Two Democratic Ohio lawmakers are sponsoring what’s being called the “Foster Youth Bill of Rights” that they say will give at least 15,000 children in the state’s custody more knowledge about their options and give them more of a voice in their care. Statehouse correspondent Jo Ingles reports the bill is similar to laws passed in 20 other states.
In the last two weeks, 10 Investigates has monitored office furniture and other equipment removed from Sequel Pomegranate. The facility, which tried to change its brand name as Torii Behavioral Medicine earlier this year, notified the state last month that it was planning to close it and voluntarily relinquished its license to operate it.
The Ohio Supreme Court has adopted amendments that will add “Child Welfare Law” to the fields of law subject to specialization designation in Ohio. The amendments are in response to a proposal from the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC).
On October 26, 2021, the Supreme Court of Ohio will hear oral argument in Tammy Smathers, individually and on behalf of the Estate of Harmony Brooklyn Rayne Carsey v. Rick Glass, Executive Director of Perry County Children’s Services, et al. At issue in this case is whether a mistaken belief, held by child protection caseworkers, that a child was not living with an accused abusive parent is sufficient to preserve the caseworkers’ immunity from liability. This case will be argued at the University of Akron School of Law.
A revamp of how the state handles child abuse investigations, prompted by a Dayton Daily News investigation into the 2019 death of 10-year-old Takoda Collins, is moving without visible opposition through the Ohio General Assembly. Sponsored by Rep. Phil Plummer, R-Butler Twp., and Rep. Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield, House Bill 4 would create an ombudsman office to oversee children services; mandate that each county's children services office create a memorandum of understanding of its obligations that the state must approve; require children services to send their reports to local, state or federal government, and follow up with whoever reported abuse or neglect; and let a juvenile court judge order an interview or investigation when a parent refuses access to a child.
Black children are involved in Colorado’s child welfare system at rates far higher than all other kids, a disparity that has state officials reexamining decades-old policies that have contributed to racial bias.
Funding has dropped dramatically over the last three years for local hubs that help child abuse victims. A major source of support for child advocacy centers is the fines and fees associated with white collar crime, but those corporate crimes lately have been pursued less and settled outside of a trial more often, according to the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers.
For years, The Marsh Foundation's clinical and counseling department has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have now received their first accreditation for their residential services division. The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children services agency that provides services for youth and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17), adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 - 12, and provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community members.
Adoption can be a transformative and life-changing experience for both the child and the prospective parent. The process of adoption begins when an agency receives a report of child abuse or neglect. If the allegation warrants the removal of the child from the home, the child is placed into foster care, kinship placement, or a residential center, such as our local Wilson Children's Home. Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C) sectionoutlines the rules in determining whether or not it is in the best interest of the child to permanently terminate parental rights and grant permanent custody to the agency.
