Ohio Advocates Map Out Child Services Reforms As Opioid-Fueled ‘Tsunami’ Of Kids Taken From Homes Levels Off
An advocacy group has presented a "Family First'' plan to the governor-elect to provide a continuum of care that starts with in-home services for children at risk of being removed from their families. In other news on the opioid epidemic, Illinois counties are offering treatment instead of jail time.
Cincinnati Enquirer:
Torrent Of Ohio Children Removed From Drug-Ravaged Families Peaks
A wave of Ohio children removed from their homes for neglect or abuse appears to have peaked, but the state's children's services system remains in crisis, a new report shows. That's partly because the number of kids rose so high that the decline is mild in comparison, and the system of care and services needs a change, according to the Public Children Services Association of Ohio. (DeMio, 1/2)
Chicago Tribune:
Kane County Treatment Program Would Offer Drug Users Amnesty, 'A Way Out' Of Addiction
With a focus on treatment rather than jail time, Kane County officials plan to launch a pilot program later this year that provides amnesty to drug addicts and links them directly to rehabilitative programs. The “A Way Out” program — which also runs in Lake and McHenry counties — allows anyone suffering from substance abuse to walk into the lobby of a participating police station and ask for help, Kane County Coroner Rob Russell said. They’ll be able to dispose of their unwanted drugs without receiving any possession charges. (Jones, 1/2)
