2009 was busiest year in agency history
By
January 2, 2010
The number 2,748 is not a number taken lightly.
But the stark reality of that number is it represents the record number of child
abuse/neglect investigations launched by Richland County Children Services in 2009.
That is a significant 29 percent increase over 2008 and a 26 percent increase over the
previous yearly record of 2,182 investigations initiated in 2004.
We take no pride in that number. Nor do we salute the fact our agency received a record
7,274 total calls for assistance in 2009 from moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles,
siblings, teachers, doctors, principals, other family members, friends and neighbors.
But as an agency that has helped protect children and serve families in Richland County
for 123 years, we take great pride in the fact we always answered the call and took
whatever steps were necessary to accomplish our mission.
It was the busiest year in the history of Richland County Children Services. In fact, our
agency is one of the busiest in the state, regardless of population. Butler County in
southwest Ohio, for example, had 2,852 investigations in 2008 in a county three times
larger than Richland in terms of population.
Despite the record-setting need for assistance to children and familes. we met every
challenge while living within our budget and with a staff size smaller than in previous
years. It’s been said so much it’s become a cliché – but we did find ways to do more with
less in 2009.
One thing remained constant in 2009, even as the work level increased. Our mission
remains the same – secure the safety of children who are in danger of abuse or neglect.
We spent the year constantly trying to improve our services and outcomes so children and
families can heal and grow toward a brighter, safer future together.
By every measurable element of child protective services, we succeeded in 2009. Our
agency was evaluated by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services last year as it
conducted its child protection oversight and evaluation of our work. ODJFS focuses on
reviewing federal outcome measures and on reviewing the agency’s case record
compliance rates.
When the thorough review was complete, RCCS was one of a few county child
protective agencies in the Ohio not ordered to conduct a quality improvement plan.
The ODJFS report said, “The time and effort put forth in this process by your
administration and staff are truly appreciated and we congratulate you for your
exceptional performance in the review.”
This annual report demonstrates important areas of that success. But we will not, we
cannot, rest. This is a new year and with it come new challenges and opportunities to
serve Richland County children and families.
(Randy Parker has been the executive director of Richland County Children Services
since 2002.)
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