New group home coming to Fremont

FREMONT — A new initiative in Sandusky County aims to expand local support for youth through a community-based group home. It involves a new group home for local youth in custody, launched and overseen by Sandusky County Job and Family Services. This initiative is made possible through a groundbreaking partnership and funding secured from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties. The facility, coming to a site at 410 Birchard Ave. in Fremont, will serve those between the ages of 8 and 21 in a trauma-informed, community-based setting that prioritizes family ties, educational continuity and local support systems. Addressing a critical need On average, at any given time, Sandusky County places about 10 children in group homes or residential treatment centers, often hundreds of miles away. These placements cost the county between $1 million and $1.5 million annually, creating significant barriers for affected individuals to maintain family and community connections, according to a news release. "These are our youth, and we have a responsibility to address their needs in this community if we can," said Melanie Allen, director at Sandusky County Job and Family Services. "When our youth are placed so far away, they cannot maintain ties to their community, school and service providers, let alone family." A collaborative approach The new group home will operate as a qualified residential treatment program under the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, according to a news release. The partnership with the mental health board ensures that specialized mental health services are embedded directly into the care model, emphasizing trauma-informed practices, skill development and strong community engagement. Financial, community impact The facility is projected to cost $700,000 annually to operate and will initially serve at least four youth. With current out-of-county placement costs ranging from $300 to $900 per day, the local option is expected to significantly reduce expenses while eliminating travel burdens for caseworkers and families, according to a news release. The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board has provided $500,000 over the next two years to support the project. "The mental health board is committed to developing projects that will have a lasting impact on the emotional well-being of our youth," said Mircea Handru, director of the local mental health board. "Having a local home as a placement option is vital for our youth in care." Sandusky County commissioner, Scott Miller added, "We support the efforts to serve our youth in this county and expending these costs in Sandusky County will make a big difference." Officials will continue to look for funding to cover the $200,000 balance. "County general funds are utilized for the costs of care for youth in out-of-home placements and funding from the mental health board will offset those costs during those first two years of the operation of the group home," Allen said. "During this time, we will continue to seek any additional funds to assist us in sustaining this project long term." Next steps With funding secured, the department will begin the process of establishing the group home with the goal of opening its doors in the near future. The initiative marks a significant step forward in providing compassionate, cost-effective care for Sandusky County's most vulnerable youth. People can learn more by calling the department at 419-334-3891 or emailing melanie.allen@jfs.ohio.gov.