Gov. Mike DeWine released the executive budget proposal today. The following statement can be attributed to Angela Sausser, Executive Director, Public Children Services Association of Ohio:
“Gov. Mike DeWine truly is the children’s governor – the leader Ohio has needed to support our long-neglected child protection system. In his final budget released today, the Governor once again demonstrates his commitment to children in foster care and to preventing the need for children services involvement.
“Leaders of county children services agencies are grateful for the proposed investments in this budget, including an increase in the State Child Protection Allocation to address the escalating cost of foster care placements and new funding for children’s wellness campuses, which will offer a short-term, trauma-informed environment for stabilizing children’s treatment crisis needs. We appreciate the Governor’s response to the ongoing crisis that leaves too many children without the services and appropriate placements necessary to address their complex needs.
“Gov. DeWine’s two terms in office have witnessed strategic state investments in children services; new resources for foster care, kinship care and adoption; expansion of his signature Ohio START program for parents struggling with substance use disorder; increased access to in-home prevention services, and so much more. We applaud the Governor’s commitment to children and families in this budget, and we look forward to working with the General Assembly to realize these critical investments that will directly impact the ongoing placement and treatment crisis for children.”