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Seneca County proclaims May 2026 Foster Care Month; agency says foster homes rose to 13
Summary
The county issued a proclamation recognizing Foster Care Month and county staff reported an increase in licensed foster homes from 10 to 13 since December, described recruitment efforts and explained licensing requirements and reimbursement rates.
The Seneca County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Foster Care Month and recognized local foster families on May 26. County children's services staff provided updates on recruitment and services, reporting a rise in licensed foster homes and outlining the licensing process.
Jen Schumacher, the county’s administrator for children’s services, introduced placement supervisor Crystal Smith, who said the county has 13 licensed foster homes (up from 10 at the end of December) and one licensed treatment foster home. "We currently have 13 licensed foster homes," Smith said, describing outreach efforts at community events including local fairs and walks and noting donations from the Lions Club and other groups to support foster families.
Smith described the licensing timeline as typically about six months, requiring 20 hours of training and multiple interviews to assess family fit. She said local reimbursement for regular foster families is about $20 per day and that treatment foster homes receive a different pay scale based on needs and are managed through a collaborative arrangement with neighboring counties.
Commissioners recognized foster families with a group photograph and discussed opportunities for the department to display outreach materials at county events and the fair. Staff said they continue recruiting and encouraged residents interested in fostering to contact the department for applications.
The proclamation recited 2025 local statistics included in the record: counts of children in foster care, reunifications, kinship placements, and the number of certified foster families. Commissioners thanked staff and community partners for outreach and support.
