BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The Belmont County Commissioners met with staff from Belmont County Children’s Services at their regular Wednesday meeting to acknowledge the workers’ commitment to children’s well-being and to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Belmont County Department of Job & Family Services Director Jeff Felton and Belmont County Children’s Services Administrator Christine Parker shared a comprehensive snapshot of Children’s Services activity and impact throughout 2024.
They emphasized the growing demands on staff and services, but celebrated the collaborative effort that brings the department together as a team to help kids in crisis.
Parker reported that in 2024, the department received 1,545 calls. While many of these were information requests, referrals, or duplicate reports, the result was 41 official intakes—each requiring significant attention. Many calls came from mandated reporters including law enforcement, medical personnel, mental health professionals, and school employees—teachers, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers included.
Many of the resulting cases were transferred to the ongoing unit, which completed 1,254 visits with children over the course of the year.
“Some of those children were seen multiple times depending on the length of their open case,” said Parker.
As of April 9, the county had 61 children in custody—a number that fluctuates but continues to reflect a high proportion of drug-exposed infants.
“Substance exposure continues to be one of the biggest challenges we’re facing,” Felton explained.
In 2024, 45 children entered custody and 42 exited. Of those exiting, some were reunified with their parents, while others were placed with relatives or adopted. Eleven children found permanent homes through adoption last year.
Placement statistics highlighted the agency’s efforts to keep children close to their home communities:
- 47 kinship placements
- 34 foster care placements
- 11 children adopted
- 3 placed in residential treatment
In addition to direct custody placements, many children were supported through shared funding or outside placement services without formal custody.
A highlight of 2024 was the ongoing development of the PACT model—Parents and Caregivers Together—a relationship-based approach designed to build stronger family ties and promote reunification. Belmont County is one of only eight in Ohio piloting this innovative model.
A key feature of this initiative is a monthly advisory council made up of former foster youth, biological parents, foster parents, and service providers who offer feedback and help shape policy and practice.
Felton says strong partnerships with the Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Mental Health and Recovery Board have allowed the county to maintain a high level of in-home and out-of-home treatment services. These partnerships, Felton says, have been instrumental in helping the county avoid the staggering daily costs of treatment placements that many other counties are facing.
Staff stability remains one of the agency’s greatest strengths, Felton explained. The average tenure among Children’s Services staff is 17 years—a rare statistic in such a challenging field. Felton credits this longevity to a collaborative work culture and mutual respect among team members and court officials.
“We treat our staff with dignity and respect, and we ask the same for the families we serve,” Felton said.
The agency also celebrated progress in its foster care system. For the first time, more children are now placed in agency foster homes than in purchased care placements, allowing them to remain closer to their communities and schools.
Financially, the agency is keeping a close eye on changes at the state level. While Governor DeWine’s budget proposals include increased funding for Children’s Services, there are concerns about potential reductions in SNAP and public assistance, which could indirectly impact the families the department serves.
Felton and the commissioners again thanked county residents for passing the Children’s Services levy so they can continue their work.
Felton said the agency remains hopeful and committed to helping the children of Belmont County.
