Tammy Moore Morton, the director of Scioto County Jobs and Family Services (SCJFS), says she’s finally feeling hopeful about the county’s child protective services (CPS) system. It’s been two and a half years since SCJFS took over the struggling agency, and while there’s still work to do, things are looking up.
One of the biggest challenges has been staffing, but Morton says the situation is starting to stabilize. When the agencies merged in July 2022, the state warned that it would take three to five years to fully transition into one organization. Now, at the halfway mark, she’s starting to see real progress.
“The team is working harder than ever,” she said. “It’s amazing to see their passion and dedication. They’re doing so much to protect our kids.”
One big change is the drop in the number of children in foster care. When the merger happened, 407 kids were in the system. As of February 13, 2025, that number is down to 219—a 46% decrease. Morton made it clear that they aren’t cutting corners to lower the numbers; child safety remains the top priority.
The agency is still handling a high number of cases. In 2023, they investigated 2,002 reports of abuse and neglect. That number rose slightly in 2024 to 2,075, with an average of 167 to 173 new reports coming in each month. The most common cases involve neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
One of the most exciting developments has been the increase in adoptions. Before the merger in 2022, only 10 adoptions were finalized. That number grew to 14 in 2023 and jumped to 23 in 2024. Morton was especially moved by the fact that three of the children adopted last year had been in foster care for over a decade. “That one brings a tear to your eye,” she said.
One major challenge remains: the rising cost of foster care placements. To help with this, child welfare leaders in Southeastern Ohio are working on a plan to create a respite care center, which could help reduce expenses.
While hiring new caseworkers is still a struggle, things are improving. “I’m going to hold my breath when I say this, but we just hired two new caseworkers this week,” Morton said. “Until we have a stable and well-trained workforce, we’ll still be in crisis mode. But if staffing holds steady, I think we can turn a corner this year.”
Despite the challenges, Morton is optimistic. “For the first time since the merger, I can really see progress. I’m hopeful for the future.”
