Ohio Family and Children First (OFCF) is a partnership of state and local government, communities and families that enhances the well-being of Ohio’s children and families by building community capacity, coordinating systems and services, and engaging families. OFCF’s vision is for every child and family to thrive and succeed within healthy communities.
In 1993 Ashtabula County was awarded a grant in the amount of $75,000 to become one of eight pilot sites in the state to develop Governor Voinovich’s Ohio Family & Children First Initiative (Executive Order 92-212V). Ashtabula County Family & Children First Council (ACFCFC) was formally established in 1995 as the initiative spread to all 88 counties. County Council responsibilities, functions and membership requirements are defined in Ohio Revised Code.
ACFCFC brings together local leaders in education, mental health, juvenile justice and other areas serving children and their families to streamline and coordinate services for families and their children.
Strategic Planning helps members identify barriers and gaps in service. To see Council’s current priorities view the current Shared Plan below. ACFCFC operates various committees to focus on particular priorities or functions and funds programming dedicated to serving Ashtabula County’s children and families, including Service Coordination, Help Me Grow and Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention programming.