Clark County Ohio Department of Job & Family Services

creating

a future brighter

in

clark county

2013 community report

a look back at

2013

helping people turn the corner on life’s challenges

t

he agency experienced a great deal of change in 2013 beginning with the retirement of long-time Director Robert B. Suver in July. The Executive Team, led by our current Assistant Director Virginia Martycz, adeptly managed the leadership transition, ensuring the high-quality services to Clark County’s residents continued. The staff remained committed to the mission of the agency while negotiating the uncertainty that change brings. In November, the agency welcomed its new Director—David S. Dombrosky.

Director Dombrosky, working with the Executive Committee, developed a work plan setting the agency’s strategic direction for 2014. Additionally each division established goals for the upcoming year that will be measured and monitored to ensure integrity and accountability. The agency remains committed to providing high-quality customer service and responsive service delivery while embracing and enhancing our community partnerships.

2

c

ohiomeansjobs

benefitsplus

family & children services

child support

HE WORKPLUS DIVISION, AS A RESULT of legislative changes, was re-branded and is now known as OhioMeansJobs Clark County. This unit continues to focus on providing employment and educational opportunities for the unemployed, underemployed and individuals receiving public assistance.

ENEFITSPLUS AND WORKPLUS continued their successful partnership, further reducing the number of Ohio Works First cases by transitioning many to long-term employment. Additionally, this team focused on Food Assistance participants, who were required to participate in jobreadiness activities. Many participants have successfully transitioned from Food Assistance dependence to economic selfsufficiency through employment and the efforts of this team.

AMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES remained committed to ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of our children. The division continued to successfully engage kinship families as an alternative to foster care placement. They concluded a four-year federal grant that evaluated the effectiveness of Differential Response (DR) across six Ohio counties.

DR is a best-practice response system that allows public children services agencies more flexibility in how cases of possible abuse and neglect are served.

In October, Clark County residents began applying for Medicaid benefits available through federally-authorized Medicaid expansion (part of the Affordable Care Act).

The state also implemented a new eligibility determination system for Medicaid, and BenefitsPlus staff began processing the applications received. It is anticipated that approximately 11,000 Clark County residents have filed applications for the expanded Medicaid coverage resulting in the potential increase in the BenefitsPlus caseload of approximately 800 families through mid-2014.

The division began a long-term, collaborative project with Clark County Juvenile Court known as the Crossover Youth Practice Model. This program works with juveniles who are dually active in the Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare systems.

The program goal is to prevent recurrence of delinquent behavior and maintain child safety and well-being by providing individualized, coordinated services to youth.

hild Support Enforcement staff received recognition from the State of Ohio for their efforts in collecting past-due balances from non-custodial parents obligated to support their children. They were also recognized for their efforts to increase the number of child support orders established. In Federal Fiscal Year 2013, the Child Support staff—through their hard work and perseverance—received the “Most Improved Collections on Cases with Arrears in the Large Caseload Division.” They achieved this by raising the rate of collection above the 60% threshold for the first time in agency history. The staff was also recognized for “Most Improved Support Order Establishment in the Large Caseload Division.”

t

OhioMeansJobs staff served as the catalyst for many successful community-wide collaborations designed to stimulate economic development; enhance skills of entry-level workers to match employer demands; and match skilled workers with the workforce demands of employers. One such collaboration involves community stakeholders, employers, education, economic and workforce development professionals. These groups are working together to close the skills gap by creating a pipeline of highly skilled and trained workers in the manufacturing sector. If successful, this innovative program will significantly reduce the number of individuals receiving Food Assistance and Ohio Works First Cash Assistance.

b

f

a

administration DMINISTRATIVE STAFF CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THE SUPPORT NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE BREADTH of services and supports offered by the agency remained available to direct services staff to meet the need of Clark County residents. The contributions of this team cannot be overlooked. They ensured that the agency operated within its established budget; that invoices were paid timely and accurately; and that contracts were completed and approved by the Board of County Commissioners, ensuring the availability of services. Additionally, staff ensured that the building and grounds were maintained and groomed to be inviting to all of our customers; that county vehicles were maintained; that our IT systems were functional; that the human resources needs of the agency were met; and that phones were answered professionally and courteously.

welcome

2013

3

OhioMeans

jobs

OhioMeansJobs-Clark County

Workforce Development Adopts Ohio’s Branding for the One-Stops: OhioMeansJobs-Clark County

i

N NOVEMBER 2013, THE COUNTY Board of Commissioners voted to adopt OhioMeansJobs as the official name for the Clark County One-Stop (formerly WorkPlus) as part of the statewide effort to brand the public workforce development system. The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) allocated $600,000 for signage and printed material to be divided among the 90 county One-Stops in Ohio. While the name is new, the goal of the Ohio One-Stops remains the same: to provide an array of services to job seekers and businesses with customized training, education and employment opportunities.

The role of the local One-Stop is increasingly important, and we are pleased to highlight the variety of programs and initiatives that occurred in 2013.

employer services OhioMeansJobs-Clark County assists employers in finding and retaining a high-quality workforce through the following services: • Developing job descriptions • Posting vacancies at no cost • Recruiting and prescreening potential applicants • Helping to determine pay ranges using the county’s Wage and Benefit Survey • Connecting individuals with local, state and federal resources including access to hiring incentives In 2013, 76 employers listed a total of 818 job vacancies with OhioMeansJobs compared to 668 postings the previous year which resulted in 696 new hires or 85.09% placement.

on-the-job training funds In 2013, 22 On-the-Job training grants were awarded to employers, down by 50% from 2012. The decrease in 2013 is a clear indicator that people who became unemployed during the recession are making their way back into the workforce.

The grants were primarily written for

14,170

unduplicated job seekers utilized the One-Stop compared to 12,149 in 2012.

individuals hired into the insurance industry.

The average cost of On-the-Job training totaled $5,741.

employer of the month awards OhioMeansJobs-Clark County recognized the following employers for their contributions and partnership with the OneStop. These employers were instrumental in creating jobs for individuals referred by the One-Stop. All of the employers received a plaque from the One-Stop in recognition of their contributions.

clark county fourth annual job fair In partnership with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, OhioMeansJobsClark County hosted its fourth annual job fair on March 6 at the Hollenbeck Bayley Conference Center. The job fair was moved to the new conference facility to accommodate the growing number of employers and job seekers. This year’s fair attracted 45 employers with over 600 participants.

• January – JMS Composites • February – Assurant • March – Morgal Machine Tool • April – CodeBlue • May – Restoration Hardware • June – Catholic Charities • July – W.R. Hackett • August – Exel Logistics • September – Champions Center • October – Bowman and Landess • November – Adecco • December – Refurb 1

29,595

services were accessed compared to 28,628 services in 2012.

On average, 69% of the job seekers had a high school diploma or GED equivalency, 11% a college degree, and 20% with no high school diploma.

did you

know?

IN 2013, 76 EMPLOYERS LISTED A TOTAL OF 818 JOB VACANCIES WITH OHIOMEANSJOBS.

angel’s determination pays off We met Angel when she came to OhioMeansJobs-Clark County for employment help. Angel had gotten into some trouble while on a trip to Atlanta. At that time she was working for Assurant, and she feared they would terminate her due to the new misdemeanor charge. She did not want to be fired, so she gave her two-weeks’ notice.

During our conversation at OhioMeansJobs, we discussed her situation. As a single mother, Angel knew her family was facing a grim future, and she needed to set a plan in motion. After finding reliable childcare and transportation, she was able to start a new job.

Angel excelled at the receptionist position at Springfield Manor, and the residents and the staff loved her. Her evaluations were excellent, and plans were made to hire her permanently.

During the last week of her training, however, the organization underwent major budget cuts and was forced to eliminate her receptionist position, reduce the hours of many other staff and lay off some employees.

Angel’s supervisor was devastated and offered her a full-time, third-shift laundry position. Unfortunately, the hours were impossible to manage because she needed to be home with her children at that time of day.

86%

We continued to look for other openings for Angel and quickly found her a new job.

We referred Angel to an insurance agent call center. Immediately after the second interview, Angel was offered the position.

Once she completes training, Angel will begin to reconstruct a very bright future for her family.

customer composition 2013 11% 4%

24%

3%

58%

Food Assistance Employment & Training Universal Ohio Works First Seek Work Unemployment

of job seekers were unemployed, however, this number includes individuals who receive cash or food assistance and who are required to participate in work activities in order to receive benefits.

5

summer youth employment program put students to work The TANF Summer Youth program was a huge success thanks to the 140 youth and young adults and the partnerships with the Springfield High School Learning Cafe, OIC of Clark County and local employers. The program was open to young adults between the ages of 16–24 with a special emphasis on targeting youth who are economically disadvantaged, those aging out of foster care and out-of-school youth. Youth who are economically at-risk have the chance to gain job-readiness skills through educational and on-the-job training opportunities.

In anticipation that there would be funding for another summer youth program, OhioMeansJobs-Clark County accepted applications in March. A total of 249 applications were received with 220 approved.

Youth determined eligible for the program were required to attend a 10-hour unpaid

did you

6

know?

job-readiness program over a five-week period, in April and May. The plan was to match students with meaningful employment — or employment that was aligned to their career path. “We certainly didn’t want to burn bridges with local employers and believed it was important for the students to understand and follow the ‘hidden rules’ of the workplace. We also wanted students to realize that employers expect you to show up on time and ready to work,” said Lehan Peters, deputy director of OhioMeansJobs-Clark County. Job-readiness classes were held at Springfield High School’s Learning Cafe and facilitated by the staff from OhioMeansJobs.

The workshops were designed to increase the participants’ employability and transferable skills by defining workplace expectations and honing their “soft skills.” Topics covered during the jobreadiness classes included a personal skills inventory, the importance of a positive

attitude, problem solving and effective communication. In addition, participants were required to complete a resume and a formal interview conducted by OhioMeansJobs staff. Once all elements of job readiness were successfully completed, the youth were placed at a variety of private, not-for-profit and public employers around the county with diverse opportunities. Some of the positions included working in the president’s office at Clark State Community College, office assistant, activities coordinator and facility maintenance at Villa of Springfield, to name a few.

Another new element to the program this year was the opportunity for the youth to test for the ACT National Career Readiness Credential (NCRC). The backbone of this NCRC initiative is the Workkeys Job Skill Assessment System, which includes three core assessments: Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating

IN NOVEMBER 2013, THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED TO ADOPT OHIOMEANSJOBS AS THE OFFICIAL NAME FOR THE CLARK COUNTY ONE-STOP (FORMERLY WORKPLUS).

Information. The certificate verifies an individual’s work readiness skill level to potential employers and demonstrates his or her commitment to success. The results of the assessment showed that 30 youth earned a bronze certificate, 22 a silver and 2 a gold credential. All of this adds up to a competitive advantage, better job opportunities and a brighter outlook for future employment. Overall, the 2013 Summer Youth Employment Program was very successful in providing beneficial work experiences to young people in the community.

did you

know?

THE TANF SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM IS FOR YOUNG ADULTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16–24 WITH A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON TARGETING YOUTH WHO ARE ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED, THOSE AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH.

How OhioMeansJobs Helped Lindsey Find a Brighter Outlook in 2013 For Lindsey Webster, 2013 had gotten off to a rough start. She was unable to find stable employment despite having a bachelor’s degree and extensive customer service experience. After a six-month period of being unemployed, she visited OhioMeansJobs-Clark County to get some help. She was approved for cash assistance through the Ohio Works First program. As a single mother of two, she was required to participate in a work activity.

She attended workshops on resume building, job interviewing and online job searching. The workshops — along with the encouragement of the OhioMeansJobs staff — helped keep Lindsey’s spirits high. “The staff is very friendly, understanding and more than wiling to help you. On days that I was really feeling down, I could count on them to boost my confidence and morale,” said Lindsey.

the On-the-Job program. Since Lindsey was eligible for the program and had exceeded expectations, the company agreed to hire her on permanently. This allowed Lindsey to receive full medical benefits, retirement benefits and a wage increase. In her new job she enjoys the variety, and she is currently being trained in all facets of the office including creating presentations and human resources tasks.

Lindsey’s story is a perfect example of OhioMeansJobs staff using wraparound services available through both the Ohio Works First and Workforce Investment Act programs in order to help Clark County residents meet their goal of self-sufficiency.

THE FOURTH ANNUAL CLARK COUNTY JOB FAIR ATTRACTED 45 EMPLOYERS WITH OVER 600 PARTICIPANTS.

In October, Lindsey was able to find employment through a staffing agency at Morgal Machine Tool as a receptionist. She was eligible for assistance through the Workforce Investment Act to participate in the On-the-Job training program. A job developer contacted the human resources staff at Morgal to discuss

7

benefits

plus

BenefitsPlus Today I’m writing your offices not to file a complaint but to thank you personally for all your help you have offered me over the last couple years that I have been unemployed due to major back injuries. If it wasn’t for your program, I don’t know where I would be or how I would be able to afford the proper medical care, medications and food that I so desperately needed. Before I broke my back in a car accident September 2011, I was a hard-working bank teller — a single woman living on my own and attending school part-time and nights. In one night — in the blink of an eye — that all changed. And at 23 years of age, my whole life changed. But thanks to your helpful staff and program benefits, I can say that I am a survivor. Without your help, I wouldn’t have the proper care & resources I need. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

— Rachel Luellen

ensuring a healthy tomorrow

a 8

car accident in 2011 left Rachel without income or health insurance. She was forced to seek help from the Clark County Department of Job & Family Services because of escalating medical bills and rising food costs for her family. The Clark County BenefitsPlus division was able to help her through the process of applying for Medicaid and food assistance.

Due to the “safety net” benefits she received, Rachel’s life has stabilized. This “Thank You” letter above displays her gratitude for the assistance she received through BenefitsPlus. Rachel is one of the more than 25,000 Clark County residents that received food assistance in 2013.

The BenefitsPlus division provides a broad array of services designed to support and strengthen individuals and families including: • Ohio Works First cash assistance to needy families while engaging them in work activities to promote self-sufficiency • Food Assistance program that ensures qualified customers are provided help with one of life’s basic needs • Medicaid health care that ensures access to quality health care while providing a wide array of medical benefits • Child care assistance that supports reliable care for their children so they can obtain and retain long-term employment • Prevention, Retention & Contingency (PRC) that provides benefits and services to needy and low-income, employed families who require short-term essential supports to move out of poverty and become self-sufficient

highlights

2013

2013 was an exciting and busy year for the BenefitsPlus division. Below are several highlights from the year.

child-friendly, pleasant waiting area at benefitsplus In March, the main lobby of Building A — one of the main buildings at Clark County Department of Job & Family Services — was transformed into the Reading Tree Park by Project Jericho artists, youth and families.

It became a more comfortable place for customers waiting to be served. Children’s books were donated for children to read while in the office and to take home.

summit on child care A meet and greet session with Child Care Centers took place in April. Changes in policies were reviewed by staff, and many best practices were exchanged by the centers.

food assistance employment & training program launch The Food Assistance Employment & Training (FAET) program came into full swing in June.

Required individuals must engage in work activity initiatives in order to retain eligibility for the food assistance program. Failure to participate can result in a reduction of benefits or ineligibility for the program.

clark county: a model for benefit recovery Federal Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) conducted a Recipient Integrity Review in Ohio in July. Clark County was selected by state officials as a model county for benefit recovery and was visited by representatives from FNS to review our investigation and recovery processes. The FNS reviewers indicated that our tracking system was the most complete and accurate system they had seen in all of their 2013 reviews.

affordable care act in ohio Medicaid Expansion began to take shape in the last quarter of 2013. After three years of planning, the State of Ohio embarked on the first phase of changes brought on by the Affordable Care Act. Beginning October 1, residents could go to www.Benefits.Ohio.gov or www.healthcare.gov to seek assistance for health insurance coverage. The new Ohio Integrated Eligibility System (OIES) was rolled out as a replacement for Ohio’s 32-year-old Client Registry Information System (Enhanced) (CRISE) system for determination of Medicaid eligibility.

The ACA mandated numerous changes in the Medicaid program, including the requirement that states develop an online application process based on the Modified Adjusted Gross Income of an applicant and, whenever possible, in real time. While enrollment got off to a slow start in October, applications were beginning to come in at a steady pace by the end of the year.

key facts

2013

• Over 35,000 individuals received Medicaid health care coverage each month. This is about one-fourth of Clark County’s population.

• As of December 2013, over 25,000 individuals received food assistance benefits.

• Nearly 700 children received Child Care benefits each month.

• Over 850 applications were received for PRC services.

• Nearly 33,000 RidesPlus trips were taken by eligible customers for medical appointments and employment in 2013.

IN OCTOBER, CLARK COUNTY RESIDENTS BEGAN APPLYING FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS AVAILABLE THROUGH FEDERALLY-AUTHORIZED MEDICAID EXPANSION (PART OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT).

9

Family & Children

services

Family & Children Services t

HE PRIMARY GOAL FOR THE Family & Children Services division (FCS) is always to promote safety, permanency, and well-being for all Clark County children. Our practice and our commitment to the community is to ensure that there is an array of community-based, in-home services available to all families who work with FCS to help families stay together. When children cannot be safely maintained in their own homes, FCS works to secure safety, permanency, and wellbeing for children by first placing children with people they know and trust — kinship caregivers — and when needed, in licensed foster homes. FCS strives to reunify children with their families, and when that is not possible, adoption is always the goal.

children in our custody Throughout 2013, FCS averaged 115 children in custody with placements in foster homes or residential treatment facilities, down from approximately 300 children in custody as recently as four years ago. 178 children were placed with kinship caregivers. 18 children secured permanency through adoption.

10

trends noted in 2013 2013 has seen several notable trends. First, FCS provided services to 92 drug-exposed newborn babies, up from 36 in 2012. Both state and national statistics show a steady increase in opiate addiction, which along with mental health disorders, are the two primary reasons that children cannot safely remain with their families.

Second, there are a number of children who “age out” of the foster care system who need ongoing support and guidance. FCS provided services to 19 children between the ages of 18 and 21 that included housing, education, support, and employment related services.

significant statewide initiative. In August 2013, the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services in collaboration with the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and the Ohio Department of Public Safety began a partnership with the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers and all county child advocacy centers. As a result, a first response system for human trafficking victims has been identified.

finding new ways to support clark county’s elderly citizens

Third, over 90% of the Clark County children who are eligible for adoption are adopted by their foster parents, which is a great route to permanency for children. The down side of this is that FCS loses 15 to 20 foster homes annually, and we are in constant need of foster parents, especially for older youth.

FCS also provides protective services to Clark County adults 60 years and older. In 2013, FCS provided services to 104 adults that included both coordination of in-home services and facilitation of placement in long-term care facilities. FCS has begun a collaborative partnership with United Senior Services with the goal to create a community-wide, interdisciplinary team to provide best practice interventions and services to Clark County’s growing population of elderly citizens.

taking a stand against human trafficking

family & children services is going paperless

The CAC is our local lead agency on human trafficking, an issue that has become a

At Family & Children Services (FCS), a team has been working diligently to convert the

agency’s forms to be compatible on the new COMPASS Pilot program. This team was able to get training in order to take part in this pilot program and launch a new paperless initiative. The team has converted over 100 forms that FCS workers use. We are now currently adding more forms each day and making sure the previously converted forms are easily accessible and up-to-date. As a result, the COMPASS Pilot program is transitioning FCS into a more technologically advanced and highly efficient organization.

success

stories

how kinship care filled the gap while one mom journeyed to recovery

a

shley gave birth to her daughter, Breannah, in August 2012. Both Ashley and Breannah tested positive for opiates. Ashley admitted to being a heroin addict.

She attended intensive outpatient treatment at Mckinley Hall for several months, but when she relapsed, she was recommended for Residential Treatment. Ashley entered Women’s Recovery Center in January 2013. She successfully completed their program and was placed in Mckinley Hall’s transitional housing. Ashley was also enrolled in Clark County Intervention Court. She was reunified with Breannah — who had been in the temporary custody of Ashley’s mom — in August 2013. Family & Children Services (FCS) filed a Protective Supervision Order, and we continued to work with Ashley.

Ashley followed through with all of her Mental Health treatment and remained on her medications as recommended. She graduated from Mckinley Hall in January 2014, and she also graduated from Clark County Intervention Court in March 2014.

After her journey to recovery, Ashley has a new ambition — to work at Women’s Recovery Center, where she will have a chance to tell her story to other women and to help them overcome addiction just like she did.

11

Family & Children

services

foster family builds open relationship with birth mom Relationships between birth parents and foster parents can often be difficult, but more and more, we have witnessed a growing “openness� among parents in the adoption process. A recent example: One of our foster families at FCS worked hard to develop a good, open relationship with the birth mom of their foster son. They never belittled her and always encouraged her to work on her case plan. As a result, the birth mom often shared stories with the foster parents and trusted them with information about her son. When it became apparent that the birth mom would not be able to properly care for her son and meet his basic needs, FCS received permanent custody.

The foster parents wanted to adopt their foster son, but they also were open about wanting to retain a good relationship with the birth mom.

The foster parents have been able to set some guidelines with the birth mother regarding visits and who is responsible to contact, therefore leaving contact in the birth mother’s hands. The foster parents have already supervised a couple of visits with the birth mother, and the soon-to-be adoptive son is very attached to the foster family and is doing very well in the home.

12

Success Stories how differential response proved to be the right response Family & Children Services (FCS) became involved with Mary and Harold due to their home’s condition, where they lived with their children Burgundy (8) and Curtis (2).

Mary was immediately fearful that Family & Children Services would take her children away. The family’s home was infested with bedbugs and cockroaches. Dirty dishes piled the counter and family’s bedroom.

It appeared no one cleaned, and trash overflowed in the kitchen.

After Family & Children Services got involved, we scheduled visits at the home 3-4 times a week and provided cleaning items and suggestions. FCS also helped Mary and Harold work with the children to learn the importance of cleaning and hygiene. Mary and Harold responded without hesitation or excuses. They cleared the home of trash, and they were able to clear the unused living room enough to create a family space, where they moved a coffee table and began to eat as a family each night. The parents also regularly met with a Parent Aide and followed some recommendations.

With help, Mary and Harold were able to recognize some of the safety hazards they had not been cognizant of before. FCS also made unannounced home visits. After some weeks of working with the family, these visits

were successful — the children were clean, the beds were always made, and Mary and Harold kept dishes washed and food stored safely.

FCS was able to help provide new beds and bedding for both the children and parents. The family was sponsored for Christmas, and FCS was able to help provide hygiene and cleaning items. We also connected the family with the Project Jericho program. We are encouraged to see that Mary and Harold were willing to do everything necessary to ensure their home was safe for their children.

that the family could not have afforded otherwise. After some time, the children were able to return home to live with one parent and receive strong family support.

Throughout all of this, the children were able to remain in the same school system with as little disruption to their lives as possible.

THROUGHOUT 2013, FCS AVERAGED 115 CHILDREN IN CUSTODY WITH PLACEMENTS IN FOSTER HOMES OR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES

helping a family get back on track Family & Children Services (FCS) began working with a family after reports that the family was living in a home that was unclean and unsafe. The family agreed to have the children stay with a grandparent while they worked to clean up the residence. Though both the children and parents were hesitant to trust us, we were eventually able to help.

With the involvement of the family, FCS developed a case plan, and we linked the family with services they needed. The children were able to remain in a safe, stable living environment with people they were familiar with while their parents worked to make the home safe. The parents ended up separating, but one parent worked with a Parent Aide to find appropriate housing. Prevention, Retention, and Contingency funds (PRC) were utilized to help furnish larger household items

13

Child Support

services

Child Support Services

c

LARK COUNTY CHILD SUPPORT Enforcement Agency (CSEA) ended the last federal fiscal year showing improvement in all federal performance categories. Agency staff members were recognized statewide for increases in two areas. With an increase of almost 2.5% over the previous year, Clark County was recognized for “Most Improved Collections on Cases with Arrears in the Large Caseload Division for FFY 2013.”

This is the first year that arrears collections rose above the 60% mark. Staff members were also recognized for achieving “Most Improved Support Order Establishment in the Large Caseload Division for FFY 2013.”

Performance remained strong and showed improvement in the other two incentive categories: 98.6% of the children in our caseload had paternity established, and collections on current support were also the highest ever at 62.8%.

did you

know?

14

CSEA determination pays off for a family in need

CSEA takes a new approach that makes sense for families

In November, CSEA received notification through the Financial Institute Data Match that an obligor who is currently incarcerated had over $45,000 in his bank account.

After investigating, we determined it was appropriate to secure the funds. Once the funds arrived, CSEA staff members also tracked down the custodial parent who had moved out of state.

For the first time in 2013, Clark County used the Waiver and Compromise program to eliminate over $10,000 of uncollectible child support arrears that were owed to the state and county.

This program enabled CSEA to eliminate child support arrears where continued enforcement of the obligation would no longer serve the best interest of the child. During 2014, we will continue to expand this program to support the collection and disbursement of child support collections to families.

Once phone contact was made, a CSEA staff member was able to give her the good news that we would soon be able to release $45,075.50 owed to her in child support payments. While it did not take care of all of the arrears, it certainly brought them down!

Stories like this may not be a daily occurrence, but when they do, they give us the hope and determination we need to keep striving for positive outcomes for parents and children.

This approach is designed to recognize the fact that over the years, some obligations were set at unreasonable levels. Through this process, no money that is owed directly to the family is forgiven. Waiving or compromising some of the state or county monies owed can allow more money to go directly to the family.

IN 2013, THE CHILD SUPPORT STAFF RECEIVED RECOGNITION FROM THE STATE OF OHIO FOR THE “MOST IMPROVED COLLECTIONS ON CASES WITH ARREARS IN THE LARGE CASELOAD DIVISION.”

575

The number of modifications completed on child support orders in 2013. This is essential in helping keep orders current with changing circumstances.

$717,767

The amount brought in through partnerships with the courts and law enforcement by CSEA to offset costs of these county partners as they assist with Child Support.

our

mission

At Clark County Child Support Enforcement Agency, we offer guidance and enforcement to ensure the well-being of children is achieved throughout our community.

15

vital statistics Children under our protection who remain in their own homes December 2010..................... 799 December 2011...................... 633 December 2012..................... 462 December 2013...................... 471 Children under our protection who are in our custody December 2010...................... 121 December 2011.......................123 December 2012...................... 119 December 2013......................105

2013 expenditures for selected services job & family services of clark county

Children receiving subsidy for child care December 2010................... 1,064 December 2011...................... 937 December 2012.................... 1,114 December 2013..................... 984

Administration and Operations $3,919,693 1.2% Families receiving ongoing cash assistance Case Management (all divisions) $10,339,935 3.1% December 2010................... 1,086 Contracted Services $4,305,954 1.3% December 2011.......................749 Disability Assistance Program $306,893 0.1% December 2012......................251 Food Assistance Program $43,313,122 13.0% December 2013...................... 147 Juvenile Court Placement Agreement $1,170,000 0.4% Medicaid Benefits $253,504,252 76.2% Individuals receiving health coverage through Medicaid Cash Assistance to Families $3,719,272 1.1% December 2010.................32,057 One-Time Emergency Assistance to Families $319,106 0.1% December 2011..................32,581 Out-of-Home Placement Costs $4,363,060 1.3% December 2012.................33,981 Subsidized Child Care Benefits to Families $4,656,090 1.4% December 2013................ 35,489 Workforce Development $1,726,183 0.5% RidesPlus Transportation Assistance $1,129,060 0.3% Individuals receiving food assistance

December 2010................ 26,353 TOTAL $332,772,620 100.0% December 2011..................27,283 December 2012................ 26,588 December 2013................. 25,031 Individuals receiving job training assistance December 2010..................... 498 December 2011...................... 209 December 2012......................216 December 2013....................... 53

1345 Lagonda Ave. Springfield, OH 45503 P.O. Box 967A Springfield, OH 45501-1037 T 937.327.1700 | www.clarkdjfs.org Job & Family Services of Clark County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Individuals paying on child support orders December 2010................... 8,167 December 2011.................... 8,139 December 2012.................. 8,263 December 2013...................8,412

board of clark county commissioners

milestone employee recognition

Richard Lohnes, President David Hartley John Detrick Nathan Kennedy, County Administrator

40 Years Carla Allender

2013 clark county department of job & family services planning council Mr. Ted McClenen, Chair Mr. Charles Patterson, Vice Chair Mr. Charlie Bush Ms. Wynette Carter-Smith Ms. Marilyn Demma Ms. Marlo Fox Ms. Pamela Greene Mr. Robert Suver Rev. Eli Williams

2013 clark county workplus board Mr. Dale Briggs, Chair Mr. Jason Barlow Ms. Mindi Bonifay Mr. Charlie Bush Ms. Joyce Chilton Ms. Wendy Ford Mr. Rodney Hickman Mr. Scott Griffith Mr. Steve Eisentrager Mr. Rick Smith Dr. Karen Rafinski Ms. Hope Rice Ms. Sheila Rice Mr. Bill Robinson Mr. Dale Smith Mr. Virgil Wright

30 Years Stefania Falke Karen Mullins 25 Years Virginia Brown Lisa Capper Leitha Embry Donna Phipps Sharon Williams 20 Years Angelia Beedy Amy Campbell Karena Clay John Forhan Barbara Knisley Malea Miller Tammy Moore Beth Patton Sabrina Whitt 15 Years Valerie Adkins Angela Baker Denise Estep Susan McDonough Patricia Moseley Tracy Perks Mary Ellen West 5 Years Alexander Stevenson

2013 summary of revenue sources Federal 76.8% State 20.3% Local Children Services Levy 2.1% Local Government Funding 0.2% Miscellaneous & Third Party 0.6%

100.0%