|
April 19 – Pinwheels planted for Child Abuse Awareness Month highlight importance of supporting – BG Independent News
The 948 pinwheels represent the number of child abuse, neglect, and dependency investigations completed and families assisted in 2023. The bright, shiny spinning pinwheels are displayed every year during Child Abuse Awareness Month in April to make the public aware that Wood County is not immune to child abuse cases.
April 18 – Lucas County Children Services remembers juveniles killed during annual child memorial – WTOL
Lucas County Children Services hosted its annual memorial to remember children, ranging from a few weeks to 17 years old, who were victims of abuse, neglect or community gun violence over the past year.
April 16 – Stephanie Kowal among local JFS directors praised by Gov. DeWine – The Beacon
During his State of the State address on April 10, Governor Mike DeWine recognized a group of Department of Job & Family Services directors for their efforts to improve foster care in Northwest Ohio. DeWine honored Director Stephanie Kowal from Ottawa County, Director Kathy Oliver from Seneca County, Director Jason Fagen from Wyandot County and Director Melanie Allen from Sandusky County for the creation of the collaborative, multicounty Northwest Ohio Treatment Foster Care Program.
April 16 – Trumbull County Children Services recognizes success stories in Warren – WKBN
A new chapter is underway for Trumbull County Children Services. The 23rd Annual Rising Up and Moving On luncheon celebrated fresh beginnings, recognizing families who have embraced the agency’s services and community resources to rebuild and sustain a safe and healthy home for children.
April 16 – Knox County JFS recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Mount Vernon News
Approximately 3.1 million children across the country were involved in an assessment/investigation through child protective services, and 558,899 children were found to be victims of child maltreatment. In 2023, the Knox County Department of Job and Family Services (KCDJFS) received 1,668 calls and completed 515 investigations of alleged abuse and neglect. The average caseload included 85 active families per month receiving ongoing case management services and 133 youth placed in out-of-home care.
April 13 – Applications open for $51 million in addiction prevention and recovery grants in Ohio – Akron Beacon Journal
Applications are now open for $51 million in addiction prevention and recovery grants in Ohio. The OneOhio Recovery Foundation will award the grants. The foundation is a nonprofit organization formed to distribute opioid settlement money from three major drug distributors that settled with the state in 2021.
April 11 – Kathy Oliver among local JFS directors praised by Gov. DeWine – Seneca County Commissioners
During his State of the State address on April 10, Governor Mike DeWine recognized a group of Department of Job & Family Services directors for their efforts to improve foster care in Northwest Ohio. DeWine honored Director Kathy Oliver from Seneca County, Director Stephanie Kowal from Ottawa County, Director Jason Fagen from Wyandot County and Director Melanie Allen from Sandusky County for the creation of the collaborative, multicounty Northwest Ohio Treatment Foster Care Program.
April 11 – County-driven foster care pilot program helps during family shortage in Ohio – WTOL
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spent part of his State of the State address this week highlighting Sandusky, Seneca, Ottawa and Wyandot counties for partnering to create special treatment foster homes.
April 11 – Lucas County in need of foster families – WTOL
Lucas County has more than 800 children in custody right now but only has homes for a little less than half of them.
April 11 – Lima community rallies for kids – Lima News
Allen County Children Services hosted the annual Community for Kids Breakfast at Veterans Memorial Civic Center. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Agencies throughout the county were present to highlight the work of protecting youth in the area.
| 
