1. Lorain County Children Services Providing safety, permanency, and well-being to Lorain County’s abused and neglected children.

2. Our levy provides funding for two separate entities 1. Lorain County Children Services 2. Lorain County’s portion of Ohio’s Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) funding This presentation will focus on the funding need for Lorain County Children Services.

3. Lorain County Children Services  Since 1999, we have maintained national accreditation by the Council on Accreditation.  Responds to 4,000 referrals annually.  Is one of the few jurisdictions in the country to meet all Department of Health and Human Services goals under the Children and Families Services Reviews.  Profiled by the national Casey Family Programs as an innovative agency (“Pathway of Hope”).  Staffed with social workers (MSW, MSSA) committed to best practice and continuous improvement.

4. Total Revenue (includes federal, state, and local) 2009 Revenue - $18,244,725 2013 Revenue – $15,470,754 $2.7 million decline in revenue to support services for maltreated children.

5. Federal Revenue 23% decline in federal revenue

6. State Revenue 17% decline in state revenue According to the Public Children Services Association of Ohio & Center for Community Solutions, Ohio ranks 50 th (lowest) in the nation in its proportion of overall state investment for child welfare.

7. Local (levy) Revenue 8% decline in local (levy generated) revenue

8. Staffing levels have declined to reflect revenue reductions. Reduced 38 positions - 25% decrease in staffing levels  22 Support  10 Program  6 Administration 28 bargaining 10 non bargaining 2009 2014

9. With passage of this levy, we can continue to meet the needs of our community’s maltreated children. Projected

10. 1.5 mil renewal with.3 increase Will allow us to maintain the current level of services. Will allow the county to provide its share to the BCMH. Assures that our community can continue its obligation to abused and neglected children. The.3 mil increase sought in this levy would cost a homeowner only an additional $.88 per month for each $100,000 property value. Cost to homeowner

11. Lorain County Children Services Providing safety, permanency, and well-being to Lorain County’s abused and neglected children.