Children Services agencies in Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties have established the Northeast Ohio Treatment Foster Care Collaborative, an initiative aimed at developing a public treatment foster care program for children in need across the three counties.

This effort focuses on providing specialized care for children who have experienced trauma from abuse and neglect. Children facing such challenges often require a higher level of care that is best provided in a nurturing home environment. This collaborative will create stable, supportive atmospheres where trained families can help children heal, fostering consistency and trust.

Key components of the collaborative include:

● Many traumatized children need a specialized support system. Families with experience in special needs care can significantly aid healing and stability.

● The program offers weekly contact with a treatment team leader, regular interaction with a dedicated team of providers, mentorship and access to resources, and respite services from fellow caregivers, as well as 24 / 7 access to agency staff and clinical support staff.

● Minimum qualifications of treatment foster caregiver applicants include: 365 days of experience as a certified caregiver, 60 hours of relevant training, five years of cumulative experience caring for children and one year of experience with special needs children. Caregivers must actively participate in developing the treatment services for their children and meet all state licensing requirements.

This initiative represents a commitment by Mahoning, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties to support vulnerable children and their families.

Richard Tvaroch, executive director of Mahoning County Children Services, said “The Northeast Ohio Treatment Foster Care Collaborative is desperately needed in our community. Children who have experienced trauma often struggle to find safe environments. This collaborative ensures they receive specialized care, helping them regain stability and trust.”

Marilyn Pape, executive director of Trumbull County Children Services, adds that “this tri-county approach to serving children is both innovative and exciting, and a way to pull resources to better care for children.”

Tania Burnett, executive director of Ashtabula County Children Services Board, is “thrilled about this opportunity to better support children within our three counties.”

For more information about the Northeast Ohio Treatment Foster Care Collaborative, contact Jared Wert at 330-372-2010.