LORAIN — Since last summer, the number of children staying in foster homes under the supervision of Lorain County Children Services has increased from 90 to 125, said Executive Director Gary Crow.
The increase is likely due to the poor economy and the high number of drug-related arrests that have occurred in the county over the last year, Crow said.
“Primarily, we think the increase (in drug use) is related to the type of abuse and neglect we’ve been seeing,” he said. “There appears to be a significant increase in drug involved situations with parents; particularly with heroin and prescription drugs.”
Drug use has been on the rise across the county, as the overdose death toll tripled last year to 60, up from 22 in 2011, said Lorain County Coroner Dr. Stephen Evans.
Crow could not recall the number of
drug-related calls the agency received in 2012, but did said those type
of situations are more difficult to handle.
“On average, the number of drug situations that come to our attention are more difficult,” he said. “We’re less likely to resolve those situations because custody is sometimes transferred to a relative. Folks get into situations that are bad for them and their children.”
In 2012, Crow said there was a 10 percent increase in the number of child abuse cases reported in Lorain County, but since then, that number has leveled off.
Lorain County Children Services provides assistance to 450 families or 800 children in the county, Crow said.
Their mission statement states, “We are committed to the safety and well-being of abused, neglected, and dependent children and providing the highest quality protection, permanency, and prevention services for children and families.”
The agency receives 300 referrals a month, Crow said.
“We have the right to investigate anyone based on anonymous referral,” Crow said. “So if someone would say the child up the street is underfed, we would go out and knock on the door to see if that was true or not true.”
Children Services employs 120 staff members, 50 of whom are case workers. Case workers sometimes work with local law enforcement to ensure parents who are being investigated are adhering to the proper requirements.
“We work together really well; it’s a very cooperative relationship with agencies throughout the county,” Crow said.
“There are kind of two sides; they get called out on other situations and become aware of matters involving children. They contact us if they want our support or cooperation.”
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