Resources & FAQs
Real stories uncover real issues — and real solutions. Whether you're looking to learn more about the foster care system, substance use, or how to get help, this page is designed to connect you with tools, education, and resources that matter.
Explore answers to common questions, access nationwide and Ohio-specific support, and take action in your community.
Frequently asked questions
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We’re actively building this list to serve youth, families, and advocates. If you know a credible, life-saving, or trauma-informed resource that should be here, we’d love to hear from you.
Resources
Nationwide & Ohio
National Resources
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SAMHSA National Helpline | Free, 24/7 confidential support for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders.
samhsa.gov | 1-800-662-HELP (4357) -
National Runaway Safeline | Support for youth experiencing unsafe living conditions or considering leaving home.
1800runaway.org | 1-800-RUNAWAY -
The Trevor Project | Crisis and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.
thetrevorproject.org | 1-866-488-7386 -
National Child Abuse Hotline (Childhelp) |
childhelphotline.org | 1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453) -
FosterClub | Peer support, advocacy, and resources for youth in and from foster care.
fosterclub.com -
National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) | Advocacy and organizing for current and former foster youth.
nfyi.org -
Partnership to End Addiction | Tools and personalized guidance for families affected by substance use.
drugfree.org -
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) | Nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
rainn.org | 1-800-656-HOPE -
NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness) | Education and support for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
nami.org/help | 1-800-950-NAMI -
Covenant House | Housing and support for youth facing homelessness and trafficking.
covenanthouse.org -
Child Welfare Information Gateway | A service providing comprehensive information and resources on child welfare, foster care, adoption, abuse prevention, and family support.
childwelfare.gov | 1-800-394-3366
Ohio-Based Resources
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Naloxone Ohio / Project DAWN | Free naloxone (Narcan) kits and overdose prevention education across Ohio.
naloxone.ohio.gov | 614-644-0617 -
ODJFS Child Protection Services | Ohio’s child welfare and protective services division.
ODJFS Website | 855-642-4453 (Child Abuse Hotline) -
Star House (Columbus) | A 24/7 drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness.
starhouse.us | 614-826-5868 -
The Buckeye Ranch | Mental health services, foster care, and residential programs for youth.
buckeyeranch.org | 614-384-7798 -
Foster Action Ohio | Advocacy and empowerment for Ohio’s foster youth and alumni.
fosteractionohio.org | 614-469-7065 -
Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) | Mental health and substance use treatment resources statewide.
mha.ohio.gov | 614-466-2596 -
Daybreak Dayton | Housing, job support, and crisis services for homeless youth in Dayton.
daybreakdayton.org | 937-395-4600 -
Montgomery County ADAMHS | Mental health and addiction recovery resources in Montgomery County.
mcadamhs.org | 937-443-0416 -
YWCA Dayton | Domestic violence shelter, advocacy, and support for women and children.
ywcadayton.org | 937-222-6333 -
Families of Addicts (FOA) | Peer support for individuals and families affected by addiction.
foafamilies.org | 937-329-2865 -
Agape for Youth (Dayton) | Foster care, adoption, and reunification services in the Dayton region.
agapeforyouth.com | 937-439-4406