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Residents urge stronger oversight for Children Services, back prevention programs at commissioners meeting
Summary
Multiple public commenters raised allegations about foster‑care safety, missing youth after emancipation, and community violence; speakers urged accountability from Montgomery County Children Services and support for prevention and mental‑health programs including an "Awaken" training planned for August in Dayton.
Several residents used the public‑comment period to press the Board of County Commissioners on child welfare and community violence. Bridgett Lare Hatch described personal experience and introduced a transformational training program called "Awaken," which she plans to bring to Dayton in August and described as focused on solutions and improving decision‑making.
Shondale Atkinson alleged that seven children on Wroe Avenue had experienced ongoing abuse, said multiple reports were made to law enforcement and Children Services, and called for greater accountability and transparency. Theresa Darr reported concerns about outcomes for youth who have aged out of foster care, requested information on three youth now missing, and provided a handout to the board and County Administrator. County Administrator Michael Colbert responded on the record that specific Children Services cases cannot be discussed publicly under Ohio law, that custody decisions are made by courts, and reiterated that Children Services operates under state and federal oversight. The speakers urged investment in prevention, mental‑health services, mentorship and scholarships for youth.
