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

The year 2007 brought several significant changes in how cases in the child welfare system are managed.  The introduction of SACWIS (Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System) has required workers to greatly expand both their computer skills and flexibility.  Along with SACWIS, CAPMIS (Comprehensive Assessment and Planning Model -- Interim Solutions) was implemented to insure more consistency in the screening process, assessment time frames, and tools used throughout the State.  New rules had to be assimilated into the assessment process to guard parental rights while insuring protection of children.

During 2007, the agency experienced an increase of in total referrals as well as number of referrals accepted for investigation.  Because of these factors, coupled with the new requirements of the SACWIS system, in November 2007 the Children Services Board approved the addition of a second Intake Screener.

Other changes this year included a change in the administrative oversight of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).  The Akron Children's Hospital has assumed the medical component of the center, maintaining most of the current staff, thus enabling a smooth transition.  In addition, children entering substitute care are now able to receive intake physical examinations through the center, avoiding long waits in emergency rooms which can add to the trauma of placement.  The CAC Program, enhanced by the cooperation of the police, the medical profession, the prosecutor's office, and Children Services, continues to make a significant impact on the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases.

In spite of many challenges over the last year, it was only through the efforts of our dedicated, hard-working staff that families are preserved and children protected.