Commissioners authorize memorandum of understanding with Isaiah 117 House to provide transitional placements for children in county custody

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 authorized Children & Youth Services to enter a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Isaiah 117 House, a volunteer-run transitional home in Butler County that provides short-term, homelike care for children awaiting placement. Staff explained Isaac (Isaiah) 117 House is not a licensed child-care provider in the same way foster-care agencies are; rather, the house provides a supervised, home-like setting and volunteers who support children while county caseworkers retain custody and remain on-site. Officials said the arrangement is intended to reduce the use of hoteling and to provide a calmer environment for children who are waiting for licensed placement or placement with relatives. County CYS staff described the house as a full residential home with donated supplies and a volunteer roster; staff said volunteers undergo background checks and VeriScreen national checks and that CYS staff would remain responsible for decision-making and always be present with children placed there. The board was told Isaiah 117 House provided a certificate of commercial general liability and workers’ compensation insurance and operates at no cost to the county; the MOU was described as a memorandum rather than a provider contract because volunteers and county staff jointly manage care while custody remains with the county. Commissioners approved Resolution 230 authorizing the MOU by unanimous roll call. County officials said they would notify the court system and invited the court or commissioners to visit the facility. No county funds were committed under the MOU. Ending: The MOU will allow CYS to use Isaiah 117 House as a temporary placement option; county staff will notify the court and coordinate procedures, and the arrangement remains contingent on volunteer staffing and standard safety clearances.