Executive budget prioritizes children, families

PCSAO praised investments in the Governor’s biennial budget released today.

The following statement may be attributed to Angela Sausser, executive director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio:

“The Governor’s budget demonstrates Mike DeWine’s deep commitment to Ohio children and families. With implementation of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act in October and a brand-new Kinship Support Program rolling out, 2021 will be a pivotal year for county children services agencies. The Governor maintained the bulk of the unprecedented increases made two years ago. In challenging budget years, we sometimes see reductions in county allocations, but the Governor kept his word to continue moving forward his vision for stabilizing the children services system and working toward transformation.

“Family First – the most dramatic change to federal child welfare financing in decades – will make it possible to serve more families in home, without taking children into foster care, and will prioritize placing those children who do come into care in family settings rather than in institutions. To maximize these opportunities, Ohio will need to invest in an array of evidence-based prevention services across the state and offset rising placement costs for counties. The Governor’s budget is a remarkable first step, and we look forward to working with the General Assembly to improve outcomes for children and families.

“PCSAO appreciates the Governor’s ongoing leadership for safe children and stable families.”