SUPPORTIVE HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Supporting the health and well-being of Franklin County residents remains a central focus of the Board of Commissioners and a key driver of a strong, resilient community. Across every stage of life, the county's health and human services system is designed to meet people where they are — offering support that ranges from early childhood interventions to services that help older adults remain independent.
This commitment is rooted in the belief that healthy, supported families are the foundation of strong communities. Franklin County recognizes that social determinants of health — factors like access to housing, education, jobs, and healthcare — all play a major role in overall well-being. Through a network of agencies, programs, and community partnerships, the County works to meet immediate needs while also creating opportunities for long-term stability.

DEPARTMENT OF JOB & FAMILY SERVICES
The Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) serves as the largest agency under the Board of Commissioners, with more than 600 full-time employees dedicated to supporting residents across the county. Reaching more than a quarter of the population, JFS provides essential services, including food assistance, Medicaid health coverage, publicly funded childcare, and emergency housing support.
Collaboration is central to the agency's impact. By partnering with more than 85 nonprofit organizations, JFS helps fund and expand access to youth enrichment programs, adult education, workforce development, and family stability services.
406,792
Residents on Medicaid
177,500
Residents receiving SNAP benefits
25,169
Residents receiving publicly funded childcare
The work we do at Job and Family Services is the foundation of a stronger community. Every program, every service, and every interaction is designed to support stability, dignity, and opportunity for the individuals and families we serve."
-Michelle Lindeboom, Director, Job and Family Services

OFFICE ON AGING
The Franklin County Office on Aging plays a vital role in supporting older adults, caregivers, and families by connecting them to programs and services that promote independence, enhance quality of life, and help residents age safely in place. Serving as a centralized hub, the agency empowers seniors to remain stable, engaged, and confident as they navigate the aging process.
14,794
Seniors served
2.3m
Meals delivered
1.6m
Transportation miles delivered
700+
Home repair jobs completed
450+
Caregiver & kinship program enrollments
5200+
Emergency response systems provided
Grandparent University—
Kinship Services
Grandparent University is an educational and support program for older adults raising grandchildren or other relatives. The program offers training on child development, parenting, financial management, and legal issues, while connecting participants to essential resources like food banks, clothing closets, and medical or mental health services. It also provides peer support groups and social activities, helping kinship families gain practical caregiving skills, access necessary services, and build a supportive community.
The work of the Franklin County Office on Aging is about more than services; it is about people. Every day, we work to protect, support, and uplift seniors so they can continue living with dignity, independence, and connection."
-Chanda Wingo, Director, Franklin County Office on Aging

CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (CSEA)
The Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) works to ensure that children receive consistent financial, emotional, and medical support from both parents. Through services such as locating parents, establishing parentage, setting and modifying support orders, and distributing payments, the agency helps create stability for families across the county.
In Federal Fiscal Year 2025, the Ohio Office of Child Support awarded Franklin County CSEA two certificates: Most Improved Collections on Arrears and Most Improved Paternity Establishment (Metro Caseload Division).
$137.5m
In child support disbursed
76,474
Children Served
100,979
Parents Served

ADAMH — ALCOHOL, DRUG AND MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
The Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) funds essential mental health and substance use services for county residents. While ADAMH does not provide direct services, it partners with nearly 50 nonprofit providers across Franklin County to support individuals living with mental illness and those pursuing recovery from addiction. Services are delivered across six key areas: treatment, crisis care, housing, prevention, recovery supports, and family support.
Franklin County Crisis Care Center
The Franklin County Crisis Care Center, which opened in September 2025, provides 24/7 support for adults experiencing mental health or addiction-related crises. In its first four months, the center handled 1,861 visits and 1,677 admissions to its 23-hour observation units. Developed through collaboration with community partners, first responders, and public leaders, the facility offers a safe and supportive environment for those in crisis — delivering timely, compassionate care while helping residents regain stability and move toward recovery.
Franklin County has demonstrated that behavioral health is a cornerstone of a healthy community. Through our network of providers, ADAMH ensures that people can access the right level of mental health and addiction services when they need them most — without barriers tied to insurance or income."
-Erika Clark Jones, CEO, ADAMH

VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION
The Franklin County Veterans Service Commission (VSC) provides critical support to Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families during times of need. By offering emergency financial assistance for essentials such as housing, utilities, and food, the agency helps stabilize households while connecting clients to long-term resources.
Service officers play an important role in guiding Veterans through the process of applying for federal benefits, ensuring they receive the support they have earned through their service.
6,500
Financial assistance requests processed (97%+ received support)
1,225
New VA claims filed (16% increase from 2024)
9,740
Transportation trips to medical appointments