Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Abuse Prevention topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners declare April Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month after county presentation
Summary
County officials received a presentation from Craig Rickett highlighting improved investigative timeliness and an increase in finalized adoptions (68 in 2024 to 80 in 2025); the board read a proclamation and publicized reporting resources and hotline details.
Commissioner Carolyn Rice introduced Craig Rickett, who presented an overview of Montgomery County’s efforts for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month and a proclamation declaring April as the awareness month.
Rickett told the commissioners the county was recognized by the Department of Children and Youth in 2025 as “the most improved large county with timeliness of their intake investigative dispositions,” and he cited adoption figures that rose from 68 finalized adoptions in 2024 to 80 in 2025. He directed residents to report suspected abuse at mcohio.org and by phone at 937-224-KIDS (937-224-5437).
The presentation included a printed fact sheet with key figures: 1,526 child abuse/neglect reports and 1,145 alternative response assessments in 2025; an average of 824 youths in custody; 119 foster homes; and 107 kinship placements. Commissioner Rice read the proclamation; Commissioners Rice, Dodge and McDonald along with County Administrator Michael Colbert thanked the Coalition of Clubs and the children services team.
Rickett also recognized Jordan Deaton as the third consecutive youth recipient of the Leader of Tomorrow Award at the Public Children Services Association of Ohio’s annual conference in September 2025. The board encouraged public participation in awareness activities including a Wear Blue Day and provided the hotline and website for reporting.
