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Belmont County authorizes Job and Family Services director to open bank accounts for children in custody
Summary
The board passed a resolution under Chapter 5153 of the Ohio Revised Code allowing the director of the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services to establish and maintain individual bank accounts for children in the agency's custody; DJFS Director Jeff Felton said funds exceeding the cost of care will be held separately and cited local banking cooperation.
The Belmont County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 adopted a resolution authorizing the Director of the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) to establish, maintain and close individual bank accounts for children who are in the legal custody of the Public Children Services Agency (PCSA).
The resolution, adopted unanimously, cites Chapter 5153 of the Ohio Revised Code and directs that accounts be used to receive and hold funds such as Social Security benefits, survivor benefits, gifts or inheritances belonging to children in PCSA custody. The resolution requires that funds be used consistent with the child’s best interest, applicable law, juvenile court orders and county fiscal controls and that funds not be commingled.
DJFS Director Jeff Felton said the agency will continue to offset the cost of care where appropriate, but that “anything that exceeds the cost of care, has to be set up in a separate bank account.” He added that the treasurer prefers separate bank accounts and that Belmont Savings Bank had been willing to cooperate with account setup.
The resolution authorizes the DJFS Director to execute necessary banking documents and requires accounting, documentation and oversight in coordination with the County Auditor. Commissioners recorded the vote in favor of the resolution by unanimous roll call.
Next steps: the DJFS Director will establish accounts as needed and follow the documentation and audit requirements set out in the resolution.
