As the opioid epidemic destroys, or ends, the lives of parents, what happens to the children? Who will take care of them when parents are deep in addiction or when they never awake from overdose? The foster care system in Ohio is overwhelmed with the children of addicts, taxing the limits of public agencies, and extended families. And the need will keep growing. We continue our coordinated coverage, "Opioid Crisis: The Ripple Effect" by discussing the impact on children and the strain placed on grandparents, extended families and the foster care system.
Jacqueline Fletcher, Social Program Administrator, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services
Wendy Tracy, Executive Director, Pathway Caring for Children
Scott Britton, Assistant Director, Public Children Services Association of Ohio
Donna Gillen, Raising Granddaughter, NE Ohio Fight Against Addiction
Karen Kasler, Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News Bureau Chief
Links Mentioned On Air
Opioids: The Ripple Effect
Amy Eddings Report on 30 Days to Family Pilot Program
Public Children Services Assocation of Ohio Report on Foster Care Need
Foster Parenting Resources:
Information for Prospective Foster Parents
Training Schedule for Cuyahoga Division of Children and Family Services
Information for Grandparents
Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services
Cuyahoga County Quality Parenting Initiative