ASHLAND — Peter Stefaniuk said hundreds of cases of child abuse or neglect within Ashland County are reported in a given year.
Stefaniuk, director of the Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services, said the agency investigates those cases in conjunction with local law enforcement.
“That relationship is very important,” he told the Ashland County Board of Commissioners during its meeting Thursday morning.
Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding Thursday between the Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services and its community partner agencies to address child abuse and neglect within the county.
Stefaniuk said the MOU — which addresses the appropriate response to child abuse or neglect cases — was crafted and agreed upon by the agency and its partners.
Participating agencies with signatures on the MOU include the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland police, Loudonville police, Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, city of Ashland law director’s office, Ashland County Common Pleas Court and Ashland County JFS.
The Humane Society of Ashland County was unable to sign the MOU due to not having an agent to investigate cases — instead enlisting local law enforcement when needed.
“This MOU is a huge accomplishment and step forward,” Stefaniuk said. “It acknowledges the positive work relationship that we have in Ashland County between all these various, large entities that have to work together on these important cases to protect our kids.”
The agencies involved in the MOU meet three times throughout the year to discuss procedures and operations, Stefaniuk said. The MOU must be reviewed by all parties involved and approved by commissioners every two years.
Below is a copy of the signed memorandum of understanding between the Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services and its community partner agencies, approved Thursday by commissioners.
Along with investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, Ashland County JFS offers various forms of assistance to residents and links people to community resources.
Some of the assistance provided through Ashland County JFS includes:
- Food
- Cash
- Medical
- Child care
- Non-emergency transportation services
- Nursing home and long-term care Medicaid
- Health and pregnancy related services
The agency also assists with child and adult protective services, child support, foster and adoption and job services.
Ashland County JFS can be contacted by phone at (419)-282-5000.
Child abuse and neglect can be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (419)-282-5001
The agency, located at 15 W. 4th St., is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.