Ohio Children Services Grapple with a Placement Crisis
Source: http://www.clevescene.com
Ohio’s Children Services agencies are facing a placement crisis as they become the destination for young people with high-acuity needs, including mental illness, developmental disabilities, and juvenile justice diversions. A recent report found that in 2021, nearly one in four children entered Children Services custody primarily due to these issues.
The crisis is straining an already overwhelmed workforce. KelliJo Jeffries, director of Portage County Job and Family Services, described the challenge of finding appropriate placements, often requiring calls to more than 75 providers just to secure a single placement. With limited options available, agencies are forced to make decisions based on urgency rather than what’s best for the child.
The lack of appropriate placements has left some children in limbo. The report revealed that 6% of youth had to spend at least one night at a Children Services agency because a placement wasn’t available. Shortages of treatment-level foster homes, residential facility staff, and open beds have exacerbated the crisis.
Read more of this story here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/nowhere-to-go-ohio-children-services-in-a-placement-crisis/
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