Scioto County Children’s Services Faces Hurdles and Hope
Audio Assist Version
Director Tammy Morton of the merged Child Protective Services (CPS) and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) addressed the Scioto County Commissioners on June 29, 2023, marking the one-year anniversary of the merger. In her quarterly update, Director Morton acknowledged the ongoing challenges and emphasized the need for a sustained effort to achieve the desired outcomes.
“We’re not where we want to be,” Director Morton candidly stated, highlighting that it would take an additional 3 to 5 years to attain their goals. Describing the process as “moving a mountain one rock at a time,” she emphasized the urgency, stating that the mountain is now on fire, underlining the pressing nature of the task at hand.
Director Morton presented key statistics, revealing that the current number of children in care stood at 344, with an average of 350 throughout the year. Notably, this marked a decrease from July of the previous year, which recorded 407 children in care. To address the growing workload, two full-time prosecuting attorneys were added to assist with case management.
Referrals for May increased to 166, up from 146 in April but down from the higher number of 216 in March. The majority of referrals were from mandated reporters in the education and healthcare sectors. Director Morton shared the average monthly figures for different types of abuse, with neglect being the highest at 77 cases, followed by physical abuse at 65 cases, and sexual abuse at 20 cases. On average, 10 children were removed from their homes each month.
Turning to adoptions, Director Morton expressed optimism, highlighting that since the merger, 14 adoptions had been successfully completed, with an additional 20 in various stages of the process. Credit was given to the two adoption care workers and the attorneys involved. Notably, since July 1, 2022, over $7 million had been allocated to housing and other costs related to child placements.
Director Morton acknowledged that the funding from the new levy had just begun to trickle in, emphasizing the importance of financial resources for effective operations. She also addressed the staffing challenges, revealing that a significant portion of the workforce left in March, a situation unprecedented in her 25 years of experience. Recognizing the emotional toll of the job, she expressed gratitude that four other counties had agreed to assist with home visits, alleviating some of the workload while staffing issues were addressed.
“This merger has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Director Morton shared openly, concluding her remarks. Despite the difficulties, she reaffirmed her belief that the merger was the right decision and expressed her pride in leading the way, underscoring her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in the community.
Summary Points-Takeaways
- Director Tammy Morton of the merged CPS and ODJFS provided a quarterly update to the Scioto County Commissioners on the one-year anniversary of the merger.
- Director Morton acknowledged that there is still work to be done and estimated that it would take another 3 to 5 years to achieve desired outcomes.
- She referred to the process as “moving a mountain one rock at a time” and expressed urgency, stating that the mountain is now on fire.
- Current kids in care: 344, with an average of 350 throughout the year, a decrease from the previous year.
- Two full-time prosecuting attorneys were added to assist with case management.
- Referrals for May increased to 166, with the majority coming from educational and healthcare mandated reporters.
- Monthly average abuse cases: 77 neglect, 65 physical abuse, and 20 sexual abuse.
- On average, 10 children were removed from homes each month.
- Adoptions: 14 completed since the merger, with 20 more in progress. Credit given to adoption care workers and attorneys.
- Over $7 million spent on housing and related costs for child placements since the merger.
- Funding from the new levy has started to trickle in.
- Significant staff turnover in March, with efforts to address and resolve staffing issues.
- Four other counties agreed to assist with home visits to alleviate workload.
- Director Morton described the merger as the hardest thing she’s ever done but affirmed its importance and her pride in leading the way.