For Immediate Release

Clark County DJFS Family and Children Services to

host Child Abuse Prevention Month activities in April
SPRINGFIELD, OH (MARCH 28, 2019) — The Clark County Department of Job & Family
Services Family and Children Services division is hosting several events in April as part of
national Child Abuse Prevention Month.

On Monday, April 1, the division is planting pinwheels outside its office at 1345 Lagonda
Ave. to raise awareness about child abuse prevention. The pinwheel is the national symbol
for child abuse prevention.

On Wednesday, April 10, the division is asking local workers to wear blue to work in support
of child abuse prevention.

On Thursday, April 11, the division and the Child Advocacy Center are partnering to host
Sasha Joseph Neulinger’s “Rediscovering the Beauty Within," providing hope and inspiration
to survivors of sexual abuse and the agencies, centers and organizations that work to serve
them. The event will be held at the Clark State Community College Creative Arts and
Conference Center, 275 S. Limestone St. It includes free breakfast as well as continuing
education credits for counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists. The
last day to sign-up is Friday, March 29.

On Monday, April 22, the division is asking local workers to wear ugly ties to work in
support of child abuse prevention. For more information, log on to www.TieOne.org.

First Responders and Bikers Advocating against Abuse are hosting its annual Shoe Drive this
month. Residents are asked to donate new or gently used shoes of all sizes to support local
children and families in needs. Drop-off locations include the Springfield Regional Medical
Center lobby at 100 Medical Center Drive in Springfield and the Clark County DJFS lobby at
1345 Lagonda Ave., Building C in Springfield.

Clark County residents may also take Pinwheel selfies this month to support the fight
against child abuse.

The division is seeking pictures from all of these events to post on its social media page. To
submit photos, e-mail them to Jennifer.Huber@jfs.ohio.gov.
For more information, call 937-327-1790.
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Media contact:

Children Services Division | Denise Estep, Deputy Director, 937- 327-1790

Clark County | Michael Cooper, Public Information Officer, 937-521-2031

Clark County Family & Children Services

2018: Service Delivery Overview

 884 families (cases) were served representing 1,727 children.

 Of the 1,727 children served, 375 children were seen at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

 Of the 375 children seen at the CAC, 134 children received ongoing specialized mental health
services – all of which are provided onsite at the CAC.

 On average, 144 children were with kinship caregivers.

 On average, 92 children were in foster care.

 57 children left foster or kinship care in 2018

 25 were reunified with their parent/primary caregiver
 21 were placed with other relatives
 11 turned 18 years old and emancipated from foster care

 13 additional children were adopted.

 On average, 17 young adults ages 18 – 21 who emancipated from foster care received services
ranging from housing, education, vocational training, and case management support services.