Hamilton Co. renews contract with Lifeway
Perry, Kimball. Cincinnati Enquirer, Dec. 21, 2006, pg. B2.
Hamilton County officials agreed Wednesday to a $2 million contract with the agency under fire for recruiting foster parents Liz and David Carroll Jr., now charged with murder in the death of 3-year-old Marcus Fiesel.
Commissioners approved the $2,084,868 contract - for calendar year 2007 - with Lifeway for Youth, one of the largest private foster-care providers that contracts with local counties.
There is no need to worry, assures Rick Roberts, head of the Hamilton County Department of Job & Family Services."This is a renewal" of a contract his agency has with Lifeway.
The agency now is providing foster care services for 113 foster children in Hamilton County care who are "mentally unstable and have behavioral issues," according to the resolution approving the contract.
"We're doing this for stability. Stability for these kids is key," Robert said.
Lifeway came under fire after it was learned that agency recruited the Carrolls to become foster parents for Marcus.
Officials have charged the Union Township couple with murder and other charges stemming from the child's August death. They are accused of wrapping Marcus in a blanket, placing him in a playpen inside a closet in their house and leaving him there - at least overnight - so they could attend a family reunion. When they returned, the child was dead.
David Carroll also is charged with burning the body and is suspected of throwing the burned remains in the Ohio River.
After that incident, Hamilton County ordered an investigation into the status of the 151 foster children it placed with Lifeway.
Days after the child's body was found, Hamilton County suspended placing foster children with Lifeway.
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