Agency Achieves High Marks...
The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services recently conducted the Child Protection and Oversight Evaluation Stage 8 Review of Allen County Children Services. Eight cases were randomly selected and reviewed for compliance with federal outcome measures. ACCS was found to be in compliance with each measure. Furthermore, several effective agency practices were noted including safety outcomes, permanency outcomes and child and family well being outcomes. Director Scott H. Ferris gives credit for the positive outcomes to the hard working and dedicated staff at ACCS.
Allen County Needs Foster Parents!
When a child's image of a safe, loving family is shattered by abuse and neglect, it takes a special kind of caring to put the pieces back together. During these fragile times, skilled and loving foster parents make a difference. Foster parents are licensed by and work with Allen County Children Services to provide temporary care for children whose families are in crisis. Most often, the goal of foster care is to reunify children with their birth families. Our next pre-service foster parent training begins April 3rd. For more information or to register contact Jessica Parsley at 419-227-8590. You can change the life of a child!
ACCS to Take "Different" Approach...
Allen County is preparing to join a pilot program designed to keep children and families together whenever possible. Thirty -three Ohio counties have already implemented the Differential Response model. This new program allows caseworkers flexibility in their approach to assessing and providing services to families who have abuse and neglect allegations. While serious cases of child maltreatment will continue to have traditional investigations, other less severe incidents may be assigned to the differential response model. (more)
Choose Your Partner Carefully...
When choosing a partner, mothers are not just choosing for themselves. They are choosing for their children, too. Your partner has a great influence on your child’s life. Choosing the wrong partner can be, literally, deadly. No matter how much you may love your boyfriend, he may not love your child. It is important that you know the warning signs. ACCS has joined with 75 local organizations for the "Choose Your Partner Carefully Campaign". It is geared toward increasing mothers protective behaviors as well as engaging friends, family and service providers in helping mother make good choices in choosing her partner....Full Story
“When children are removed from their homes and placed into foster care their belongings are often placed into garbage bags. This reinforces the message that they are trash! Unknowingly, the abuse continues. Love Luggage allows every child entering foster care to have their own luggage. This communicates a different message to a child … you are special, you are valued and you are important. The abuse stops.” Full Story
When children cannot be placed in Allen County foster homes we are forced to send them as far away as Cleveland or Cincinnati. They have to change schools, teachers and friends. It also makes it difficult for them to have visits with their parents and extended family. It disrupts their lives a lot more than if they could stay in the community. Become an Allen County Foster or Adoptive parent and help our kids stay close to home. For more information give us a call 419-227-8590.
Scott H. Ferris, MPA, LSW
New Board Members Approved...
Allen County Commissioners have approved the appointment of two new members to the Children Service's Board. Dr. Peter Suter is a professor at Bluffton University. And Philip Hayne is the president of The United Way of Greater Lima.
Phyllis For ACCS(click for audio)
