Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Welfare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Athens County proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month, ACCS outlines outreach and foster-care challenges
Summary
The board unanimously proclaimed April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month and April 8 Wear Blue Day; ACCS described pinwheel displays, KidFest and challenges recruiting treatment foster parents, and noted legislative pressure on placement costs.
Athens — The Board of Athens County Commissioners unanimously proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and designated April 8 as Wear Blue Day after a presentation by Matthew Starkey of Athens County Children Services (ACCS).
ACCS outlined awareness activities including installation of about 200–300 pinwheels on the courthouse lawn, promotion of Wear Blue Day, and plans for KidFest (April 18 at Walter Fieldhouse) and a Volunteer and Intern Banquet. ACCS also previewed a WOUB radio series focused on foster-care experiences and described the Treatment Foster Care Program, which currently has three to four trained treatment foster parents and is recruiting more to reduce out-of-county placements.
Starkey told commissioners rising placement costs and limited bed availability across agencies are ongoing challenges; ACCS mentioned proposed state rate-card changes that could address cost stability. The board approved the proclamation on a unanimous vote.
