Supportive Services

Child Care
Healthy Start
Healthy Families
New Arrivals Program

Child Care

What is it?
The child care program provides financial assistance to eligible parents who use child care services while they work, attend school, or attend approved work training programs.
Who is eligible?
If an individual receives cash assistance through the Licking County Department of Job & Family Services’ OWF (Ohio Works First) or LEAP (Learning, Earning, and Parenting) Programs eligibility is guaranteed. Transitional benefits also are available for clients who leave OWF due to employment  for up to one (1) year as long as they are income eligible.

Assistance also is available for working persons and people in training programs or educational activities who meet financial eligibility standards other than the guaranteed assistance programs. This program accepts eligible participants as long as funds are available.

How does someone apply?
If an individual receives OWF, s/he should ask the Workforce Development Worker for an application.

If an individual does not receive OWF, s/he should call (740)670-8827 or (740) 670-8826 or walk in Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (LCDJFS is located at 74 South Second Street, Newark, OH).

Our eligibility specialist will ask a number of questions to determine eligibility and will mail or provide a packet of information and instructions to be completed and submitted.  The more complete the information, the sooner we can assist in paying for child care.

Does an eligible family pay any costs?
Yes, the eligible family will have to pay for a portion of child care costs based on gross income. The co-payment goes directly to the child care provider, and the agency pays the difference.

Who can provide child care?
Our agency certifies Type B in-home providers and contracts with licensed child care, preschool and after school programs. Care is available for all shifts. We can only pay for care that is provided by someone with whom we contract. We will gladly assist families in choosing an appropriate provider, but the final choice rests with the family. We provide helpful information to assist in the decision-making process.

If you are interested in becoming a certified child care provider with LCDJFS, call (740) 670-8742.
 

Healthy Start

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At the Licking County Department of Job & Family Services, we understand that simply getting a job does not mean that all of your financial needs are being met. If you have a job, it may be that your employer doesn’t offer health benefits. We understand that. If you need a health insurance plan for your children, or are pregnant and need prenatal care, you should apply for the Healthy Start program.

By enrolling in Healthy Start, you’ll ensure that your kids get the medical care they need from birth up to 19 years of age. You may qualify for Healthy Start, even if you already have some health insurance coverage.  So if your children’s or family's  medical expenses prevent you from meeting your family’s basic needs, you owe it to them to check out Healthy Start.

It’s simple to apply.
Just stop by  the Licking County Department of Job & Family Services at 74 South Second Street in downtown Newark or call (740) 670-8875. We’re open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Tuesday, when we open at 9 a.m. instead. Tell our receptionist that you’re there to ask about Healthy Start. You may also apply at Family Health Services of East Central Ohio or at Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services. Or, download the necessary forms by clicking here.

An interview isn’t necessary.
You will be asked to fill out some forms. These forms are only a few pages long.  The information you provide on these forms will help us determine if you are eligible to participate in Healthy Start. However, a detailed interview is not necessary.  You may complete the application forms and mail them back to the LCDJFS.

Other resources don’t count.
You don’t need to worry that personal possessions will count against you, either. For instance, we know you need a car to get to work, and being able to afford a car doesn’t necessarily mean that you can afford to pay your prenatal care or your children’s health care bills, too. And you may qualify even if you already have some health insurance coverage.

Eligibility for Healthy Start, is based upon family size and gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level. For example, children in a family of four with an annual income of approximately $36,504 may qualify for Medicaid benefits under the Healthy Start, Healthy Families program.  For families with health insurance that covers physician services and hospital in patient care the eligibility level is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.  For a family of 4 this would be $38,700/year. Click here to view eligibility guidelines.
 

Healthy Families


Now there's a way for the entire family (both parents AND children) to get great health care coverage at no cost to them. It's called Healthy Families - Ohio's free health care program for families with limited income.

For the entire family (parents & children) to qualify for health coverage, a family's monthly income must be within the Healthy Families income requirements (100% of Federal Poverty Level).  A portion of certain monthly expenses (i.e. child care, child support) are not counted as a part of monthly income.  For a family of 4 the income cap would be $19,356/year.

Healthy Families offers quality health coverage to families who meet certain income guidelines, this coverage includes: doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, immunizations, prenatal care, vision, dental, substance abuse and mental health services and much more!
 

Pregnancy-related Services New Arrivals Program

Early and continual prenatal care plays an important role in ensuring a healthy baby.  Many studies show that women who receive more care during pregnancy are most likely to deliver healthy babies. The New Arrivals program is here to help Medicaid eligible women receive good prenatal care.

Regardless of past experiences, each pregnancy is different and requires early and special care. If you are
not receiving care from an obstetrician, physician, or prenatal clinic, and are Medicaid-eligible, the New Arrivals coordinator can provide you with a list of local physicians and clinics.

Other services available through the New Arrivals program include:

New Arrivals coordinator
If you are eligible for the program, the coordinator will contact you by letter or visit your home to explain the services available through the program and through the community. You also may schedule an office visit to discuss your needs. The coordinator can assist in making WIC appointments as well. Contact the New Arrivals Coordinator at (740) 670-8832 for more information.
 
 

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