Ohio Foster Care Crisis: 92 Children Need Homes as Licensed Families Fall 50% in Warren County
Warren County Children’s Services in Ohio is seeking more foster families as the number of licensed foster homes in the county has fallen by 50% over the past five years.
The agency says 92 children currently need foster placements, while only 30 licensed foster families are available in Warren County.
Tanya Sellers, director of Warren County Children’s Services, said the shortage means more than half of the children are placed outside the county. This can disrupt their schooling, access to familiar community resources and regular contact with their families.
The agency’s primary goal remains reunification with birth parents when it is safe and possible. Foster families are encouraged to support children through that process.
Sellers said there is a particular need for families willing to care for children older than five and children with additional needs, as these groups can be more difficult to place.
Keeping children closer to their home communities can also make it easier for them to maintain school routines, healthcare relationships and family visits.
Warren County Children’s Services said it provides financial and practical support to foster families. Support includes a daily allowance towards the cost of caring for a child, mileage reimbursement, medical coverage for children and some assistance with childcare.
Dana Gerstner, the agency’s foster care manager, said the department works with families throughout their fostering journey.
With the holiday season approaching, the agency is placing renewed emphasis on finding suitable foster homes for children who need stable placements within their communities.
