Harrison County Blue Ribbon Committee prioritizes child safety policy recommendations

The Harrison County Blue Ribbon Committee convened on June 20, 2025, to address pressing issues related to child welfare and protective services in the region. The meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to developing focused policies aimed at improving safety for children in Harrison County, particularly in light of ongoing challenges faced by the Child Protective Services (CPS).

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the need for a streamlined approach when presenting proposals to state officials, including the governor. Committee members emphasized the importance of creating a clear and concise plan that addresses specific issues, particularly those related to children testing positive for drugs at birth. The committee aims to prioritize these matters while acknowledging the importance of other issues raised in previous meetings.

The committee has been working on three separate issues since July of the previous year, and members expressed a sense of urgency to finalize policies that would enhance the safety of children in the community. The proposed policies will be drafted with input from professionals in the medical and educational fields before being presented to the Board of Supervisors for approval. Once approved, the committee plans to forward the proposals to the governor.

In addition to child welfare, the meeting also touched on the need for a dedicated committee for adult protective services. Several advocates voiced concerns about the inadequacies of current adult protective services, citing instances where vulnerable individuals faced exploitation without adequate support. The committee members expressed their willingness to explore the formation of a new committee to address these critical issues.

The meeting concluded with a report from Memorial Hospital, which indicated a slight increase in CPS case reports over the past months. However, committee members noted improvements in communication and collaboration with CPS, which has led to more timely responses to cases requiring urgent attention.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to reconvene in July, although the location may change due to budget hearings scheduled in the usual meeting space. The ongoing discussions reflect a proactive approach by the Harrison County Blue Ribbon Committee to tackle complex social issues and enhance the welfare of both children and vulnerable adults in the community.