Marcus case spurring overhaul
Craig, Jon. Cincinnati Enquirer, Feb. 9, 2007.
COLUMBUS - Marcus Fiesel is not forgotten - and Ohio's foster-care system is being overhauled in part because of the 3-year-old's death last summer, child advocates said Thursday.
At a news conference unveiling a report on Ohio's foster care and child protection systems, top child advocates said the case has galvanized foster care reform efforts.
"The Marcus Fiesel case has brought renewed, intensive focus to the child welfare system," said Crystal Ward Allen, executive director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio, a coalition of public service agencies that promote child safety, family stability and sound public policy.
The report comes just days before the trial of Liz Carroll begins next week in Batavia. She is charged in the August death of Fiesel, a disabled boy from Middletown whom Liz and David Carroll Jr. had taken in as a foster child in Union Township, Clermont County.
"We need to improve the pool of foster care homes in Ohio,'' said Greg Kapcar, assistant legislative director with the children services association. But they don't want to scare off potential families, he said.
Allen praised state lawmakers, including Sen. Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond, for strengthening child welfare laws - legislation that took effect the month after Marcus' death - and a 30-member task force investigating foster care.
Allen's group also urged:
--Tougher penalties for foster parents who harm kids in their care.
--Placing more children with familiar caregivers, such as coaches or teachers.
--Spending another $20 million in the state budget on child welfare, up from $75.5 million in 2005.
--Increasing adoption subsidies to $350 a month, up from the $250-a-month rate set in 1986.
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