Clinton County Job and Family Services – Child Protection Unit celebrated 15 years of Kinship Care recently at a celebration meeting. Former Clinton County Juvenile and Probate Judge G. Allen Gano gave the keynote address to the group regarding the difference they have made in the lives of the children they are raising and the positive impact that only they could have on their futures, giving examples from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Job and Family Services is committed to supporting grandparents, relatives, and community members who care for children who cannot be safe in their birth homes. Whenever possible, kinship caregivers are sought out for children if they are unable to remain in their own homes due to issues of child abuse and neglect. If these caregivers are unavailable, Children Services provides care through the foster care program. There are currently 32 licensed foster care families.
“We are grateful to Clinton County United Way for partnering with us to support and encourage these caring community members who are part of our Kinship Program,” said Job and Family Services Director Kathi Spirk.
The Clinton County Children Services Kinship Care Support Group provides information, education and connection with other caregivers in similar situations.
The Kinship Care support group meets the last Thursday of each month. For more information about the Kinship Care Program at Clinton County Children Services, contact Dawn Yeakley, Kinship Care Coordinator, at 937-382-5935, ext. 1236.
