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Butler County holds public hearing on Title 20 social-services plan; few public commenters
Summary
County staff held a required public hearing on the Title 20 (Social Services Block Grant) county plan. Department staff described programs that Title 20 funds support and set a one-week comment deadline for draft plan suggestions.
Butler County commissioners opened and closed a public hearing on May 14 to collect input on the county's proposed Title 20 comprehensive social-services plan, a required two-year submission to the state.
Kevin Karpeske, who supervises Adult Protective Services in the Department of Job and Family Services, told commissioners that Title 20 — the federal Social Services Block Grant authorized under the Social Security Act — provides flexible funds for programs that promote self-sufficiency and prevent neglect and exploitation. "What is Title 20? It is the Social Services Block Grant ... Title 20 of the Social Security Act," Karpeske said.
Why it matters: Title 20 funds are allocated by Ohio to counties and can be used for a range of services; the county must hold a public hearing and submit a county profile every two years to the state. The hearing gives residents an opportunity to suggest uses for the funds.
What staff told commissioners - Programs supported: Karpeske listed Adult Protective Services operations (five staff plus supervisor), competency-evaluation contracts, a gap-filler program to help clients who cannot access other in-home services, homemaker and home-health aide services, and a guardianship contract with Lifespan. He also described Title 20–funded children's programs including the TIP therapeutic interagency preschool and a family visitation center. - Timeline and comment deadline: The Title 20 county profile covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. Karpeske said suggestions must be submitted by May 20 and the final plan will be sent to the state in June.
Public comment and outcome No members of the public spoke in favor or in opposition during the hearing. Commissioners moved to close the hearing after the presentation and approved the motion unanimously.
Ending: Karpeske invited questions and said he would accept written suggestions through the May 20 deadline to inform the county's final Title 20 submission.
