substance abuse and suicide ideation. Recognizing the urgency of this data, the Council now takes decisive steps to prevent youth substance use and support mental well-being.

Embodying the archetype of a caring guide, the Council continues uplifting families and strengthening communal bonds. Through active listening, widespread collaboration, and prompt care, Champaign County’s children receive opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential. For additional information on youth wellbeing and prevention strategies, visit https://youth.gov, which offers research-based approaches for nurturing healthy futures.