Scioto County Children Services -- "Crisis At Hand"

“Scioto County is in the grip of a CPS drug crisis, but the county shouldn’t count on the state bailing us out. 'Based on what I’m seeing from the state, I don’t think they’re sending any more money our way.' County Commissioner Bryan Davis told the Scioto County Children Services Board not to expect an infusion of cash from the State of Ohio.

“The board held its first meeting since it was revealed that a third child in three years had died while under the supervision of the agency. 'We’re not being promised that. You gotta get smarter. I think we got the people to do it. We’ve got to make our dollars stretch further and become more efficient. We gotta get more creative.' Davis said the county had a crisis on its hands with nearly 400 kids in CPS care.”

(Cyn Mackley. “CPS Out of Money – Ohio Won’t Help.” Scioto County Daily News. January 12, 2022.)

According to an October 2016 article from News 5, ABC in Cleveland, Ohio has some of the lowest funding for child protective services in the United States. Funding dropped off during the recession and never bounced back.

The repercussions of this state’s heroin epidemic are being seen in courtrooms, “Those of us that have this docket are finding that we’re being overwhelmed and it is getting harder and harder to get the cases in in a timely fashion,” said Nancy McMillen, a Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Magistrate.

(James Gherardi. “Ohio funding for Child Protective Services is lowest in the nation lowest in the nation.” ABC News 5 Cleveland. October 25, 2016.)

The opioid crisis is taking its toll on the court system and Ohio’s Department of Child Protective Services.

According to one organization, the state isn’t doing enough to help. “Since 2009, the state of Ohio has reduced the investment it makes in Child Protective Services by 17%,” said Scott Britton, the Assistant Director of the Ohio Public Children Services Association

Here’s how Child Protective Services is funded in Ohio:

• 39 cents of every dollar comes from the federal government.

• 52 cents of every dollar comes from local investment.

• And just 9 cents of every dollar comes from Columbus.

Meanwhile, CPS case workers are overrun. Many with far more cases than the state recommended maximum of 12.

State Senator Kenny Yuko who represents a portion of Cuyahoga County reported:

“The effects of the opioid epidemic are far-reaching, and continue to threaten the futures of our families and children. Addiction has forced many of Ohio's children into foster care and other child protection services. While our local governments and local taxpayers are already stretched thin, the state has the money and the power to help child protective services assist these families through high needs situations.

“I hope that during the next budget, affected agencies will make clear to every legislator how much funding they need and how many lives are on the line. We can’t afford to shortchange so many bright futures.”

A survey by Public Children Services Association of Ohio found children of parents with opioid-abuse accounted for nearly a third of all children in custody, spending a median of 240 days in custody.

(“The Opioid Epidemic’s Impact on Children Services in Ohio.” Public Children's Services Association. Spring 2017.)

Here are some other facts from the Spring 2017 report “The Opioid Epidemic’s Impact” by Public Children's Services Association of Ohio:

• 50% of the children taken into custody in 2015 had parental drug use

• 28% of of children taken into custody in 2015 had parents who were using opiates,
  including heroin, at time of removal (34% in Scioto County)

• 70% of the children in custody under the age of 1had parents who used opiates, including heroin

• 60% of the children in custody under the age of 5 spend at least one birthday in foster care

• More children are in PCSA custody requiring a foster care placement

• Children are staying in foster care longer due to
  opiate recovery timelines and relapses

• Placement costs have increased due to more children in care and their needs being more complex

• State funding is not keeping up with the demands on Ohio’s children services system

• Counties fund over half of children services expenditures by relying on local government funds and dedicated levies. 

  

Custody And Vulnerable Children

Once in recovery, parents often want to get custody back, and most are allowed to do so. These parents must prove that they are fit for the job and that their parenting is in the child’s best interest.

It is important to understand that children the most vulnerable individuals who are affected by substance abuse. When guardians struggle with substance abuse, children are often neglected, abused, and subject to traumatic experiences. Traumatic experiences make them more prone to mental and physical illness and develop unhealthy coping mechanisms and future substance abuse.

According to the American Journal of Managed Care, despite the importance of this issue, little research has been conducted that demonstrates the relationship between parental opioid misuse and child welfare involvement, and fewer studies have considered the costs to the child welfare system (CWS) associated with such misuse.

CPS can involve intake, screening, family assessment or alternative response, and investigation services, as well as all associated administrative supports.

Of these services, the 2 most costly types of CPS are screening and investigation. The screening process involves the receipt and processing of child maltreatment referrals, to determine whether a report meets the criteria for further investigation or assessment (“screened-in”) or is below this threshold (“screened-out”).

Screened-in reports are then referred for an investigation or an alternative response (eg, family assessment).

Investigation, which involves activities that are designed to determine the validity of the child maltreatment allegation, results in a case finding (ie, substantiated/indicated or unsubstantiated/unfounded), as well as the determination of a child’s safety or future risk for harm/maltreatment. Alternative response focuses less on investigating the occurrence of maltreatment but rather on assessing underlying factors that may affect child safety and family-level needs to reduce the likelihood of maltreatment.

Although these estimates represent rough calculations, they are the best estimates given the currently available public data. Specifically, between 2011 and 2016, the Child Welfare System experienced more than $2.8 billion in costs attributable to opioid misuse, or about 2.1% of all child welfare costs during this time. This approach also demonstrated that in these 5 years, >200,000 reports of suspected child maltreatment, >80,000 victims of substantiated maltreatment, and >95,000 foster care entrants were attributable to opioid misuse.”

(Daniel Max Crowley, PhD, Christian M. Connell, PhD, Damon Jones, PhD, Michael W. Donovan, MA. “Considering the Child Welfare System Burden From Opioid Misuse: Research Priorities for Estimating Public Costs.” Am J Manag Care. 2019;25:-S0.)

In 2018, PCSAO issued a report stating the number of children in custody peaked at 16,154 on July 1, 2018 – 3,500 more children than five years ago. The report stated, “While more recent data suggest a plateau in the trend line, the 28 percent increase has had a tsunami effect on available and appropriate foster care placements, on caseloads, on agency budgets and ultimately on the chances that these children will celebrate the holidays in a permanent home, said Executive Director Angela Sausser.”

(“One year later: Children services remains in severe crisis.” Public Children's Services Association of Ohio. December 20, 2018.)

County children services agencies cannot afford the cost of children in foster care. “The cost of foster and residential facility placements totaled almost $370 million in 2018 – an increase of almost $95 million in five years – and those costs are projected to increase by at least another $44 million by 2020.

This is just for room and board, not services, not staffing,” Sausser said. “Because Ohio relies more heavily than any other state on local dollars, more than half of that increase will be borne by local resources, and counties are already underwater. This year we saw the biggest uptick in new and replacement children services levies on the ballot in recent history, but the local tax base is already overburdened.”

The cost is not limited to dollars spent to place children in foster care but extends to the emotional toll on caseworkers on the front lines of the opioid epidemic every day. “We were shocked to learn that more than half of our children services workers have levels of secondary traumatic stress high enough to meet the diagnostic threshold for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,” Sausser added.

PCSAO has launched a reform plan to address this severe crisis that would reduce the number of children coming into care, the length of time they stay in care, the overuse of residential care and the cost to taxpayers. It is time to reform this system by building a strong continuum of care for children in this state.

(“Children's Continuum of Care Reform. #FosterHope4OHKids. Public Children's Services Association of Ohio.)

Local Crisis

Scioto County Daily News reports Juvenile Court Judge Alan Lemons said that the Juvenile Court had even considered holding night court and Saturday court in an effort to take action on more cases involving the safety of children.

Lemons explained: “We try to work faster and harder and more efficiently. It’s not that bad right now, but it’s getting close.” However, the judge said not taking more children into the system was not an option. He had this message for CPS. “If I was going to tell you what you need to do, I’d say you need to consider taking more kids than you’re taking now. Cause they need you. It’s terrible what’s going on out there.”

Concerning the need to get adequate funding from the state, County Commissioner Scottie Powell said, “You didn’t pay your bill, $580,000. So, clearly, there’s not enough funding coming in. I’ve had plenty of conversations with people at the state level. They’re happy to provide technical support. They do not bail out counties. That’s not something they’ve done.”

CPS Director Jason Mantell said, “It was made very clear that bailout money for counties does not exist.”

The board said it would attempt to apply for more grants and put a levy to support the agency on the ballot in 2023.

Powell said they may want to consider putting a levy on the ballot sooner. “It’s a decision this board is going to have to make. Figure out how to be more efficient within the agency or how to generate funds. That’s really the only options.”

(Cyn Mackley. “CPS Out of Money – Ohio Won’t Help.” Scioto County Daily News. January 12, 2022.)

Conclusion

How about help from Columbus? Ohio has historically ranked last in the nation for the share of child protection funding paid by state revenues. Other state governments contribute an average of 42 cents of every dollar spent on child welfare; in Ohio, state government has contributed only 9-10 cents, while counties shoulder about half the costs.

Starting in state fiscal year 2020, Ohio significantly increased its investment in children services. PCSAO said it is proud that all 85 county children services agencies covering all 88 Ohio counties were dues-paying members in 2020. Membership is currently restricted to the agency of county government responsible for children services pursuant to Chapter 5153 of the Ohio Revised Code.

On the state level, Portsmouth Daily Times reported on February 8, 2021 that funding for family and children services would see tremendous growth throughout the next few years. The Investing in Ohio Initiative details the transformation, which says the budget aims to “promote independent families, build resilient children and bring greater transparency” for the services in a press release.

In total, $240 million would be invested into the State Child Protection Allocation in all 88 county public children services agencies. This sum will allow an expansion of Foster Care Recruitment while reducing custody relinquishment of MultisystemYouth.

“The Governor maintained the bulk of the unprecedented increases made two years ago,” wrote Public Children Services Association of Ohio Executive Director Angela Sausser in a support letter. “In challenging budget years, we sometimes see reductions in county allocations, but the Governor kept his word to continue moving forward his vision for stabilizing the children services system and working toward transformation.”

(Patrick Keck. “DeWine proposes budget. What does that mean for Scioto County?” Portsmouth Daily Times. February 08, 2021.)

It is evident we must push Ohio to pass new laws and regulations to help alleviate the burden the opioid crisis has placed on Children Services. As concerned taxpayers, we cannot continue to allow this meager financial support to continue. It seems Governor DeWine is leading the way. We cannot afford to remain uncommitted to further progress to spend money most efficiently and productively.

On the local scene …

We face an even more troubling problem in Scioto County. Many of our children lack critical care and special attention. Our opioid epidemic is well-documented: the reality of the destruction is at hand. So many children here are jeopardized by skyrocketing rates of addiction. Social media is abuzz with horror stories of child abuse, and yet we should realize all the emotional outpouring is just words – talk without action is not conducive to change. It is evident we must spend more money on children, not just on adults with substance use disorders.

To solve this pressing issue, we must be responsible and financially support CPS. Yes, we need to pass new legislation in Ohio for increased funding, but we also need to pass a local levy to increase funds for our program in Scioto County. Like Larry the Cable Guy says, “Git er done!” The health and welfare of our most important resource is in the balance. New improvements for young people in the area – pump tracks, skate parks, employment programs, tax credits – mean nothing unless a healthy youth population exists.

The tax levy language is clear:

“The board of county commissioners of any county, at any time and in any year, after providing the normal and customary percentage of the total general fund appropriations for the support of children services and the care and placement of children, by vote of two-thirds of all the members of said board may declare by resolution that the amount of taxes which may be raised within the ten-mill limitation will be insufficient to provide an adequate amount for the support of such children services, and that it is necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten-mill limitation to supplement such general fund appropriations for such purpose.

“Taxes collected from a levy imposed under this section may be expended for any operating or capital improvement expenditure necessary for the support of children services and the care and placement of children.”

(Section 5705.24 | County tax levy for support of children services. Ohio Revised Code. Title 57 Taxation. Chapter 5705 Tax Levy Law.)

Let's pass a new levy that gives at-risk youth the services they so desperately need. After all, Children Services has a monumental job.

And, people are hard at work to better a tough situation …

On August 20, 2020, Portsmouth Daily Times Kimberly Jenkins reported that Commissioner Bryan Davis said that they are seeing that Jason Mantell, Director Scioto County Children’s Services, is doing a wonderful job, a lot of hard work to work on things so that what has happened in the past doesn’t happen again. He said that they are reorganizing.

Davis said that the Director of Job and Family Services, Tammy Morton, came to them with an idea under the Ohio Revised Code and can be done. “We are quite happy that they are going to be working together in this capacity.”

Davis continued, “A few of the improvements include enhanced communication, streamlined processes, and maximization of funding allocations. The most significant benefit will be clients being served most efficiently and effectively as possible.” That, he said, was signed by both directors, Jason Mantell and Tammy Morton. Davis said that they have got to “up the game.” Davis also said that sharing is of no cost to taxpayers and they are looking forward to seeing how this will unfold.

(Kimberly Jenkins. “Commissioners discuss Children’s Services working with Job & Family Services.” Portsmouth Daily Times. August 20, 2020.)

Yes, there are naysayers and those with tight purses who will resist the effort to increase taxes; however, circumstances require our immediate attention and support. This is a matter for the hearts and minds of concerned citizens. The investment in our future will pay immeasurable dividends. We can register both our regret for past tragedies and our hope for a better future by adjusting our budgets to include more life-saving money for Children Services.

Mommy Loved Her Children

© Brian E Pardee more by Brian E Pardee

Published: February 2019

One pill, two pills, three pills, four.
The children are counting Xanax pills they pick off the floor.

Mommy's sister committed suicide in 2009; that's when this all started.
She's in the corner crying like a young girl so incredibly broken-hearted.
Her husband was a heroin addict; he left them a long time ago.
Now depression and anxiety are the only emotions the children show.
She did not start doing drugs for fun; it was only after her reality shattered,
But it all ends the same way; her reason for starting no longer mattered.
She went to her counseling sessions once a week.
She spent most of the session crying too hard to speak.

One pill, two pills, three pills, four.
The children tell the teachers they can't eat because they're poor.

Mommy makes a lot of money, but the money never makes it home.
She has zero friends but 6 drug dealers programmed into her phone.
She'll give them anything for a fix, even if it's her own body.
Parents set the example for the children; it's your life they will copy.
She thought it was just a temporary solution and she'd be able to quit,
But she didn't find a solution, just another problem added to the list.
She wanted to give her children the life she never had.
Instead, she emotionally abandoned them the same way as their dad.

One pill, two pills, three pills, four.
Child Protective Services is at the front door.

Mommy's pushing pill bottles under the couch as the bell continues to ring.
CPS's intentions were good, but in the end it was only more pain they would bring.
What's a child without their parents, a child in a foster home?
Proof of a broken society, children who are forced to go through this alone.
Electricity had been shut off for months; she frantically scrambles for matches to light a candle.
She went through this exact experience when she was a child; it was just too much for her to handle.
She yells toward the front door as she frantically brushes her hair.
Then the door opens and the children learn firsthand that life isn't fair.

One pill, two pills, three pills, four.
Mommy turned to heroin when the pills weren't enough anymore.

Children in foster care, ex-husband still has 4 years left in prison.
Getting her children back should have been her first and only mission,
But it wasn't, and drugs being her only way to cope only compounded the problem.
Once she had the ambition to reach the top; now her habit had her anchored at the bottom.
The children don't remember their dad and their sickly thin mom they can no longer recognize.
One stormy night she ran out of drugs and couldn't stop the tears streaming from her eyes.
Alone in a cold, empty room with no drugs to help her cope,
She took her own life like her sister, simply because they ran out of dope.

One pill, two pills, three pills, four.
Mommy loved her children but she loved her drugs more.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/mommy-loved-her-children

Mommy Loved Her Children