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Ohio's most vulnerable children are in need of a larger support network, as the number of families willing to be part of the foster care program is shrinking. Further, the number of families who have training in dealing with children with behavioral challenges is even smaller.
This despite approximately one-quarter of children having come into children's services custody not because of abuse or neglect, but because of behavioral health, intellectual disabilities or juvenile justice involvement.
"That surprises a lot of people," Scott Britton, assistant director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio told the Statehouse News Bureau's Ohio Newsroom. "Perhaps the parents can't afford the treatment the child needs. Or maybe the parents don't know how to manage the behaviors of a child on the autism spectrum who's gotten older and bigger. And so, at their wit's end, they often come to children's services."
Across the state, counties are forming nine regional partnerships, through which they will work together to recruit, train and support foster families. The aim is to find homes for the approximately 1,800 foster children who live in group settings. The state is dedicating $2 million to the project, according to the Ohio Newsroom.
"[These kids] are going through something that most people couldn't imagine," Samantha Stewart, a nurse who also serves as a foster parent, told the Ohio Newsroom. "Their whole lives are being changed.
"So, if you think that you can give that kid the best life, it's worth it," she said. "Whether they go back to another home with family or whatever, you made a difference in their lives, no matter how long you have them."
It is not an easy decision to make, but more Ohio families must be willing to start the discussion. Training for specialized foster care is available. It's not for everyone, but somewhere out there is a family ready to make the leap to help these kids. The time is now, folks.