Mahoning CSB to close final group home

YOUNGSTOWN

Consistent with a state and national trend away from institutional residential settings, the Mahoning County Children Services Board will close its last group home this year and abolish the jobs of 24 workers there.

The board voted to take that action today after an executive session with the county commissioners and its own executive session concerning the contract issues posed by the change.

In its resolution to close its Glenwood Avenue group home and abolish the jobs, the board directed Randall Muth, its executive director, “to take all necessary steps to initiate the layoff and recall procedures” required by state law and its labor contract with Communications Workers of America Local 4300.

“We are transitioning away from that [group home] level of care toward family foster homes,” Muth explained. “That group-home level of congregate care is an outdated way of responding to these kids.”

Read more about the situation in a Vindicator exclusive in Friday's paper and on Vindy.com.