The Intake Department is responsible for receiving, screening, and assessing referrals involving the possible abuse, neglect, or dependency of children in Mahoning County.

Year 2009 has been one of ever-increasing challenges for the families that we serve. With higher unemployment and increased home foreclosures, even greater stressors are being placed upon families. More families have to move in with relatives and friends, all too often producing friction instead of the needed support. Our staff works with families to address basic needs such as obtaining furniture and utilities in order to avoid placement of children. Often families have gotten themselves so deep in debt that it is difficult to find ways of helping them to help themselves.

We work closely with and depend upon agencies such as the Rescue Mission and food banks to help families in their time of need. Unfortunately, during times of economic stress the use of drugs and alcohol increase. We rely upon community drug and alcohol programs to help parents deal with the root problems that cause the dependence.

Our local Child Advocacy Center, now under the direction of Akron Children’s Hospital, has seen several important changes. Not only have they added the opportunity for staff to obtain physicals for children coming into care, they also have taken a lead role in overseeing the medical evaluation and progress of several cases where children entering substitute care have significant medical needs. This has been a blessing for our agency and families we serve.

The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department Deputies, through a contract with Children Services, continue to do a fine job of insuring that child abuse investigations are properly and thoroughly conducted. We continue to participate in Multi-Disciplinary meetings with the County Prosecutor, police, and Child Advocacy staff to assist in the prosecution of those who do harm to children.

With what appears to be an ever-increasing measure of mandates, rules and regulations involving child welfare, providing social services oftentimes seems to be ever more difficult. It is to their credit that staff continue to find the time to “go that extra mile” to provide services to children and families.