5 Essential Services And Major Updates From JFS Fairfield County Ohio You Need To Know In 2025
Fairfield County Job and Family Services (FCJFS) serves as the central hub for critical social services and economic assistance programs for residents across Fairfield County, Ohio. As of December 19, 2025, the agency continues to strengthen families and enhance the quality of life through a diverse range of public assistance, workforce development, and protective services. Understanding the latest program updates and service availability is essential for accessing the help you or your family may need.
The agency’s mission is to provide a safety net while promoting self-sufficiency through employment and training, with a strong focus on community partnerships. Located in Lancaster, Ohio, FCJFS is committed to delivering timely and effective support across its multiple divisions, which include Public Assistance, Child Support Enforcement, and Children Services.
FCJFS at a Glance: Key Contact Information and Operations
Fairfield County JFS operates out of the Government Services Building in Lancaster, serving thousands of residents annually. Knowing the basic operational details is the first step in receiving assistance.
- Agency Name: Fairfield County Job and Family Services (FCJFS)
- Director: Corey Clark
- Location: 239 W. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130
- General Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Appointments: Before and after-hours appointments are available upon request.
- Drop Box: A secure drop box is available at the main facility for after-hours document submission.
FCJFS works in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to administer federal and state programs at the local level. The agency is structured to address both immediate needs and long-term stability, ensuring residents have access to resources for food security, healthcare, and employment.
1. The Updated Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program for 2025
One of the most crucial and locally defined programs is the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program. This service is designed to provide temporary, non-assistance financial support to families facing specific emergencies or crises. The PRC Plan is a locally defined program run through the County Department of Job and Family Services, meaning the specific services and eligibility criteria are tailored to the needs of Fairfield County residents.
The latest iteration of the Fairfield County PRC Plan became effective on October 1, 2025. This update ensures the program remains responsive to the current economic landscape and community needs.
Key Requirements and Assistance Areas
The PRC program is not a continuous cash benefit but rather a one-time or short-term assistance to prevent job loss, retain employment, or address a contingency that threatens a child's well-being. To be eligible for PRC, the applicant must be a custodial parent who is cooperating with the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) and has a current child support order in place.
Common types of assistance provided through the PRC program include:
- Employment-Related Needs: Assistance with car repair, work uniforms, or licensing fees necessary to secure or maintain employment.
- Housing Stability: Help with security deposits, back rent, or utility payments to prevent homelessness or disconnection of essential services.
- Emergency Needs: Funds for unexpected crises that threaten the stability of the family unit.
Applicants must complete the official Fairfield County JFS Application for the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program to be considered.
2. Workforce Development and The OhioMeansJobs Center
The path to self-sufficiency often begins with employment, and the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Center is the cornerstone of FCJFS's workforce development initiatives. The OMJ Center is a collaborative effort, often partnering with the Workforce Center, and is physically located inside the Fairfield County Job and Family Services building.
The OMJ Center in Fairfield County has a significant community impact, having provided employment and training services to over 50,000 individuals. These services are free and open to the public, offering a "one-stop shop" for both job seekers and employers.
Crucial OMJ Services
The center provides a comprehensive suite of resources to connect residents with career opportunities:
- Career Advising: Personalized guidance to help individuals identify career paths and set achievable goals.
- Job Search Assistance: Resume writing workshops, interview skills training, and direct referrals to local employers.
- Training Programs: Access to funding and resources for vocational and skills training to enhance marketability.
- Annual Job Fair: The OMJ Center hosts an annual Job Fair, which is a major event in the county. Recent events have welcomed up to 70+ employers and hundreds of job seekers, highlighting the agency's role in local economic development.
In July 2025, the Fairfield County Commissioners reviewed and updated a contract for the OMJ Center, signifying ongoing investment in this vital resource.
3. Comprehensive Family and Child Support Services
FCJFS is responsible for protecting children and ensuring they receive the financial and emotional support they need. This division encompasses both Child Support Enforcement (CSEA) and Children Services (Foster Care and Adoption).
Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA)
The CSEA is dedicated to establishing paternity, securing child support orders, and enforcing those orders to ensure financial obligations are met. The process is critical for the stability of single-parent households. For convenience, the CSEA accepts documentation via mail, in-person (during the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. hours), and through a dedicated email address: JFS-FAIRF-mail4CSE@jfs.ohio.gov.
Cooperation with the CSEA is often a prerequisite for other forms of assistance, such as the PRC program, underscoring the interconnected nature of FCJFS services.
Kinship, Foster Care, and Adoption Services
The Children Services division focuses on the safety and well-being of children who cannot remain in their homes. FCJFS actively recruits and supports individuals and families interested in becoming foster parents, adoptive parents, or kinship caregivers.
The agency provides essential support, including guidance, extensive training, and financial assistance to ensure children placed in out-of-home care thrive. The focus on kinship care—placing children with relatives—is a key strategy to maintain family connections and stability.
4. Public Assistance Programs for Immediate Needs
The Public Assistance division is often the first point of contact for families needing help with basic necessities. These programs are designed to provide immediate relief and are administered under strict federal and state guidelines.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as Food Stamps, SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families to purchase food.
- Medicaid/Medical Assistance: FCJFS processes applications for various Medicaid programs, ensuring access to necessary healthcare services.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to low-income families with children.
- Child Care Assistance Program: This service helps Fairfield County families access quality, affordable child care, which is vital for parents to maintain employment and for children to develop in a safe environment.
5. Recent Administrative and Funding Updates (2025)
To maintain its extensive range of services, FCJFS undergoes regular administrative and financial updates. The Fairfield County Commissioners’ office has been actively involved in ensuring the agency is properly funded and operational.
In March 2025, the Commissioners passed a resolution to amend the certificate and update receipt line items, requesting appropriations for Fairfield County Job & Family Services, specifically for Family Children services. This administrative action demonstrates the county's ongoing commitment to funding the essential services provided by FCJFS.
These financial and contractual updates, such as the July 2025 review of the OMJ Center contract, are critical administrative steps that ensure the agency can continue to deliver its core services without interruption throughout the year.
How to Access Services from FCJFS
Whether you are seeking food assistance, employment training, or information on becoming a foster parent, the first step is to contact or visit the FCJFS office in Lancaster. Many applications for public assistance programs like SNAP and Medicaid can also be started online through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website. However, for personalized guidance on complex programs like PRC or Kinship Care, an in-person or phone consultation is highly recommended.
By staying informed about the latest program updates—especially the 2025 PRC Plan and the robust offerings of the OhioMeansJobs Center—residents of Fairfield County can effectively utilize the resources available to achieve greater financial stability and family well-being.
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