New foster program developed

FREMONT — Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot counties have developed a new program for youth in need of care. The Tiered Treatment Foster Home Program builds on collaborative efforts with the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky & Wyandot counties. Youth requiring out-of-home care while remaining in or near their community in a more specialized setting is the goal of the Treatment Foster Care Program. This new program will be led by Jenni Zaika, the Treatment Foster Care Program Lead for all three counties. Zaika will work with currently licensed family foster homes to begin the process of upgrading to therapeutic homes and recruit new treatment homes. Zaika will work closely with those families and the children to bring about local therapeutic care for children who are often placed out of the county, and sometimes out of state. Treatment foster homes require additional specialized training to work with youth that has significant needs. While the counties are the first to embark on this type of collaborative effort in Ohio, Sandusky County director Melanie Allen and Wyandot County supervisor Megan Rowe also serve on the policy workgroup to help develop a tiered treatment foster care program statewide. In Sandusky County, there are 15 licensed foster homes. There are 31 children in the custody of the county and 16 of those children are placed out of the county in a congregate care setting due to having a higher level of need. However, Allen said some of these children would thrive in a less-restrictive setting. "Children of this county deserve a home-like setting and we are seeking caregivers with the dedication and skill-set needed to give these kids a chance," Allen said. "Having someone to work with them and not give up on them when they have setbacks is something they desperately need. Far too often, the older teens age out of the foster system without having a place to call home. It is important to us to do better." Anyone interested in more information about what treatment foster care is or how to become licensed may reach out to Jenni at Jenni.Zaika2@jfs.ohio.gov.