Message from Julie Barnes, Executive Director
Greetings!
I hope everyone is enjoying a restful and relaxing summer break. Summer is a great time to reconnect with family and friends, especially after a long and stressful year.
For our staff at Summit County Children Services (SCCS), various protocols were implemented during the pandemic to keep our staff and families we serve safe. This plan included remote work for many of our employees. As of June 1st,
all of our staff returned to the office as COVID restrictions and mandates were
lifted statewide. Our caseworkers continue to work a hybrid work schedule to
allow flexibility in the work week, and to help support an efficient workforce and
staff retention.
Throughout this past year, SCCS created a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) plan, including the inception of a DEI Steering Committee to formulate a long-term strategy of creating racial equity in our workforce and in the services we provide to children and families in Summit County. I believe we have the commitment and enthusiasm that can generate lasting change in our organization.
Last year, SCCS provided services for 1 out of 12 children in the county. That's 9,430 children! This summer, the number of children in the custody of SCCS continues to grow. I want to thank our foster, adoptive and kinship families for all
that you did and continue to do on behalf of children, especially during this unprecedented and challenging year. As a result of our vital partnership, SCCS
has continued to remain mission focused on safety, permanency and well-being
of all children served, in partnership with families and the community. We cannot
do this work without you.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy remainder of the summer!