Richland County proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month as agency cites rise in drug-positive child cases
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Summary
Richland County Commissioners on March 31 proclaimed April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month. Richland County Children Services reported rising physical-abuse cases and that 40% of 623 drug screens in 2025 were positive, linking some increases to local drug use.
The Richland County Board of Commissioners on March 31 read and presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month and heard agency leaders describe an uptick in drug-positive tests among children.
"This year, we investigated 1,455 child victims," said Tara Lattzenheiser, executive director of Richland County Children Services, adding that the agency counted 975 cases in 2025. Lattzenheiser told the board that neglect historically has been the largest category of investigation but that physical abuse rose sharply in 2024 and 2025 and said drug use was a major factor.
Lattzenheiser said the agency conducted 623 drug screens in 2025 and that "40 percent of all of those that we tested were positive." She described one recent infant drug screen that tested positive for multiple substances and urged community members to report concerns to the agency so staff can intervene.
Bridget Coles, the agency's community engagement supervisor, outlined outreach planned for April: a kickoff rally at the YMCA of North Central Ohio with state and local officials, a pledge card residents and businesses can sign, pinwheel displays and a monthlong slate of partner events and tables at community sites. "Businesses can do it. We encourage schools... Print them out," Coles said of the pledge card, and she asked residents to share photos of pledge cards to amplify the campaign.
Carl Honnell of Richland Source asked whether local dispensary sales were linked to the increase in THC products found in homes. Lattzenheiser replied that she did not have specific data tying any child's positive test to a particular purchase point but said the agency had seen an "uptick... in THC in the homes," particularly edible gummies that children sometimes mistake for candy.
Commissioners received the proclamation and posed brief remarks supporting the agency's outreach and prevention efforts. No formal board action beyond presentation was required; the board provided the proclamation to Children Services staff and accepted a pledge card for the county's participation in the April campaign.
The agency asked residents to call its 24-hour reporting line at (419) 774-4100 to make anonymous reports or request help.
