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Opioid Epidemic Impacting Children, Overwhelming Foster System

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