Child Protective Services

Children Services Mission: 

The Sandusky County Children Services Unit is committed to protecting abused, neglected or dependent children while also recognizing the importance of preserving the sanctity of the family. This is achieved by assisting families to become self-sufficient and able to provide a safe and stable environment for their children through the utilization of community resources.

Our Mandate:

  • investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect and dependency
  • make reasonable efforts to prevent the removal of children from their homes
  • provide placement services to children who cannot remain in their own homes
  • provide permanency for all children in our care
  • ensure that the child’s best interests are always our main consideration
Report Abuse Call (419) 334-8708
Quick Links

How to make a referral

Child with paint on hands

Protecting our children is one of the most important things we can do as a County.  If you suspect that a child living in Sandusky County is being abused or neglected, contact Children’s Services immediately. Call (419) 334-8708. The agency is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take calls concerning abused or neglected children.

At a minimum, the agency will need the following information about the adult in order to accept a report:

  1. The names of the parents and children involved
  2. The address of the family
  3. A detailed description of the alleged abuse or neglect(when, where, how long, ect.)

***anonymous calls will be accepted, however, the agency prefers if you give your name and phone number so you may be contacted again if more information is needed.

  • Phone number of the alleged perpetrator
  • Phone number of the family
  • Names of other children living in the home
  • How you became aware of the alleged abuse or neglect
  • Ages (date of birth if possible) of those involved
  • Any concerns regarding the child’s behavior or functioning level
  • Any knowledge you may have about past concerns with the family
  • Functioning level of the parents and any concerns regarding substance abuse/violent behavior
  • Any other persons who may have knowledge of or witnessed the alleged abuse/neglect

The more information you can provide regarding your concerns, the better the agency will be able to assist the child.

What is Abuse/Neglect?

Abuse generally falls into three categories:

  1. Physical Abuse – the non-accidental injury of a child.
  2. Sexual Abuse – any act of a sexual nature upon or with a child.
  3. Emotional Abuse – consistent and chronic attitude or acts which interfere with the psychological and social development of a child.

Neglect generally falls into two categories

  1. Physical Neglect – failure to meet the requirements basic to a child’s physical development, such as supervision, housing, clothing, medical attention, nutrition, and support.
  2. Emotional Neglect – failure to provide the support or affection necessary to a child’s psychological and social development.

Not sure if a child is being abused or neglected?  Here is a helpful guideline to assist in determining if a referral should be given.

Not sure if a child is being abused or neglected?

Here is a helpful guideline to assist in determining if a referral should be given.

Mandated Reporters

Medical AssistanceCurrent Ohio law mandates that certain professionals report any child abuse or suspicion of child abuse to the county department of job and family services. These professionals are:

  • Attorney
  • Health Care Professional (physician, hospital intern or resident, dentist, podiatrist, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, visiting nurse, licensed psychologist, speech pathologist, audiologist, person engaged in social work or the practice of professional counseling, and employee of a home health agency).
  • Practitioner of a limited branch of medicine
  • Licensed School Psychologist
  • Independent Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Coroner
  • Administrator or employee of a child day care center
  • Administrator or employee of a residential camp or child day camp or private non-profit therapeutic wilderness camp
  • Administrator or employee of a certified child care agency or other public or private children services agency
  • School teacher, school employees, or school authority
  • Peace officer (sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer of a township or joint police district, marshal, deputy marshal, municipal police officer, or a state highway patrol trooper).
  • Agent of a county humane society
  • Person, other than a cleric, rendering spiritual treatment through prayer in accordance with tenets of a well recognized religion
  • Employee of a county department of job and family services who is a professional and who works with children and families
  • Superintendent or regional administrator employed by the department of youth services
  • Superintendent, board member, or employee of a county board of developmental disabilities
  • Investigative agent contracted with by a county board of developmental disabilities
  • Employee of the department of developmental disabilities
  • Employee of a facility or home that provides respite care in accordance with section 5123.171 of the Revised Code
  • Employee of an entity that provides homemaker services
  • A person performing the duties of an assessor pursuant to Chapter 3107 or 5103 of the Revised Code
  • Third party employed by a public children services agency to assist in providing child or family related services
  • Court Appointed Special Advocate or Guardian ad litem
  • Exceptions to this mandate exist for an attorney or physician in division (A) (2) of Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code.
  • Exception to this mandate exist for a cleric in division (A)(4)(b).

Anyone who reports child abuse in good faith is immune from civil and criminal liability under Ohio law. Furthermore, an employer cannot punish an employee who files a report.