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Commissioners appoint new CYS advisory board member and renew foster-care contract

Lawrence County Board of Commissioners · November 13, 2025

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Summary

The board appointed Jackie Pontius of Hickory Township to the Children & Youth Services advisory board for a three-year term (Res. 369) and renewed a contract with Bethany Christian Services for foster-care placements at existing daily rates (Res. 370); commissioners approved both by roll call.

Lawrence County commissioners approved an advisory-board appointment and a contract renewal related to Children & Youth Services at the Nov. 12 meeting.

John Bau, director of Children & Youth Services, presented Resolution 369 to appoint Jackie Pontius of Hickory Township to the CYS advisory board for a three-year term. Bau said Pontius currently works in the office as a task coordinator and complex case manager and that she brings advocacy experience for difficult-to-place children. The board approved the appointment by roll call.

Bau also presented Resolution 370, a renewal contract with Bethany Christian Services for foster-care services. Bau said the provider’s daily rates range from $59 to $102 and that there was no percentage increase; the provider currently has three county children placed. Because Bethany submitted required contract paperwork late, the renewal appears at this November meeting but will keep the fiscal-year rates for 2026–27. Commissioners approved the renewal by roll call.

Bau said the provider is covered largely by Act 148 funding, with county share around 20%, and that staff had a frank conversation with the provider about timeliness and future responsiveness.