County searches for foster parents
By D.A. WILKINSON
LISBON
Columbiana County is searching for good foster parents.
The Columbiana County Department of Jobs and Family Services has more than 80 children that need such care.
The good news is that number was about 100 children at this time in 2009.
Rachel Ketterman, the children services administrator for the agency, said that foster parents are needed not only in the cities but throughout the county.
“They are needed in Damascus and Minerva and Rogers and New Waterford and Wellsville and Salineville,” she said.
And how do you tell which youth is in foster care?
“You can’t,” Ketterman said.
The children have been removed from their homes for reasons beyond their control because of abuse or neglect in their families.
Ketterman said that efforts are made so foster children can lead normal lives such as going to proms or take part in sports without anyone knowing their background.
“We try to make it as normal as possible,” she said.
A free training class to become a certified foster parent will be offered Saturday, May 15 and 22. The department also has a program to keep children in their family without having to resort to foster care. Part of in-home care is called Multi Systemic Treatment, which she says is “very intense in-home therapy.” With it, counselors are available to provide crisis- intervention help 24 hours a day.
Eileen Dray-Bardon, the director of the agency, said that keeping the youths in their home if possible is better for them and reduces costs to the county. For more information on the programs, call (330) 424-7781, ext. 3149.