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Belmont County adopts PACT model MOU with state association and names April Child Abuse Prevention Month
Summary
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the PACT child-welfare practice model with the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and adopted a proclamation designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month; DJFS staff reported 1,450 calls in 2025 leading to 454 investigations and described new foster-care initiatives.
The Belmont County Board of Commissioners on April 1 approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Children Services Association of Ohio to implement the Practice in Action Together (PACT) model at Belmont County Job and Family Services.
DJFS Director Jeff Felton told the board that Belmont County is one of six counties applying to adopt the practice model and said the approach is intended to strengthen relationships among caseworkers and families and improve client service. Administrator Christine Parker provided statistics for 2025: county staff received 1,450 calls that resulted in 454 investigations and the average number of children in custody was 59; the agency reported having 42 foster homes and a mix of kinship placements. Parker said the county is starting a Treatment Foster Home program, "We have two homes that are officially with us, one in the works, and possibly another one. We're starting another program called Ohio START, and that is for families that become involved with us due to having substance abuse disorders."
The board also adopted a proclamation designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Belmont County. The proclamation emphasizes partnerships among child welfare, education, health agencies, community and faith-based organizations and law enforcement to prevent child abuse and neglect.
The MOU and proclamation were approved by unanimous roll-call vote. DJFS staff and administrators attended the meeting and spoke about the initiatives during public comment.
