Here’s What to do Next to Change a Life!
You’ve just discovered one of Pathway Caring for Children’s special #ChangeALife rocks — and that means you’re part of something bigger than you might realize. These rocks were placed in our community to spark hope and connection, because right here in Northeast Ohio, children are waiting for safe, loving foster homes.
Every child deserves to feel wanted, valued, and safe. But the truth is, many children in our neighborhoods have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or loss. When families step up to foster, they don’t just provide shelter — they give children stability, belonging, and the chance to heal.
By picking up this rock, you’ve already taken the first step toward raising awareness.
Here’s how you can help Pathway Caring for Children today:
📸 Step 1: Take a Photo
Snap a clear picture of the rock where you found it. Bonus points if you include yourself or your surroundings — you’re helping to spread the message of how you can be a lifeline for a child in need
📲 Step 2: Share on Social Media
Post your photo on your favorite social platform and include:
• Hashtags: #ChangeALife #PathwayCFC
• A short message like: “Look what I found! Learn how you can change a child’s life through foster care. #ChangeALife”
• Tag Pathway Caring for Children if applicable — your post may inspire someone to become a foster parent!
💬 Step 3: Spread the Word
Tell your friends and family what this rock means. Each conversation plants a seed. The more people who know about the urgent need for foster parents in Northeast Ohio, the more children will find the safe and loving homes they deserve.
Right now in Northeast Ohio, children are waiting for foster families to open their hearts and homes. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference — you just have to be willing to love, listen, and provide stability. Learn more about why you should foster with Pathway.
Foster Care Statistics
The number of Ohio children coming into foster care has continued to rise during the opiate crisis. However, the number of foster families hasn’t risen as quickly. Take a look at these foster care system statistics:
- An estimated 50% of all children in foster care are there because one or both of their parents struggle with substance abuse disorders.
- Approximately 35% of Ohio’s foster children are in care because of reported abuse or neglect.
- More than 16,000 children are part of Ohio’s foster care system.
- Ohio has just 7,200 licensed foster families to fill this need.
- Pathway receives approximately 50 calls and referral requests per week from county agencies looking to place children in a safe and nurturing home.
- On any given day, approximately 3,000 Ohio foster children are eligible for adoption.
Help us improve foster care system statistics in our communities.
Fill out the inquiry form on this page to learn more and find out how you can help children in our areas today! Or call 330-493-0083.
Who are Foster Children?
Foster children have been abused, neglected, abandoned or come from families who are unable to care for them for a variety of reasons. These children often have been hurt because of the trauma they have experienced. They may have emotional and/or behavioral problems, or may have problems with building and maintaining healthy relationships with others. Foster children must also cope with separation from their birth families, an experience which is always difficult for them. They need a great deal of love, structure and stability.
Pathway serves children of all ages 0-18 years old. We are taking in a significantly larger number of babies and young children part of sibling groups than ever before. Approximately 68% of Pathway children are in care along with at least one sibling.
Foster parenting and fostering-to-adopt is a decision that will affect every aspect of your life, and the lives of your family members. There is a joy to be found in being a foster parent that you will not find in any other way. It is the joy of seeing a child come to your home, beaten down and discouraged, and, over time, seeing that child blossom and grow because of your decision
Ohio’s Foster Care Stats
Get a comprehensive understanding of the statistics and challenges surrounding foster care in Ohio as we delve further into the details of Ohio’s foster care stats, including the number of children in foster care, age distribution, reasons for placement, length of stay, and more. Discover how Pathway Caring for Children is making a positive impact and find inspiration to join our mission. Check out our latest Ohio foster care stats here:
