Mahoning County CSB group home workers receive layoff notices

YOUNGSTOWN — Workers at the last remaining Mahoning County Children Services Board group home on Glenwood Avenue are receiving layoff notices this afternoon in a meeting at CSB’s downtown headquarters.

With the last of eight teenagers having moved out of the Glenwood Avenue home Friday, the 22 group home workers are being laid off effective June 26, said Randall Muth, CSB executive director.

The group-home residents were placed with relatives or in foster homes; and one ran away, Muth said.

When CSB decided in April to leave the group-home business, Muth said the group-home model of care is antiquated, with family foster homes being preferable placements for children.

Karen U’Halie, county human resources director, and Linda Merlo, county benefits specialist, arrived at CSB offices just before the start of the 2 p.m. meeting, at which Merlo was to answer any questions related to employee benefits.