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2012

5-22-12
Foster and adoptive parents who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping children will be honored at the annual Butterflies and Blue Ribbons event on Wednesday, May 23. The event also provides an opportunity for those who are interested in foster parenting to receive information and ask questions. The Southwest Ohio Family Care Affiliate (SWOFCA) will honor foster and adoptive parents from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Krohn Conservatory Butterfly Show in Eden Park. The event will feature speakers, food and fun for all. The official program begins at 4 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., families will tour the colorful butterfly display.

5-9-12 Hamilton County Job and Family Services in collaboration with Everyday Heroes ( www.fosterhero.com) will sponsor a live chat Wednesday to answer questions about foster care and becoming a foster parent. To participate, or set a reminder, please click here.
5-4-12

Hamilton County Job and Family Services is teaming up with its community partners to celebrate national Foster Care Month with several May events that recognize the county’s 850 foster children and the foster parents who attempt to give those children a fair chance at life.

5-1-12 A 16-year-old boy who is holding out hope of finding an adoptive family before he becomes an adult is May’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Trenton is a pretty easy-going guy who is great at going with the flow. School is cool to him; he truly enjoys learning and does well in his courses. He doesn’t have a favorite class, but likes the diversity of school and what he studies. This active young man is into all different types of music. Trenton will listen to just about anything; and in fact, after school he will likely be found with an iPod in his ear or an eye on the television.

4-10-12 Thousands of Hamilton County residents will wear blue to work on Wednesday in a show of force against child abuse. Teachers, county workers, elected officials, news anchors and many more have signed on to Hamilton County Job and Family Services’ Wear Blue to Work Day campaign to raise awareness of child support. The April 11 campaign is part of a statewide effort underway in most Ohio counties to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month.
4-4-12
Hamilton County residents seeking food assistance or other aid during tough economic times will now have the option of a self-serve kiosk to help speed their application process with Hamilton County Job and Family Services.  The kiosk,  located in the front lobby, gives consumers an alternative to waiting in line to record required documentation and receive receipts for their transactions. The kiosk will work in conjunction with the agency’s new document-imaging system to speed service time for consumers. The kiosk was funded by a grant from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

4-3-12 A 4-year-old eager to discover the wonders of the world is April’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Hamilton County is spotlighting some of the children it has available for adoption with monthly releases to local media.
3-13-12 Due to changes in the way food assistance (food stamp) amounts are calculated, some food assistance recipients may notice a slight decrease in their monthly amounts beginning in April. The change is based on a federal change and, if you are impacted, a letter will be sent to your address informing you of the new amount.
3-5-12
A young man who wants to see the world is March’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. A sweet and strong 15 year old, DaMarcus would love to travel and see different things with his new family. He is proud of his artistic abilities and his great sense of humor. It’s not often that you find a young man who can paint and draw, as well as excel in science and history class. DaMarcus can and does.

2-10-12

Starting on February 14th 2012, Ohio EPPICard users who call the customer service hotline more than 10 times per month will be charged a fee of 25 cents for each call over the 10th call. The fee has always existed, but the vendor has not previously charged customers. Monitoring has found that some customers call the customer service line repeatedly each month, far exceeding the 10 call limit.

2-1-12 A young lady who would love to celebrate her 16^th birthday by connecting with an adoptive parent is February’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Deborah believes it is never too late to find a forever, loving family. She really wants to be loved and cared for and says she would like a family that likes to communicate and go out to eat at restaurants. To learn more about Deborah, click here.

1-31-12 It is the season for tax scams. Click here for tips to avoid fraud and report those who engage in it. To learn more about safe, free tax preparation, visit http://www.makeworkpay.com/.
1-25-12

Child Support consumers can now access their Child Support case information and payment history through the new Child Support Portal released by ODJFS. Both custodial and non-custodial parents will be able to view up to a year's payment history. Find out more information at https://childsupport.ohio.gov.

1-3-12 A 14 year-old aspiring hero is January’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Aschistian hopes to join the ranks of some of the modern day heroes by becoming a police officer or a firefighter. Aschistian loves reading and watching movies. A forever family that shares his love and takes frequent trips to the library would be ideal. A video featuring Aschistian is available here.

2011

12-20-11
Hamilton County residents struggling to pay for gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a Dec. 22 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. The chat is an opportunity to ask questions about public assistance programs. To participate, click here prior to the 11 a.m. chat: http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/BoldChat/Chat/CoverPage.htm
12-5-11

A 14-year-old girl who likes to write poems and songs is December’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County and Family Services. Starlynn is an outgoing young lady who loves to socialize. This is a girl who loves to talk! She would do well in an outgoing family.  Starlynn loves music, especially rap and country, and some day wants to be a music director or producer. A video featuring Starlynn is available here.

11-18-11

Click here at 9 a.m. to watch the adoption of ten children in celebration of National Adoption Month. Cody, Maxwell, Zachary, Chloe, Ethan, Jamila, Elijah, Adam, Elijah and Jonathon will all join loving families just in time for the holidays. Watch the touching ceremony here.

11-16-11 Ten children will join seven permanent, loving families Friday in a mass adoption ceremony scheduled to celebrate National Adoption Month.  The full ceremony – scheduled for 9 a.m. in Judge James Cissell’s Hamilton County Probate Court -- will be live-streamed over the Internet for all of Hamilton County to see. The children, all victims of abuse and neglect, will join new families in a touching ceremony and celebrate afterwards with their caseworkers, court-appointed advocates, extended families, and other people special to their lives.

11-10-11 Hamilton County Job and Family Services will be closed tomorrow, Nov. 11, in celebration of Veteran's Day. Please plan accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience.
11-4-11 "Damarcus Jackson's heartbreaking death has this community - and JFS - asking serious questions. This tragedy has reverberated through our building. When a child in our care dies, we take it very personally. Even more than that, several here had come to know Damarcus, and his loss has left them with heavy hearts. I assure you we, as much as anyone, want to get answers to those questions." Read the remainder of Director Moira Weir's letter about Damarcus's death here.

11-4-11 "The recession, budget cuts, and exploding caseloads all have had a devastating impact on our community, the people we serve, and our agency. This summer, this volatile combination of events impacted our ability to provide services in the manner you and we have become accustomed. For that, we are truly sorry." Read the remainder of Director Moira Weir's letter to the public, including the steps HCJFS is taking to correct the problem, here.

11-3-11 The statewide system HCJFS uses to determine public assistance eligibility is back in normal operation today. HCJFS will make every effort to contact individuals today that were scheduled for a telephone interview yesterday while the system was down. Questions or concerns can be directed to 946-1000.

11-2-11 An energetic 15-year-old Bengals fan is November’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County and Family Services. Daniel will choose to be outdoors any day of the week, especially if it means he’s playing football or basketball. He plays quarterback and running back for his school’s team, and he loves cheering on the Bengals – even when they’re losing. Daniel does well in school and his favorite subjects are math and science. He also likes to draw. Daniel’s dream day involves fast food, his favorite comic books and some quality time with his remote control cars. A video featuring Daniel is available at http://www.youtube.com/user/hcjfs?feature=mhee#p/u/4/u7SwDDm-BMQ

11-2-11 The statewide system HCJFS uses to determine public assistance eligibility is unexpectedly down today. This will limit our ability to handle telephone appointments or look up client information for consumers that call 946-1000. We hope to resolve these issues as soon as possible and apologize for the inconvenience.

10-31-11 Each year the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency offers help to local residents struggling to pay their winter heating bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program. This year, residents interested in the services should call the appointment and information line at (866) 747-1039. By calling that number, residents can receive information, enroll in the program, receive financial assistance with their heating bill or receive help to purchase fuel for their home.

10-26-11
Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartmann and Job and Family Services Director Moira Weir on Wednesday ordered an independent ombudsman to conduct a review of the case that resulted in DeMarcus Jackson returning to his biological family. To learn more click here.
9-30-11
A 16-year-old boy who loves dogs so much he would someday like to become a veterinarian is October’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County and Family Services. Jamal dreams of a family with a dog to love and follow him around. His love of animals makes visits to the zoo among his favorites, along with trips to Camp Joy, a summer camp for disadvantaged youth. Jamal also enjoys school, skateboarding and playing flag football. He is active and would love a family that stays busy. He especially would love to have older brothers or sisters to hang out with.

9-29-11
By now, parents and providers should have been alerted that Hamilton County will begin using swipe cards to process child care payments beginning Oct. 30. To learn more, click here. Those swipe cards, also known as Ohio ECC cards, will be mailed beginning Oct. 7. The mailing will include instructions on how to use the cards.
9-9-11 Beginning Oct. 30, 2011 Hamilton County Job and Family Services will be replacing vouchers with swipe cards. Parents' vouchers will end Oct. 29 and they will be required to swipe their children in and out each day. Providers must have the swipe-card system installed to receive payment from the state. The new system will allow for better tracking of your taxpayer dollars. To learn more about the changes and what actions you need to take to prepare for them, click here.

9-1-11 Sept. 1 -- A 12-year-old boy with an artistic eye and the mind of an engineer, Keuntay enjoys tinkering around the house by taking gadgets apart and fixing them back up. He would like to be an engineer when he grows up. To learn more about Keuntay, click here.
8-23-11 Hamilton County will hold a live public chat 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, to discuss and answer questions about the more subtle signs of child abuse, along with the importance of the public reporting suspicions of abuse and neglect to the county’s Children’s Services Division. To participate and ask questions in the 2 p.m. chat, residents can click on this link: http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/BoldChat/Chat/ChildAbuse.htm

8-22-11
Hamilton County has launched a public awareness campaign around child abuse that specifically targets those who encounter children in the course of their jobs and encourages them to report suspicions of abuse and neglect. The “Do Ask, Do Tell” campaign goes beyond the bruises and encourages teachers, police officers, doctors, child care workers and other legally-designated “mandated reporters” to look for less obvious signs of neglect or even circumstances where children are placed into dangerous situations. The mandated reporters are to ASK themselves if they have worries about the children they encounter and to TELL Hamilton County Children’s Services when they do.

8-8-11
Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, August 10. The chat will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Child Support cases are confidential by law, so individual cases cannot be discussed in a public forum. General questions will be answered. Click here to chat:  http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/BoldChat/Chat/ChildSupportChat.htm

8-1-11
A 15-year-old girl who loves to sing and dance in drama productions is August’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County and Family Services. Taylor is involved in drama at school and doesn’t miss an opportunity to showcase her talents.  Like most teenagers her age, music and television are defining points in her life. She doesn’t have a musical preference, but will listen to just about anything. She also enjoys taking long walks and roller skating.

8-1-11
Residents interested in learning more about the coming changes to the publicly-funded child care system in Ohio can do so in an Aug. 2  public Internet chat with Hamilton County Job and Family Services. The chat, scheduled for 1:30 p.m., is an opportunity for both parents and providers – or potential providers – to ask questions about the county’s child care program, including changes regarding income eligibility limits and the coming swipe-card system. Also, parents can get information about finding child care and the financial assistance available to them, while providers can learn about starting a home day care and/or caring for children who receive financial assistance through Hamilton County.

7-28-11 A new Most Wanted poster featuring nine parents who combined owe nearly half a million dollars in child support payments will be released today by Hamilton County Job and Family Services as one of the many planned activities for National Child Support Month. The seven men and two women owe more than $488,000 to 18 different children. The person with on the poster with the highest delinquent account is James M. Woodruff, 60, whose last known address was on Iris Avenue in Cincinnati. He owes more than $104,000 to two children.

7-26-11 July 18 -- HCJFS will host a live chat at 11:30 a.m. Thursday for residents with questions about public assistance. To participate or set a reminder, click here. Jim Ashmore, a manager in Performance Improvement, will discuss Medicaid, food assistance and cash assistance. For more information, click here.

7-18-11 Hamilton County residents interested in the adoption process and learning more about the children who are available can ask questions during a live chat scheduled for Wednesday. Recruiter Carrie Fiasco will answer questions from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 20. Residents can participate in the chat by clicking on a link that will be posted on www.hcjfs.org prior to the start. The Department of Job and Family Services has about 850 foster children on any given day, with about 225 available for adoption.

7-11-11 Income guidelines for publicly-funded child care have changed. A family's gross monthly household income now must be equal to or less than 125 percent of the federal poverty level (determined by family size) in order to initially obtain assistance. Families already receiving child care assistance must have incomes that are equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level to maintain eligibility for service. It is extremely important that those receiving assistance now complete reviews in a timely manner or they might be forced to reapply under the lower income guidelines.

7-1-11
A 14-year-old boy who plays guard on his school’s basketball team and some day wants to be a doctor is July’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County and Family Services. Andwele, or AD, spends hours after school working on his jump shot. But he’s a down-to-earth kid who doesn’t harbor dreams of someday joining the NBA, instead he wants to work hard at school so the he can become a doctor.

6-30-11
Hamilton County families receiving state food assistance have a healthier option for fresh produce at two local farmers’ markets that are now accepting the state’s food debit card. Findlay Market and Wyoming Ave. Farmers’ Market will now accept the food cards from the 138,000 residents of Hamilton County who are assisted by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services in meeting their daily food needs. One out of every six Hamilton County residents receives food assistance. In 2010, Hamilton County Job and Family Services distributed $216.6 million in food assistance.

6-13-11

Nearly 40 teens in Hamilton County’s foster care system will bid farewell to high school and say hello to their futures at this year’s “Celebration of Dreams” event. The 13^th annual event will be held at 6 p.m. June 16 at the 20^th Century Theater in Oakley. The event includes dinner and an awards ceremony highlighted by keynote speaker Dr. Gregory H. Williams, president of the University of Cincinnati. Williams will relate his personal tale of overcoming poverty and other challenges to achieve success. The night will be spent honoring teens who have overcome tough backgrounds – sometimes abusive backgrounds -- to graduate high school. The 37 teens invite their foster families and other important people in their lives, such as caseworkers, mentors, court-appointed special advocates and guardian ad litems. They receive gifts and certificates for their achievement.

6-6-11
We are currently experiencing record numbers of applicants for public assistance. Because of this, we are running up to four hours behind on the times for our telephone interviews. If you have been scheduled for a telephone interview with our agency and have not heard from us, we request your patience and ask that you please not call, e-mail, or utilize the on-line chat tool to ask if you interview will be completed unless we have gone beyond the four-hour delay noted above. We greatly apologize for this inconvenience and are working diligently to reduce this backlog.

6-3-11 A brother and sister team – one extroverted and the other a bit shy – are June’s Waiting Children at Hamilton County and Family Services.Thirteen-year-old Destiny is a big sister who loves to be the center of attention while her introverted 10-year-old brother, Cameron, would rather watch and listen. Destiny and Cameron may seem like opposites but they have quite a bit in common. Both enjoy video games, rap music and their favorite TV channel, Disney.

5-24-11 Hamilton County Job and Family Services has been expedited through the Council on Accreditation's re-accreditation process after the Council's exhaustive review found the agency in compliance in all practice areas. The Council’s program of quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have met high performance standards and have made a commitment to their stakeholders to deliver the very best quality services.

5-18-11

May 18 -- In 2010, Hamilton County JFS served one of every three county residents in its Child Support program, one of every six county residents in its public assistance programs and one of every 13 county children in its child welfare program. To learn more about the agency and how it helps Hamilton County residents, check out the recently released annual report.

5-18-11 Hamilton County residents interested in helping the community’s 850 foster children can learn more Monday, May 23, when a MayDay for Foster Children informational rally is held on Fountain Square to raise awareness around foster care.The MayDay event, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature speeches by local dignitaries and foster care experts – slated to start at noon – as well as information booths to educate interested parties in the positive aspects of foster parenting, mentoring, helping children through the child protection court process and more. Dan Hurley of Channel 12’s Newsmakers will emcee the event.

5-17-11 Residents interested in learning more about the subsidized child care and the changes that were enacted this month can sign on to a public Internet chat May 18 with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. The chat will address financial assistance, reimbursement ranges, authorized providers and much more. It is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on May 18. Log in at www.hcjfs.org.

5-17-11

Foster and adoptive parents who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping children will be honored at the annual Butterflies and Blue Ribbons event on Wednesday, May 18. The Southwest Ohio Family Care Affiliate (SWOFCA) will honor foster and adoptive parents from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park. The event will feature speakers, food and fun for all. The official program begins at 4 p.m. After the event, families will tour the colorful butterfly display.

5-9-11
Hamilton County residents interested in foster care and adoption can ask questions during a live chat scheduled for Wednesday. The Department of Job and Family Services has about 850 foster children on any given day, with about 225 available for adoption. The chat is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11. Residents can participate in the chat by clicking on a link that will be posted on www.hcjfs.org prior to the start. Those interested in foster parenting or adopting can also visit the county’s website, www.hckids.org, to learn more about both and see some of the children available for adoption.

5-2-11 An outgoing, athletic 13-year-old girl is May’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. Like most girls her age, Raja likes to head to the mall for a little fun. After school, if she’s not at the mall, she’s probably talking on the phone with her friends or practicing her dance moves. She also enjoys sports, both on and off the field. Along with being an athlete herself, she likes to watch basketball, football and volleyball. Her favorite part of the school day is reading class and she’ll read just about anything she can get her hands on.

5-2-11 The MayDay for Foster Care Event scheduled for Fountain Square today has been canceled due to inclement weather. We apologize for the inconvenience.

4-29-11 Starting Monday, May 2, HCJFS will have new hours for consumers to chat live over a secure Internet connection about their food assistance, Medicaid and other public assistance cases. These chats will now be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. No public assistance chats on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Please note there are different hours for child support and child care chats. Child support chats are offered 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, and child care chats are offered  7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. weekdays until May 9. After May 9, the child care chats will move to 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekdays.

4-29-11 Hamilton County residents interested in helping the community’s  850 foster children can learn more Monday, May 2, when a MayDay for Foster Children informational rally is held on Fountain Square to raise awareness around foster care. The MayDay event, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature speeches by local dignitaries and foster care experts – slated to start at noon – as well as information booths to educate interested parties in the positive aspects of foster parenting, mentoring, helping children through the child protection court process and more. Dan Hurley of Channel 12’s Newsmakers will emcee the event.

4-18-11 Changes to Ohio's subsidized child care program are coming May 1. Parents can now authorize only two providers per child, per week, and the range for full-time reimbursement for home providers is now the same as for licensed providers. To learn more about these changes, please read this letter or log into our public Internet chat at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 20.

4-4-11

Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, April 6. The chat will take place from 11 a.m. to noon. Child Support cases are confidential by law, so individual cases cannot be discussed in a public forum. General questions will be answered.

4-1-11
An athletic boy who celebrates his 12^th birthday this month is April’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. Omar is an active and dynamic young man who loves tumbling and basketball. He’d someday like to be a gymnast. Omar loves being part of a team and he loves a social atmosphere. His activity of choice is hanging out at the Boys & Girls Club or the local recreation center. In the winter, Omar catches up on his reading, but in the summer it’s all about the swimming pool and the park. If he could live in Florida where it’s warm and he could swim all of the time, he would! He’d love to be adopted by a family where he would have a brother close to his age, as long as the family is fun and likes to participate in lots of sports!

3-31-11
More than 5,000 colorful pinwheels will be planted at Burnet Woods Park at noon Saturday, April 2, in a dramatic attempt to draw attention to the horrific problem of child abuse in this community. “Pinwheels for Prevention” is an annual statewide campaign organized to promote awareness and prevention of child abuse by planting a colorful pinwheel for each report of abuse received by the county in the previous year. Many citizens are unaware of how widespread child abuse is in their local communities. In Hamilton County, 5,058 reports of abuse and neglect were made to the 241-KIDS child abuse reporting hotline in 2010.

3-11-11
Need help paying the utility bills? The Percentage of Income Payment Plan helps those who struggle to make utility payments.
3-8-11 A live chat will be held at 10 a.m. March 9 for job seekers to ask questions about local opportunities, workers to learn about assistance that will help them move up the career ladder and employers to explore what the county’s Super Jobs program can offer them in terms of filling open positions.

3-3-11 Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department has been chosen to participate in an innovative program designed to improve the financial well-being of children by increasing the financial literacy and standing of parents who pay child support. The Asset Building for Financial Responsibility Program will connect low-income, non-custodial parents involved in the child support system with financial education and asset building programs. The goal is to develop financial stability among the parents, so their children will receive the support they need to lead happy, healthy lives.

3-1-11

A 16-year-old animal lover who wants to be a veterinarian is March’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. Evalacia’s compassion and love of animals will serve her well if she continues on her chosen path of becoming a veterinarian someday. She’s someone who knows what she wants and has the persistence to achieve it, with the right family to love and support her on the way. She likes school, especially social studies. Reading is one of her great joys – and devouring a good book helps her hone her writing skills, as well. She also loves to dance, and will shake her hips to just about any type of music that’s playing on the radio.

2-25-11 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a March 2 online chat. Many who are working but making lower incomes do not realize they are eligible for a debit card to help pay for food. Also, the elderly and many low-income children are eligible for health care assistance. And those in between jobs can receive cash assistance to help them back on their feet. A link will be posted on www.hcjfs.org prior to the 10 a.m. chat. Just click on it!

2-22-11 Ohio EPPICard users who call the customer service hotline more than 10 times per month will be charged a fee of 25 cents for each call over number 10 starting on March 1. The fee has always existed, but the vendor has not previously charged customers. Monitoring has found that some customers call the customer service line repeatedly each month, far exceeding the 10 call limit.

2-18-11

Hamilton County's Department of Job and Family Services will be closed for President's Day. Information on agency programs will be available on the county's web site, www.hcjfs.org. The 241-KIDS and 421-LIFE hotlines will be in operation.

2-18-11

Ohio's home child care providers recently received a mailing from a state vendor that included their social security numbers on the mailing label. As a result, the state and the vendor have made arrangements to purchase one year of identity-theft protection for the providers. Click here for details.

2-10-11 More than 17,000 Hamilton County residents have used a county sponsored Prescription Drug Discount Card to make 40,000 purchases in the first two years of the program, saving a total of $394,000 off retail price. The users averaged a savings of $9.85 per purchase, which is about 22% off regular pricing.

2-4-11

Hamilton County now accepts online applications for public assistance. The agency has created a video to help consumers through the process. Learn more by clicking here.

2-3-11 Did you know JFS now conducts all recertification interviews by phone? This also applies for recipients applying for an additional category of assistance. There is no need to make the trip downtown, pay for parking and gas and spend time standing in line. For more information, click here.

2-1-11 Why pay to get your taxes done when the United Way is helping families file for free online or with a tax preparation specialist at a local tax site? This is also a good way to determine if you can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
2-1-11 A 5-year-old boy who loves the Cincinnati Reds is February’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.
1-3-11 A 7-year-old boy who shows incredible artistic talent is January’s Waiting
Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2010

12-22-10 Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department will close at noon on Dec. 23 and remain closed until Monday, Dec. 27. The agency will close again for New Year’s Eve.
12-13-10 Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department will host a webinar Wednesday to help single parents and others recognize warning signs of inappropriate caregivers for children. The half-hour webinar will feature a PowerPoint presentation with audio, as well as a chat area where the presenter will answer questions from the audience. The webinar is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 15.
12-6-10 Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department will host two free webinars in December on the topics of sanctioning public assistance recipients who do not meet work requirements and carefully choosing caretakers for your children.

12-6-10 Due to overwhelming demand, Hamilton County's Job and Family Services Department has filled all interview slots for HEAP services and walk-in appointments are not available. Please visit the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency website for alternative arrangements: http://www.cincy-caa.org/homenergy.asp
12-1-10 13-year-old twin boys who love sports – but different sports – are December’s Waiting Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.
11-29-10 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will offer a live public chat Dec. 1 to residents eager to learn more about the subsidized child care program offered by more than 1,500 home providers and centers to more than 14,000 Hamilton County children.

11-23-10 Nearly 135,000 Hamilton County residents will receive food assistance from Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services this holiday season, allowing them a brief respite from tough economic times. A record number of recipients receive monthly debit cards from the agency, allowing them to buy groceries for their families. The families qualify for the aid based on their low incomes.

11-17-10 Seven children - including five from one family - will join permanent, loving families Friday in a mass adoption ceremony scheduled to celebrate National Adoption Month. The full ceremony will be live-streamed over the Internet for all of Hamilton County to see. Visit www.hcjfs.org for details.

11-16-10 Low-income residents who need help with food, medical needs or daily expenses now have an easier path to assistance through a new website with an online application.

11-2-10 An 11-year-old boy who collects rocks and admires beautiful flowers is November’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

11-2-10 Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

10-21-10 Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department was the only department in the state of Ohio and one of only 30 in the country to be recognized for providing the community with outstanding service in its food assistance program.

10-18-10

Hamilton County residents struggling to pay for gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in an Oct. 20 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

10-3-10 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in an Oct. 6 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

10-1-10 A 10-year-old girl who loves visiting the zoo and museums is October’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

9-30-10 For 10 years, The Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has gently served Hamilton County’s tiniest victims of unimaginable abuse.

9-27-10 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will offer a live public chat Sept. 29 to residents eager to learn more about the subsidized child care program offered by more than 1,500 home providers and centers to more than 14,000 Hamilton County children.

9-20-10 Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

9-1-10

An 11-year-old boy who loves sports and scary movies is August’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

8-30-10 Hamilton County residents struggling to pay for gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a Sept. 1 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

8-16-10 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in an Aug. 18 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

8-11-10 Several dozen Hamilton County foster children who have accomplished reading goals this summer will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 13, with a party at Mt. Airy Forest that will feature food, music, fun activities and rewards for their hard work.

8-10-10 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Joe Morgan will provide opening remarks at a local Fatherhood Conference aimed at strengthening fathers, families and the Greater Cincinnati community. “A Brighter Future: Strengthening Fathers for Families and Community” is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 13, at the Kingsgate Marriott.

8-9-10

Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, Aug. 11.

8-4-10

A new Most Wanted poster featuring eight parents who now owe more than $335,000 in child support payments will be released today by Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services as one of the many planned activities for National Child Support Month.

8-2-10

A 12-year-old girl who is thinking about a career in nursing is August’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

7-14-10 Hamilton County needs more businesses, schools, non-profits and faith-based organizations to serve as sites where public assistance recipients develop good work habits and job skills.
7-6-10 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about public assistance programs in a live online chat with Hamilton County's Department of Job and Family Services tomorrow. Jim Ashmore, a manager in Performance Improvement, will answer questions about Medicaid, food assistance, cash assistance and other programs 10-11 a.m. July 7. To participate, visit www.hcjfs.org and click on the link posted under Today at HCJFS.

7-1-10 A 12-year-old boy who is fascinated by crime shows and aspires to a career in law enforcement is July’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

6-22-10 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services is one of 25 child welfare agencies in Ohio now offering innovative, alternative approaches to serving the families of abused children. The agency was recently selected as one of 10 counties to soon join 15 pilot counties in Ohio to participate in a program designed to produce better outcomes for abused and neglected children.

6-18-10 With Father’s Day around the corner, Hamilton County and Lighthouse Youth Services have teamed together to present a Fatherhood Conference aimed at strengthening fathers, families and the Greater Cincinnati community.

6-14-10 More than 50 teens in Hamilton County’s foster care system will bid farewell to high school and say hello to their futures at this year’s “Celebration of Dreams” event.

6-7-10 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a June 9 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

6-3-10 Dreams Come True Through Adoption is the theme of a recruitment campaign launched this week by Hamilton County in an effort to find adoptive homes for more than 200 waiting children.

6-1-10 A 12-year-old boy who likes reading and singing and wants to join the military is June’s Waiting Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

6-1-10 Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, June 2.

6-1-10 Heading into Memorial Day Weekend, a group of 18 Ohio counties is working on a labor of love to protect the state’s children and families. The ProtectOhio consortium today asked the federal government to extend a waiver program that allows child protective service agencies in those 18 counties the financial flexibility to better serve youngsters and strengthen families.

5-27-10 Hamilton County foster youth will take to the streets of downtown Cincinnati Friday in an effort to raise awareness around foster care and child abuse during National Foster Care Month. The May 28 event will feature a walk from the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, 222 E. Central Parkway, to Fountain Square. The walk starts at 11:30 a.m. and the foster youth invite anyone who supports the cause to walk along. The event is supported by the Hamilton County Foster Care Youth Advisory Board and the Higher Education Mentoring Initiative.

5-18-10 Foster and adoptive parents who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping children will be honored at the annual Butterflies and Blue Ribbons event on Wednesday, May 19.

5-17-10 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will offer a live public chat May 19 to residents eager to learn more about the subsidized child care program offered by more than 1,500 home providers and centers to more than 14,000 Hamilton County children.

5-10-10 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a May 12 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

5-3-10 A 13-year-old girl who likes arts and crafts and longs to visit Disneyland is May’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

4-20-10 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in an April 21 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.
4-19-10 Hamilton County has been chosen as one of 11 communities across the nation to participate in a nationally-recognized program helping youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

4-9-10 More than 5,300 colorful pinwheels will be planted at Burnet Woods Park at 3 p.m. April 12 in a dramatic attempt to draw attention to the horrific problem of child abuse. “Pinwheels for Prevention: It's Your Turn to Raise the Leaders of Tomorrow" is a statewide campaign organized by the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund to promote awareness and prevention of child abuse.

4-8-10 Southwest Ohio foster and adoptive parents, along with child welfare workers, will learn the importance of operating as a cohesive unit to ensure the most positive outcomes for children at the Southwest Ohio Regional Training Center’s 7th Annual Training Conference on April 16 and 17.

4-2-10

Lighthouse Youth Services will host Dr. Kirk E. Harris, a facilitator with the National Fatherhood Leadership Group, for an update on the state of the fatherhood movement and REAL Dads graduation celebration on Tuesday, April 6 at New Thought Unity Center, 1401 E. McMillan Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m.

4-1-10 A brother and sister who both enjoy playing soccer are April’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

3-22-10 Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, March 24.

3-15-10 Medicaid customers and providers may scan and e-mail spend-down information to the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services at SpendDownPointOfContact@jfs.hamilton-co.org.

3-8-10 Hamilton County residents with questions about their Medicaid, food assistance and cash assistance cases can chat live with workers about their cases. The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services today began offering private chats 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to help those with case-related questions.
3-8-10 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a March 10 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

3-1-10 An 8-year-old girl who likes Dora the Explorer and riding Big Wheels is March’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2-22-10 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a Feb. 24 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2-17-10 Working families served by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services could benefit significantly from the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit as well as information on two new federal tax credits.
2-8-10 Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

2-2-10 An artist and violinist who would someday like to be an attorney is February’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2-2-10 Hamilton County foster care providers transitioning to other public or private networks can learn more about their options at public forums to be held on Feb. 4 and 5 at the county’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2-1-10 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services wants mothers throughout the county to know the warning signs when it comes to interaction between their children and their partner’s - their child’s life may depend on it.

1-26-10 Hamilton County residents with questions concerning Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services’ decision to transition foster care to network providers can receive answers in a live chat scheduled for Wednesday.

1-25-10 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a Jan. 27 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

1-21-10 As of Jan. 22, Hamilton County's Department of Job and Family Services will begin working exclusively with contracted providers for foster care services. All county foster homes will transfer to network providers. This change will allow the homes to receive additional support and resources, while the county can reallocate its limited resources to more urgent areas of need.
1-19-10 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a Jan. 20 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

1-11-10 Residents interested in becoming home child care providers or obtaining financial assistance for child care can learn more about subsidized child care in a Jan. 13 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

1-4-10 Two brothers with a passion for sports are January’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2009

12-23-09 Due to changes by the State, Hamilton County Child Care providers will notice some big differences in 2010. Starting this spring, providers will be paid monthly by the State. They will sign agreements with the State and begin paying union dues. As time goes on, they will do more by computer and less by paper.
12-11-09 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services would like local residents to participate in a survey to help gauge awareness of adoption and foster care within the community.

12-11-09 Hamilton County residents who are thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more Dec. 14 at an event hosted by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

12-1-09

A 14-year-old who likes sports and wants to be a U.S. Marine is December’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

11-30-09 Hamilton County residents can ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about child support collection and enforcement in an online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

11-17-09 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a Nov. 18 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

11-12-09 Six children will officially join permanent, loving families Nov. 20 in Hamilton County’s third annual mass adoption ceremony to celebrate National Adoption Month. The county’s Job and Family Services Department is teaming with the county’s Probate Court to organize the adoption event. Six children, all victims of abuse and neglect, will join new families. A celebration will be held afterward. While adoption finalizations are normally confidential, the families have agreed to invite the media to this event.

11-9-09 Paper cash assistance checks soon will become a thing of the past. By early 2010, all of the 27,000 Ohio Works First (OWF), Disability Financial Assistance and Refugee Cash Assistance consumers in Hamilton County will either get their monthly payments through direct deposit or the Ohio EPPICard Debit MasterCard.
11-3-09 A 12-year-old who likes family dinners and fun vacations is November’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

11-2-09 Hamilton County residents thinking about adoption can learn more Wednesday in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services as part of its National Adoption Month activities.

11-2-09 Hamilton County residents who are thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more Tuesday at a Forest Park event hosted by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services to help celebrate National Adoption Month.

10-23-09 Users of Hamilton County’s new discount card for prescriptions drugs saved more than $16,000 on September purchases, making it the most successful month yet for the program.

10-21-09 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services has been working to find alternate medical care coverage for 29 people now served by the Disability Medical Assistance (DMA) program. The program officially ends Oct. 31.
10-6-09 A 15-year-old aspiring fashion designer is October’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

10-5-09 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in an Oct. 7 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

9-30-09

A professional filmmaker and former foster child will share her life’s story – a tale of her mother’s drug addiction, her family breakup and her time in the child welfare system – at an Oct. 13 event designed to benefit the area’s foster care community.

9-28-09 An assistant director in charge of child support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Tuesday, Sept. 29.

9-21-09 Residents interested in becoming home child care providers or obtaining financial assistance for child care can learn more about subsidized child care in a Sept. 23 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

9-18-09 The Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio chose a local social worker and foster family for state awards recognizing their outstanding work with abused and neglected children.

9-16-09 Hamilton County residents who owe child or spousal support can now pay online by credit or debit card, providing a flexible, secure method of making on-time payments.

9-1-09 Effective today, the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will no longer handle operations of the Mount Airy Center homeless shelter. The agency has transferred operations to Talbert House.
8-31-09 Hamilton County residents thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more about the home studies required for approval on Wednesday in an online chat with the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

8-21-09 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services recently received an award for achieving the highest payment accuracy rate in food stamps among the 14 largest urban counties in a six-state region of the Midwest.

8-20-09 More than 3,000 local residents who have child support-related warrants issued through Hamilton County’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts have one more day to take advantage of amnesty this week and re-engage with the child support system without penalty.

8-17-09 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in an Aug. 19 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

8-17-09

More than 3,000 local residents who have child support-related warrants issued through Hamilton County’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts can take advantage of amnesty this week and re-engage with the child support system without penalty.

8-10-09 An assistant director in charge of child support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Tuesday, Aug. 11.

8-4-09 A 15-year-old who describes himself as “funny” and likes to fish is August’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

7-31-09

A new Most Wanted poster featuring eight parents who owe more than $400,000 in child support payments combined will be released today by Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services as one of the many planned activities for National Child Support Month in August.

7-2-09 Abused children, laid-off parents and vulnerable senior citizens are just a few of the Southwest Ohio residents who will suffer under proposed state budget cuts to human services.
7-1-09 A 10-year-old Bengal’ fan is July’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. Lamont loves football and plays on his school’s football team. When he’s not playing he just can’t get enough of the Bengal, Rams and Patriots.

6-29-09 Starting July 1, Child Support clients will get the option of making online payments using Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express as part of the new Point and Pay service. Now, they can only use MasterCard.
6-24-09 More than 50 teens in Hamilton County’s foster care system will bid farewell to high school and say hello to their futures at this year’s “Celebration of Dreams” event.

6-17-09 Hamilton County residents can now listen to Internet radiocasts for information on topics such as employment services, foster care and child support thanks to a free online service. Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services is now posting radio interviews on key subject matters at www.blogtalkradio.com in an effort to help Hamilton County residents better understand the agency’s services.

6-16-09 Max & Erma's restaurant in Kenwood will donate 20 percent of its proceeds on July 8 to the Foster Child Enrichment Council, a volunteer group that strives to enhance the quality of life for abused and neglected children in Hamilton County.

6-15-09 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services was awarded four 2009 achievement awards from the National Association of Counties for innovative programs that contribute to and enhance county government.

6-15-09 An assistant director in charge of child support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 17.

6-2-09 Two brothers who are close in age and love the outdoors are June’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

6-2-09

The recently announced Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) is seeking mentors to help Hamilton County foster children finish high school and advance through college or technical school.

6-2-09 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a June 3 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

6-2-09 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will tap the power of a free online service called BlogTalkRadio to help people gain a better understanding of its services.
5-19-09 Hamilton County residents with questions about their child support cases can now have private online chats with a caseworker to get the answers they need. Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services now offers the private chats 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays to help those with specific questions about their child support cases. The county has traditionally offered monthly general, public chats on child support, but confidential, case-specific information could not be discussed in a public forum.

5-18-09 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a May 20 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

5-18-09 The Everyday Heroes collaborative will host Foster Care on the Square Tuesday to help generate awareness and spread information about the need for foster parents in the Greater Cincinnati area. Members of the collaborative will have information booths at the square and will answer questions from prospective foster parents from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to stop by and learn more.

5-14-09 More than 300 Southwest Ohio foster and adoptive parents will spend Friday and Saturday attending some of 37 different workshops in an attempt to learn the best ways to care for their foster and adoptive children.

5-13-09

A comedic entertainer, nationally-known speakers, educational workshops and Sunday sermons at more than two dozen local churches are planned May 29-31 in an effort to raise awareness around the need for foster care and adoptive parents.

5-5-09 Hamilton County residents thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more Wednesday in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

5-1-09 A quiet, respectful pre-teen who loves reading about African American history is May’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

4-30-09

Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department will launch a new recruitment commercial and Web site to kick off a month’s full of events surrounding national Foster Care Month. See social media release

4-27-09 An assistant director in charge of child support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Wednesday, April 29.

4-22-09 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services has added a "Report Non-Paying Parents" link under Contact Us on www.hcjfs.org. For several years, the public has had the capability to report non-paying parents around-the-clock by using the Child Support link under Contact Us.

4-13-09 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a April 15 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

3-31-09 More than 6,400 colorful pinwheels - each representing a report of child abuse or neglect to Hamilton County’s 241-KIDS hotline - will be planted near the Underground Railroad Freedom Center today in a dramatic attempt to draw attention to one of the area’s more horrific problems.

3-30-09 The Cincinnati Reds are offering half-price tickets for the Aug. 29 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in appreciation of those who pay their child support regularly.
3-30-09

Foster care and adoption experts from the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family will be available at a number of community events in upcoming weeks to answer questions and share information.

3-25-09

Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department is changing its hours of operation to better serve the increasing number of citizens visiting its offices for services.

3-23-09

Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a March 25 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

3-16-09 An assistant director in charge of child support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Wednesday, March 18.
3-9-09

Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a March 11 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

3-3-09 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services is working now to clear a path to make funds available for distribution in the summer of 2009 and to ensure that those funds are spent responsibly.
3-2-09

A 10-year-old girl who loves school and has a winning smile is March’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2-20-09

Hamilton County residents thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more Wednesday in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

2-12-09 The director of Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services launched a blog today to help keep the agency and public connected during tough economic times that are bringing more working families through the agency’s doors.
2-9-09 An assistant director in charge of Child Support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Wednesday, Feb. 11.

2-3-09 A 17-year-old girl who wants to go to college and become a doctor is February’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

2-2-09 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a Feb 4 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

1-26-09 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a Jan. 28 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

1-22-09 Hamilton County is launching a program today that will provide discount cards to help county residents cope with the high price of prescription drugs.

1-12-09 Hamilton County residents with questions about child abuse and neglect can learn more in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. Manager Scott Boone will answer questions about what constitutes child abuse and neglect, what to do if you suspect it, what services the county provides in abuse situations, the county’s 241-KIDS child abuse hotline and much more. One in 12 county children - 17, 000 -- were involved with the Department of Job and Family Services’ Children’s Services Division in 2007 and the county takes more than 6,000 reports of abuse and neglect each year.

1-6-09 A 14-year-old girl who wants to be a veterinarian is January’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

1-5-09 Hamilton County residents thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more Wednesday in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

2008

12-22-08 Amidst a struggling local economy, the Southwest Ohio Regional Workforce Investment Board will offer job training and other employment services to 30 percent more local young people over the next two years.

12-15-08 Hamilton County recently passed the $1 million mark in child support payments through its innovative lien program that targets the property of delinquent parents.

12-2-08 A mother who owes nearly $15,000 to her child is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

12-2-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will participate in the Community Benefits and Resource Informational Session, 2-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at Rockdale Baptist Church.
12-2-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will eliminate two more senior-level positions on Dec. 31 when Assistant Director Ron Kirkendall and Executive Administrator Carol Watson leave the agency.
12-1-08 An assistant director in charge of Child Support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Wednesday, Dec. 3.

12-1-08 A 14-year-old boy who likes reading fantasy books and playing outdoors is December’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

11-26-08 Starting Dec. 1, Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services Department will offer extended hours on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays at its downtown location only, 222 E. Central Parkway.

11-25-08 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a Nov. 26 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

11-12-08 Agency Director Moira Weir announced the first of a series of layoffs to agency employees today.
11-12-08 Hamilton County residents thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more tomorrow in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

11-10-08 Seven children will officially join permanent, loving families this Friday in Hamilton County’s second annual mass adoption ceremony to celebrate National Adoption Month. To see a slide show of photos, CLICK HERE

11-6-08 Hamilton County Child Support, a division of the county's Department of Job and Family Services, showed improvement in all four major performance categories in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30.
11-5-08 Mark Eling doesn’t think he deserves an award, but ProKids thought differently. Eling, the UMUR supervisor in Children’s Services Care Management at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, was recently recognized by the organization with its “Step Up For Children Award.”
11-4-08 A father who owes nearly $78,000 to his two children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

11-3-08 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in a Nov. 5 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

11-3-08 A 13-year-old girl who dreams of a music career is November’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

10-22-08 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services wants public input on a plan it is developing to set agency goals and priorities over the next three years.

10-20-08 An assistant director in charge of Child Support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Wednesday, Oct. 22.

10-13-08 Hamilton County residents with questions about child abuse and neglect can learn more in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

10-10-08 Hamilton County residents who are thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more at an Open House hosted by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. The Open House will be held 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in Room GN009 of 237 William Howard Taft in Walnut Hills.

10-10-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will eliminate one section and redistribute some of that group's work as the start of a comprehensive reorganization.

10-8-08 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services  has begun informing 2,900 of those who qualified for windstorm assistance to come to the agency's 237 William H. Taft Road location next week to get Kroger gift cards.
10-2-08 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services is processing 35,000-plus applications for storm-related assistance.

10-2-08 Several members of Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services management team gave presentations at the Public Children's Services Association of Ohio's 22nd Annual Conference in Columbus in September.
10-2-08 A science whiz who loves experiments with lava, oil and electricity is October’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

10-1-08 A father who owes nearly $50,000 to his two children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent. Todd A. Davidson, 34, was last known to live on Niagara St. in Cincinnati.

9-29-08 Hamilton County residents struggling in today’s tough economy can learn about employment services and workforce development in an Oct. 1 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

9-22-0 8 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services has stopped accepting applications for emergency assistance for low-income residents who suffered losses in the Sept. 14 windstorm. The agency will continue accepting applications through Wednesday for food stamp replacement for current recipients who lost food during the power outage. Number so far: more than 7,000 have applied for emergency assistance and more than 12,000 have applied for food stamp replacement.

9-22-08 Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a Sept. 24 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. The chat is an opportunity to ask questions about public assistance programs. Many who are working but making lower incomes do not realize they are eligible for a debit card to help pay for food. Also, the elderly and many low-income children are eligible for health care assistance. And those in between jobs can receive cash assistance to help them back on their feet.
9-18-08 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will offer weekend hours to those who suffered losses in Sunday’s windstorm and want to apply for emergency assistance.

9-12-0 8 Dozens of area residents have a better understanding about the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and its programs thanks to nearly 200 appearances by agency speakers in the past 12 months.
9-11-08 Local Executive Chef Michelle Brown of Jag's Steak and Seafood has been chosen for the prestigious honor of representing Cincinnati in New York at the famous James Beard House in the Great Steak Celebration. She is celebrating this honor by hosting a charity dinner that will benefit Hamilton County's Everyday Heroes foster parent recruitment campaign.

9-10-08 More than 400 people participated in Hamilton County’s recent amnesty efforts on Child Support, resulting in more than $33,000 being collected on behalf of the county’s children.

9-8-08 Performance Improvement Section Chief Jim Ashmore received the first President's Award from the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors’ Association at its Summer Conference.
9-8-08 Two community partnerships won state recognition for the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and two of its partners, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
9-8-09 Medicaid providers or community partners with billing or coverage questions must use Option 7 to leave a voice mail when calling the new Change Processing Call Center (513-946-1070).
9-8-08 Hamilton County residents thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

9-5-08 People interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents are invited to special event featuring a talk by motivational speaker and trainer Cedric Riley, a former foster child adopted in 2004 in Hamilton County.
9-3-08 An aspiring doctor who enjoys her studies and wants to travel to New York City is September’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

9-2-08 A father who owes nearly $82,000 to his child is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent. Perez Rankin, 41, was last known to live on Smith Road in Norwood.

8-29-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services has begun the process of creating a new Strategic Plan to help guide the agency for the next several years.
8-29-08 Custodial parents in Hamilton County who receive their child support payments through e-Quickpay can now receive electronic notification of payments, reducing the more than dozen calls a month parents make to determine if payments have been made and their debit cards can be used.
8-27-08 The more than 3,000 local residents who have child support-related warrants issued for their arrest have two more days to take advantage of a program that grants them amnesty.

8-26-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services has scheduled online chats on a variety of topics in upcoming weeks. Ask questions, share ideas, offer comments in this easy-to-use forum.
8-22-08

Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services is offering amnesty next week to more than 3,000 local residents who have child support-related warrants issued for their arrest.

8-19-08 An assistant director in charge of Child Support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat Aug. 20.

8-15-08 The Ohio Child Support Guidelines Advisory Council will host two community forums on Monday, Aug. 18, to discuss guidelines in the state’s child support program. The events will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Room GN009 of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services building, 237 William Howard Taft Road. All members of the public are invited to attend and hear about, or comment on, Child Support guidelines.

8-15-08 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will share information about services available to grandparents raising grandchildren during a resource fair Sept. 7 at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's downtown location.

8-11-08 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services is teaming with Cincinnati State and other community partners to target 700 area dropouts for wraparound services that will help them gain an education and much more.
8-11-08 Early this fall, most applicants for Medicaid, food stamps and Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance no longer need to schedule appointments with the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. Instead, they'll go to 222 E. Central Parkway -- where they will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
8-8-08

Hamilton County residents who are thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more at an Open House hosted by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. The Open House will be held 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday in Room GN009 of 237 William Howard Taft in Walnut Hills.

8-6-08 Caregivers, seniors and staff of social service agencies that work with them will be honored during a presentation before the Reds-Houston Astros game on Friday evening, Aug. 8, at Great American Ballpark.

8-5-08 Chat online about child support, 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug.  20, with Jeff Startzman, assistant director in charge of Hamilton County Child Support. Ask questions, share ideas, offer comments in this easy-to-use forum.
8-5-08 A father who owes nearly $20,000 to his child is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent. James E. Simpson, 28, was last known to live in Irvington, Ky. His last known occupation was working in landscaping.

8-4-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and the Cincinnati Reds are teaming up to offer half-price tickets to Child Support clients for the Saturday, Aug. 30, game with the San Francisco Giants.
7-31-08 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will unveil a new Most Wanted poster and host a number of other activities to celebrate National Child Support Month in August.

7-30-08

An aspiring artist who loves the music of Tina Turner is August’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

7-25-08

Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food, health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to them in a July 30 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

7-22-08 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services has closed its Taft location for the day due to a power outage. Citizens planning to conduct business at that location should reschedule appointments for another day. The Child Support hotline, 946-SETS, is also down for the day.The Department apologizes for the inconvenience.

7-18-08 Free lead-testing events will be held throughout Hamilton County to mark the upcoming Ohio Lead Awareness Week and draw attention to a problem that plagues the children of this community.
7-16-08 Medicaid, Ohio Direction Card and Ohio Works First (OWF) clients no longer need to travel downtown to pick up or drop off two widely-used forms for household and employment verification.
7-15-08 Chat online about Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance, 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, July 30, with Jim Ashmore, Performance Improvement section chief. Ask questions, share ideas, offer comments in this easy-to-use forum.
7-14-08

Hamilton County residents thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more in an online chat by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. The lead recruiter for Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions about certification and licensing, home assessments, training and other topics that will help you make the decision to become a foster or adoptive parent.

7-8-08 Social workers, caregivers and others who assist senior citizens will be honored at the Cincinnati Reds-Houston Astros game Friday, Aug. 8, at Great American Ball Park. Discounted tickets are available.

7-7-08 Starting July 14, people interested in foster care and adoption can get information at a monthly Open House, 6-7:30 p.m., at 237 William H. Taft Road.
7-7-08 Citizens can comment online or at a public meeting on guidelines that help determine the size of child support payments. State law requires a review of the guidelines every four years to ensure they adequately provide for the needs of children involved in child support cases.
7-7-08 An assistant director in charge of Child Support enforcement at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat July 9.

7-3-08 An independent-thinking 11-year-old girl who loves attention is July’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.
7-1-08

A father who owes more than $65,000 to his seven children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

6-17-08 Mark your calendar now for two online chats in July: (1) 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, about Child Support with Assistant Director Jeff Startzman, and (2) 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, about Foster Care and Adoption with John Cummings, recruitment manager.
6-16-08

More than 50 teens in Hamilton County’s foster care system will bid farewell to high school and hello to their futures at this year’s "Celebration of Dreams" event.

6-13-08 Kevin Holt, Workforce Development section chief, will appear on Channel 12's Newsmakers at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 15, to discuss the Super Jobs Center and its success with job placements.
6-10-08 A new service will save clients of Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services time, money and gas consumption by allowing them to drop off required paperwork at any of the 41 libraries operated by The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

6-6-08 A father who owes more than $30,000 to his two children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.
6-5-08 Nearly 4,000 workers were placed in new jobs in 2007 by the Super Jobs Center, Hamilton County’s one-stop job center, according to figures recently released by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS). This figure represents 1,997 more placements than Ohio’s second highest producing one-stop job center, The Source in Lucas County.

6-3-08 Child Support customers now can report a change of name, address or employment online. Simply click on the Report a Change link on the www.hcjfs.org home page.

6-3-08 An energetic 14-year-old boy who wants to be a professional football player is June’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

6-2-08 John Cummings, Hamilton County Children's Services adoption and foster care recruitment manager, will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat, 2-3 p.m., Thursday, June 12.
5-28-08 Dozens of volunteers will rally Friday morning and then spread out through Hamilton County’s neighborhoods hanging posters and passing out fliers in an attempt to generate interest in foster parenting.

5-23-08

Foster parents will be honored at Tuesday’s Cincinnati Reds game for opening their homes and hearts to Hamilton County’s abused and neglected children. The Reds have offered discounted tickets to foster families and one family will be invited on to the field prior to the game to yell "Play Ball!" and start the action against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Foster Family Night will feature other ballpark activities and a stadium booth where fans can learn more about foster parenting.

5-21-08 Foster and adoptive parent recruiters from Hamilton County Children's Services will share information at a number of community locations in the next several weeks.
5-20-08 Employees at Fifth Third Bank headquarters will find out more about foster parenting during two Everyday Heroes Lunch and Learn sessions in June.
5-15-08

More than 200 Southwest Ohio foster and adoptive parents will spend Friday and Saturday attending workshops such as “Look Out! There’s a Teenager in Our House” and “Parenting the Sexually Abused Children” in an attempt to learn the best ways to care for their foster and adoptive children.

5-14-08 Get a quick tip designed to enhance your experience with the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services by listening to the agency's weekly podcast.
5-13-08

Foster and adoptive parents who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping children will be honored with butterflies, a drum line performance and recognition from local dignitaries on Wednesday, May 14.

5-13-08 More than a hundred abused and neglected children will get a chance to attend a picturesque summer camp north of Cincinnati with programs designed especially for them. The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services once again has contracted with Camp Joy in Clarksville to provide five programs for children ages 7-16.
5-12-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will team with the Cincinnati Reds to salute foster parents during Foster Family Night on Tuesday, May 27. Information also will be available at Great American Ball Park for those interested in becoming foster parents.
5-12-08 Volunteers are needed to help spread the word about foster parenting during the first Grassroots Canvassing Blitz the morning of Friday, May 30. To participate, please call 946-2137 or e-mail info@fosterhero.com.
5-9-08 John Cummings, manager of the Hamilton County Children's Services Adoption and Foster Care Recruitment Unit, will appear on the Life is Meant to be Good radio program on Sunday, May 25.
5-8-08 Jeffrey Startzman, the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services assistant director in charge of Child Support, will answer questions and listen to concerns and ideas during a live online chat, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29.
5-7-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services today completed a major upgrade of its Web site ( www.hcjfs.org). The refurbished site includes online forms where agency customers can ask questions about their cases -- and submit address, income, household size and other changes.

5-7-08

A father who owes more than $69,000 to his five children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.  Ricky Moore, 51, was last known to reside on Cambridge Avenue in Cincinnati. His last known occupation was working in dry cleaning.

5-6-08

A 16-year-old boy who likes to make people laugh and enjoys playing football is May’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

5-5-08 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services has launched Ohio’s State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS), a comprehensive, state-of-the-art system designed to improve management of child welfare cases.
4-30-08

Hamilton County residents itching to get their hands on tax rebates may be very disappointed if they owe delinquent child support. Economic Stimulus rebates, which begin mailing next week, will be intercepted to help needy children if they are destined to a parent who has not met their child support obligation.

4-29-08

Hamilton County has teamed up with the FreestoreFoodbank to target some of the 30,000 uninsured county elderly residents, families and children who are eligible for Medicaid coverage but have not yet sought help.

4-21-08 Hamilton County residents who wonder whether foster parenting is right for them can get answers and information at a foster care event on Saturday, May 3, at Great Commission Bible Church.
4-14-08

Hamilton County residents who are thinking about foster care or adoption can learn more over a cup of coffee Thursday afternoon at the College Hill Coffee Co. and Casual Gourmet.

4-4-08

Teen sisters who like to swim are April’s Adoptable Children at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.Hamilton County is spotlighting some of the children it has available for adoption with monthly releases to local media.

4-1-08

A father who owes more than $32,000 to his child is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent. Robert Gross Jr., 37, was last known to reside in Newport, Ky.

3-31-08

More than 6,100 colorful pinwheels – each representing a report of child abuse or neglect to Hamilton County’s 241-KIDS hotline – will be planted near the Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Wednesday in a dramatic attempt to draw attention to one of the area’s more horrific problems.

3-20-08 It’s easier for agency customers to ask questions about their cases online. We have added easy-to-complete forms under Contact Us on the agency Web site, www.hcjfs.org.
3-18-08 Moira Weir, director of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, this month updated the community about the Everyday Heroes foster parent campaign on radio talk show host Lincoln Ware's Sunday morning TV program and WCET's Webcast.
3-12-08 Hamilton County Commissioners approved a measure today to transfer the Tuberculosis Control Center from the Department of Job and Family Services to the General Health District on May 1.  
3-11-08 Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will host a forum March 19 to provide information to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Approximately 4.5 million children in the United States live in grandparent-headed households. Ohio has about 150,000 children living with their grandparents.

3-6-08

A 15-year-old boy who plays sports and would someday like to visit Tokyo is March’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. Hamilton County is spotlighting some of the children it has available for adoption with monthly releases to local media.

3-4-08

A father who owes more than $72,000 to his three children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent. Lamont Williams, 38, was last known to reside on Cedar Breaks Court in Fairfield. His last known occupation was fast food. 

3-3-08 Learn about services available for grandparents who raise grandchildren in a special forum Wednesday, March 19, at the Sycamore Senior Center, 4455 Carver Woods Drive, Blue Ash.
3-3-08

Recruiters from Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services are visiting local libraries to help answer the public’s questions about foster care and adoption.

2-29-08

Several Cincinnati organizations have come together to kick-start what is believed to be the first program in the country of its kind focusing on helping foster children stay in school and achieve academic success.

2-8-08 An independent review by a county ombudsman found there was no proof to allegations made in a Jan. 30 Cincinnati Enquirer story that the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services mishandled a Children’s Services case involving a mother of three.
2-5-08

A father who owes more than $67,000 to his two children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

2-5-08 A 15-year-old boy who is teaching himself how to play guitar is February’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.
1-30-08

A collaborative of public and private organizations has kicked off what they hope will be a $1 million recruitment campaign to increase the number of foster parents for abused and neglected children in Hamilton County and the Greater Cincinnati region.

1-25-08 Hamilton County's Pinwheels for Prevention child abuse awareness event won the Best award in the Public Service/Tactic category at last night's 2007 Blacksmith Awards presented by the Cincinnati Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

1-18-08

The Woman’s City Club will host a Jan. 22 forum featuring a panel of experts from Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services discussing the county’s child protection system.

1-17-08 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will open an outreach office at the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio in Tri-County on Feb. 1.

1-3-08

A 13-year-old girl who plays basketball and wants to be a cosmetologist is January’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

1-2-08

A father who owes more than $98,000 to his four children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent. Eugene Childs, 46, was last known to reside on Brookhaven Road.

1-2-08 Starting in February, HCJFS Pregnancy Services will present Tips for Moms -- a series of monthly workshops for Medicaid-eligible pregnant women aimed at preventing premature and low-weight births. Tips for Moms will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in a second-floor conference room at 237 William H. Taft Road.

2007

12-17-07

Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services set a new record for adoptions today when three children were adopted by a Cleveland-area couple, bringing the number of county adoptions to 127 in 2007.

12-3-07

A 15-year-old girl who likes attending church, playing basketball, going to the mall and listening to music is December’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services. Hamilton County is spotlighting some of the children it has available for adoption with monthly releases to local media.

11-15-07

Five families will finalize the adoption of  eight children before Hamilton County Probate Court Judge James C. Cissell Saturday in a Mass Adoption event planned to celebrate National Adoption Day.

11-14-07

Hamilton County Recorder Rebecca Prem Groppe recently received the Partner of the Year Award from the Ohio Child Support Enforcement Agency Director’s Association for partnering with the county’s Department of Job and Family Services in an innovative effort to collect child support.

11-7-07

A father who owes more than $108,000 to his five children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

11-1-07 With great enthusiasm and a sense of determination, the first of more than 100 caseworkers employed as a result the Children's Services Hiring Fair started their new jobs today.
(Listen to their comments in this podcast.)
10-31-07

Hamilton County’s adoptive and foster families will attend an exclusive private showing of the movie MARTIAN CHILD tomorrow night to kick off the celebration of National Adoption Month.

10-23-07 Hamilton County Commissioners voted unanimously yesterday during their weekly staff meeting to permanently appoint Director Moira Weir to her position, following up on a decision they made in June. A formal resolution will be passed during Wednesday’s regular Commission meeting.
10-16-07

More than 400 Hamilton County at-risk youth per year will have access to unique, family empowering services that help them avoid institutional care now that Hamilton County Commissioners have approved a two-year, $24 million contract between the Hamilton County Multi County System Agencies (MCSA) and Hamilton Choices, LLC. 

10-4-07

A 6-year-old girl who loves art class and listening to music is October’s Adoptable Child at Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services.

10-3-07

A father who owes more than $49,000 to his two children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

10-1-07 Hamilton County Children's Services, a division of the county's Department of Job and Family Services, took a big step toward adding vital resources to help kids on Saturday, Sept. 29. The agency's first Children's Services Hiring Fair went a long way toward addressing a child protection caseworker shortage.
9-19-07

Hamilton County’s Child Support Enforcement Agency will receive two state awards tomorrow for its innovative efforts to ensure children receive child support.

9-18-07

Former Cincinnati Bengal James Francis – who owes more than $900,000 in child support to two
of his children – has a court date set for tomorrow on a charge of nonsupport of dependants.

9-17-07

Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will host an upcoming hiring fair designed to attract recruits to join its Children’s Services division, giving the agency more resources to protect children. The department wants to hire 80 additional workers and plans to make on-the-spot offers at the fair, with an anticipated start date of mid-October.

9-12-07

Nearly 300 people took advantage of Hamilton County’s offer  to get their driver’s license reinstated in turn for re-establishing child support payments, allowing the county’s Child Support Enforcement Agency to collect nearly $88,000 in delinquent child support.

9-5-07

A father who owes more than $61,000 to his five children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

9-5-07   Darrick Candler, who appeared on the the Hamilton County Child Support Most Wanted poster for August, turned himself in to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office late in the month.
9-4-07

Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services will begin spotlighting some of the children it has available for adoption with monthly releases to local media.

8-29-07

Hamilton County parents who have warrants issued for their arrest because they failed to appear in Juvenile Court for child support hearings have two more days to take advantage of a special amnesty program that would wipe out their warrants.

8-23-07

To mark the final week of Child Support Awareness Month, Hamilton County’s Juvenile Court, in conjunction with the Child Support Enforcement Agency, is offering amnesty to parents who currently have warrants issued for their arrest because they failed to appear in Juvenile Court for their child support hearings. 

8-20-07 Open houses for individuals interested in learning more about becoming an adoptive and/or foster parent are being planned for the next few months. If you know someone who is interested, please tell them about the informative sessions. Please help spread the word.
8-17-07 Hamilton County’s Child Support Enforcement Agency has helped 45 local residents get their driver’s licenses reinstated after the parents stepped forward and made a commitment to pay their delinquent child support. In the process, the county has collected more than $8,200 in overdue support. There is hope that amount will grow in the next two weeks as the agency continues its driver’s license amnesty program, which is being offered throughout the month of August, Child Support Awareness Month.
8-9-07 Agency Director Moira Weir today announced the selection of Section Chief Aiesha Walker as interim assistant director in charge of Children's Services, effective today (Aug. 9).
8-8-07

Seven men and one woman who owe more than $589,000 to 24 children are depicted on the latest Most Wanted poster issued by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

8-3-07

A father who owes more than $94,000 to his five children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent. Darrick Candler, 36, was last known to be working in temporary services, and his last known address was McMicken Avenue in Cincinnati.

8-1-07

Hamilton County’s Child Support Enforcement Agency is willing to play Let’s Make  a Deal next month with parents who have an outstanding history of not paying child support.

7-25-07 A review of 3,057 Hamilton County Children’s Services cases found more than 97 percent had a home visit by a department caseworker within the past 45 days. The review also found no case-management concerns in cases where children had been recent victims of serious physical harm, as was found by a local judge in the case that sparked the review.
7-20-07

Hamilton County and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services officials are working together in hopes of coming to an amicable conclusion to the special audit of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services issued by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services last September. 

7-13-07

Tuberculosis screening on 143 residents and employees of a Mount Adams residential building and accompanying restaurant has revealed nine positive skin tests, which indicate a latent form of the disease that is not transmissible.

7-11-07 About 13,000 people who have had driver's licenses suspended for non-payment of child support can get them reinstated much easier in August. Hamilton County Child Support will join several other metro counties in offering amnesty, a part of the state's Child Support Awareness Month activities.
7-3-07

A father who owes more than $81,000 to his five children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.

6-18-07 Starting in August, HCJFS Pregnancy Services once again will present Tips for Moms -- a series of monthly workshops for Medicaid-eligible pregnant women aimed at preventing premature and low-weight births. Tips for Moms will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the TB Control Conference room at 237 Taft.
6-13-07 Hamilton County Commissioners have chosen Moira Weir as the new leader of the county’s Department of Job and Family Services, overseeing child welfare, child support and public assistance programs that touch hundreds of thousands of Hamilton County residents each year.
6-4-07 A father who owes more than $40,000 to his three children is Hamilton County’s latest monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.
5-23-07

Hamilton County foster teens who soon face life on their own will have the opportunity to receive job assistance through Next Step Network, an innovative new collaborative established by members of Leadership Cincinnati Class XXX, Cincinnati Works and several public and private child welfare organizations.

5-18-07 By June 6, all Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services Child Care staff will be located at 222 E. Central Parkway (4th floor- East). Moves begin on May 22. There will no longer be Child Care staff at 237 Taft.
5-18-07 Channel 12's coverage of foster care Wednesday helped attract 200 calls from people interested in fostering or adopting--and more than 3,000 visits to stories about it on the station's Web site.
5-11-07

A father who owes more than $50,000 to his two children is Hamilton County’s first monthly Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent.Darren Hudgins, 39, owes $52,180 in delinquent child support. Hudgins’ previous occupation was a construction worker, and his last known address was Endor Court in Cincinnati. He is the first parent to be depicted in Hamilton County’s Child Support Enforcement Agency’s new monthly Most Wanted posters.

5-9-07

Parents who owe child support could be barred from driving to Niagara Falls or cruising to an island paradise until they pay up if they are targeted under the county’s Passport Denial Program. In addition, changes in the program will increase the number of parents who can have their passports denied and the amount of time it will take to get the denied passport reinstated.

5-4-07

Seven active cases of tuberculosis have been reported since January among people connected to the Drop Inn Center homeless shelter and Hamilton County Tuberculosis Control wants everyone who spent at least four hours there between Oct. 12 and  Feb. 7 to be screened for the disease.

4-19-07

Seven men and one woman who owe a combined $563,200 to 24 children are depicted on the latest Most Wanted poster issued by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. This is the second poster issued this year – the first time the county has ever issued two posters in one year. All eight depicted on this year’s earlier poster were rounded up within five months of the poster’s August release.

3-23-07

More than 5,600 colorful pinwheels – each representing a report of child abuse or neglect to Hamilton County’s 241-KIDS hotline – will be planted near the Underground Railroad Freedom Center March 29 in a dramatic attempt by community leaders to draw attention to one of the area’s more horrific problems.

3-15-07 HCJFS has taken to the airwaves to encourage people to adopt older kids. Thirty-second commercials will continue to air on Fox 19, My64 and Time Warner Cable (BET, MSN, CNN) through June.
3-6-07 Hamilton County Job and Family Service will accelerate a plan that does regular background checks of foster parents.
3-5-07 One of Child Support’s best practices is truly among the best -- in the nation. The Arrears Management Strategy will appear in the federal Office of Child Support Best Practices Compendium, a collection of strategies available to all states to learn about successful child support programs and organizational practices.

2-9-07 Hamilton County's Department of Job and Family Services will host a two-part Civic Engagement meeting to promote conversation about the agency and its partners and stakeholders. The meeting will be held in conjunction with A Small Group, an organization dedicated to starting dialogue that encourages Cincinnati citizens to promote change and make the community a better place to live.
1-23-07 Rick Roberts, director of Hamilton County's Department of Job and Family Services, announced his retirement effective June 30.
1-4-07 All eight of the people depicted on a Hamilton County Most Wanted poster for failing to pay child support have been rounded up within five months of the poster’s August release.

2006

12-14-06
Eighty-two Hamilton County parents who owed nearly $1.5 million in child support to 136 area children were recently arrested as Hamilton County participated in the annual Statewide Sheriff’s Roundup to arrest parents who do not make their court-ordered child support payments.
11-29-06 A Hamilton County Children’s Services worker who supervises a unit handling severe physical abuse and neglect cases has won an award honoring those who help victims of violent crime.
11-20-06 Seven of the eight people depicted on a Most Wanted poster for failing to pay child support have been rounded up within four months of the poster’s release.
11-1-06 November is National Adoption Month, a time set aside to raise awareness about the adoption of children from foster care. This year’s theme of adopting teens from foster care builds on the Ad Council’s new public service announcement (PSA) campaign of the Children’s Bureau, the Adoption Exchange Association, and The Collaboration to AdoptUsKids.
10-25-06 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) will host 300 foster and adoptive parents and kids at the Cincinnati Zoo on Nov. 18 as part of National Adoption Day festivities.
9-11-06 Hamilton County Children's Services has taken several actions in the wake of the tragic death of Marcus Fiesel, a foster child in the care of Butler County Children Services. He had been placed with a foster family with Lifeway for Youth, a private agency. Hamilton County has about 150 children in Lifeway foster homes.
9-1-06

Child Support Amnesty Week (Aug. 21-25) was a huge success. The first-time event attracted 218 participants, who paid more than $34,000 and – most importantly – got reconnected to the system by establishing wage withholding or giving current contact information.

8-24-06 More than 130 people with Juvenile Court warrants for failure to appear for Child Support hearings have already participated in Amnesty Week. Encourage others with warrants to get a fresh start by coming to 800 Broadway (6th Floor) between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Amnesty Week continues through Friday.
8-7-06

About 2,300 Hamilton County area parents with warrants for their arrest for non-payment of child support will have a chance to possibly avoid jail. This opportunity comes during Amnesty Week, Aug. 21-25, at 800 Broadway St., downtown Cincinnati. The first-time offering will provide money for children as the school year begins.

7-27-06 Executive Administrator/Public Relations Carol Watson today announced the hiring of Brian Gregg as media spokesperson/communications manager. He starts Aug. 10.
7-25-06

Hamilton County Child Support, a division of the county’s Department of Job and Family Services, has produced a new Most Wanted poster as part of its efforts to collect unpaid child support. The poster shows six men and two women who owe an average of $50,000 in back support.

7-20-06

Get the word out to Medicaid-eligible pregnant women. Starting in September, HCJFS Pregnancy Services will present a new series of monthly workshops aimed at preventing premature and low-weight births.

7-19-06 Hamilton County Child Support, a division of the county’s Department of Job and Family Services, has produced a new Most Wanted poster as part of its efforts to collect unpaid child support. The poster shows six men and two women who owe an average of $50,000 in back support.
7-14-06 Home child care providers certified by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) will learn about social and emotional development of children from top child development experts at an August event. They will learn how to identify developmental issues and get practical ideas to help address those needs.

6-15-06

More than 40 teens in Hamilton County’s foster care system bid farewell to high school and hello to their futures at this year’s “A Celebration of Dreams.” The eighth annual event was held June 15 at the Montgomery Inn Banquet Center and organized by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and the Foster Child Enrichment Council.

6-14-06 As Father's Day approaches, you may hear a new public service announcement on an Ohio radio station thanking dads for paying child support. The PSA's, produced by the state Office of Child Support, have been supplied to stations throughout the state.

6-14-06 HCJFS Pregnancy Services is planning a summer workshop for Medicaid-eligible pregnant women, noon-2:30 p.m., July 19, in the TB Control Conference room at 237 Taft. The workshop -- organized by Pregnancy Services interns -- includes a presentation by former HCJFS staffer Jill Richardson (now at Good Samaritan Hospital) about Child Developmental Stages, Birth to Six Months. It also features a session on fitness and health tips.

6-2-06 Youth from low-income families in Hamilton County who haven’t been able to find and keep jobs because they lack transportation will soon get some much-needed help.
5-1-06

Learn more about health care for the uninsured during Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-7. Hamilton County Job & Family Services is one of the sponsors of our county's participation in this national event.

4-20-06 Project managers Tom Schutte of Information Systems and Loretta Workman of Workforce Development have been named Hamilton County Employees of the Year for 2006.
4-20-0 6 About 30,000 Hamilton County Child Support customers have begun receiving payments electronically instead of by a paper check. They recently joined about 35,000 clients who already had been getting payments through bank direct deposit or the e-QuickPay Debit MasterCard.
3-28-06 Imagine the sight of more than 5,500 pinwheels on a grassy lot—all lined up in neat rows, spinning in the breeze. Then, think about the fact that each represents a reported case of child abuse or neglect in Hamilton County in a year. Children’s Hospital, Hamilton County Job and Family Services and several other organizations plan to bring that image – and reality -- to Hamilton County this spring.
3-20-06

After a year-long review, the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services has been recognized for adhering to the highest standards for quality of services and management. The agency received notice that it has been reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation, one of the world’s leading advocates for high-quality social and behavioral health care services.

3-2-06 Starting March 27, Ohio food stamp customers will get their monthly benefits with an Electronic Balance Transfer (or debit) system.
1-24-06 The agency’s food stamp program has attracted the attention of regional and state experts. USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) staff from the Midwest region’s offices in Chicago will visit HCJFS the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 26, to check out our operations. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) staff also will participate.
1-24-06 Get the word out to Medicaid-eligible pregnant women. Starting in February, HCJFS Pregnancy Services will present a series of monthly workshops aimed at preventing premature and low-weight births.
1-5-06 Their work helps provide basic support for thousands of children, families, pregnant women, elderly and disabled persons in Hamilton County. In January, we recognize the important role that Family and Adult Assistance (FAA) workers at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services play in our community.
1-4-06

Sue Moore, an investigator for cases of child sexual and physical abuse, is the winner of an award honoring people who help victims of violent crime. Ms. Moore received a “Hope in Heels” award from the Hope in Heels Foundation, which was started in 2005 by Lora Besse and her family.  Ms. Besse is a victim’s advocate for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. The award recognizes those who use outstanding sensitivity, determination, collaboration and skill in their work with crime victims. 

2005
12-7-05 Agency Director Rick Roberts today issued this statement to agency employees regarding the tragic abduction of one of our staff...
12-7-05 An estimated 1,000 lower-income families in Hamilton County will qualify for a new program that provides extra help with heating bills this winter.  Each family could get up to $1,000 to pay bills that are higher than the family’s budget billing amount for the winter heating season.
11-15-05

Ashton Allen, a child support team leader for the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, has been named president of the Ohio Family Support Association (OFSA).

11-15-05

Abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation of the elderly is a hidden problem that is expected to grow as the population ages.  It’s important for people to know to prevent and respond to elder abuse and neglect. As part of an Elder Abuse awareness campaign, billboards will be up at these locations.

11-7-05

More than 200 Hamilton County foster children are waiting to be adopted. They are not the babies you normally think of when you think about adoption. They are school-aged children. Some are teenagers. Some have been waiting for a permanent home – a “forever family” – for a long time. Each November during National Adoption Awareness Month, we give special attention to this need.  We also honor the hundreds of adoptive and foster parents who have opened their hearts and homes to waiting children.

10-5-05

Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 28 people Tuesday as part of the Annual Statewide Sheriff’s Round Up of parents who are not supporting their children. Those arrested had warrants for failing to appear in Juvenile or Domestic Relations courts on charges that they are not paying their ordered child support.  They are the parents of 50 children and collectively owe $630,885.58 in child support. The 28 arrests cleared 46 warrants because some of those caught had warrants for multiple child support cases and other offenses.

9-22-05 Two new assistant directors will lead the Child Support and Client Services divisions of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) beginning next month.
9-16-05

Michael Smith, who spent most of his teenage years in foster care, has won a scholarship to help him complete his studies at the University of Michigan.

8-3-05

The faces of some of Hamilton County’s most elusive child support scofflaws will soon appear on “Most Wanted” posters. The county’s Child Support Services division plans to launch the poster in September. Planning for the poster is among the local activities for national Child Support Awareness Month, which is observed in August. Child Support Services is a division of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS).

8-2-05

The way parents receive child support is changing. Beginning in early 2006, paper checks will be out. Instead, child support customers will be required to use either direct bank deposit or a new debit card.

7-13-05

Commissioners today named Rick Roberts the new director for Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. Roberts takes over for Suzanne Burke, who left the position last month.

7-8-05

Interim Hamilton County Administrator Suzanne Burke is recommending that Rick Roberts be selected to replace her as Director of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services.

7-1-05

Hamilton County’s Spanish-speaking residents who need information about Medicaid, cash assistance, child care and other social services can now find it at the click of a computer mouse.

The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services partnered with the International Family Resource Center to translate information into Spanish. The new fact sheets are accessible on www.hcjfs.org by clicking on the button "En Espanol."

6-30-05

Suzanne Burke, director of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, responded today to the release of a Hamilton County Sheriff’s report concerning a child abuse investigation. At Burke’s request, Sheriff Simon Leis ordered an investigation into Cincinnati Police procedures related to the domestic violence charge filed against Cincinnati City Councilman Sam Malone on May 13..

6-13-05 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will conduct a free workshop for attorneys, court officials, employers and others who play vital roles in the child support system 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 222 E. Central Parkway, downtown.
6-2-05 Spanish fact sheets about Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services programs are just a few clicks away.
5-21-05 A new brochure has been created to provide do's and don'ts on safe sleeping for babies. This was produced by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, Juvenile Court, and the Hamilton County Family and Children First Council.

5-19-05 You can help us bring in money that provides children with the opportunity for a better life. Visit the Hamilton County Child Support arrest warrants Web site to see if you know the whereabouts of any of the parents with warrants for non-payment of child support.
5-4-05

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters announced today that the county has been granted temporary custody of a baby girl who was dropped off at Mercy Franciscan Hospital Monday, May 2 under the “Safe Haven for Newborns” Program.

4-19-05 John Young has announced his resignation as welfare reform executive for Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Young will become the president and chief executive officer of the FreeStore/FoodBank. He will start his new position May 9.
4-18-05 Two Hamilton County social workers will speak to a national child abuse conference about their experiences leading a Girl Scout troop made up of girls in foster care.
4-4-05 Interim Hamilton County Administrator and Department of Job and Family Services Director Suzanne Burke will become CEO of the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio later this spring.
3-24-05 We all have a role to play to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Organizations across the country will drive home that point in April—the 22nd anniversary of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
1-6-05

For a short period of time, government money will be available to help low-income families, elderly, and disabled people with home repairs and other expenses connected with the Dec. 22-23 snow and ice storm.

1-5-05

Abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation of the elderly is a largely hidden problem that is expected to grow as the nation’s population ages. With that growth comes an increasing need for people to be aware of community resources aimed at preventing and responding to elder abuse. In Hamilton County, the place to start is 421-LIFE (421-5433), the county’s 24-hour telephone line for reporting abuse and neglect of the elderly. When it began in 1990, 421-LIFE was one of the country’s first centralized elder abuse reporting lines. This month, 421-LIFE celebrates its 15^th anniversary.

2004
12-28-04 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services Director Suzanne Burke has been named treasurer of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) Board of Trustees for 2005.  
12-16-04

Hamilton County Children’s Services caseworkers are making their lists and preparing to choose from thousands of toys and gifts that have been donated for victims of child abuse and neglect. Conference rooms at the agency’s downtown and Walnut Hills locations are stuffed with thousands of gifts given by more than 100 local businesses, government organizations, schools, churches, and individuals, Over the next few days, caseworkers will cruise through the rooms on a mission to make the holidays happier for struggling families.

12-10-04

Today the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the state auditor announced plans to conduct a special audit of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. An earlier audit of HCJFS raised questions about accounting practices that involved charging foster care expenses to federal programs.  Some of these questions relate to practices in place since the 1990s.

10-5-04

Hamilton County foster parents will gather Thursday evening for a forum sponsored by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. This is the first time the agency has held such a forum for foster parents and is part of an effort to improve services to them.

9-1-04

A forum for child care providers and a massive home visiting effort for all children in foster care today received awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO).

8-13-04 Beginning this month, Hamilton County child support recipients have the option of getting their payments via debit cards instead of direct deposit or a check in the mail.

8-5-04 A new push to collect child support by suspending drivers’ licenses has brought in more than $1.4 million to help Hamilton County children.

6-25-04 Forty-six young men and women from the foster care system who completed high school were honored during the sixth-annual Celebration of Dreams June 17 at the Montgomery Inn Banquet Center.

6-25-04 HCJFS has won a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for the Children’s Services Quality Assurance Audit Project (CSQAAP) -- a point-in-time safety check and data update of all children in county custody.

6-18-04 With a goal of improving services to Children’s Services kids in residential facilities, leaders of several public systems kicked off a strategic planning process June 15 at the Summit on Residential Services Continuum.

6-11-04 Hamilton County Job & Family Services will receive two regional awards at this year’s Big Ten Food Stamp Improvement Conference in Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 11-13. The Big Ten is a joint federal, state and local effort aimed an improving food stamp accuracy and customer service in the Midwest. It includes counties that issue about $10 million per year in food stamp benefits.

6-11-04 HCJFS has joined six community partners in an effort to address the unmet mental health and substance abuse needs of adolescents in the county juvenile justice system—especially at the 2020 Auburn Avenue Youth Center.

5-4-04 An event for county-certified child care providers by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services won honors in 2004 NACIO Awards of Excellence Competition. NACIO is the National Association of County Information Officers.

5-3-04 A center at Children’s Hospital that houses the HCJFS Children’s Services Sex Abuse Investigations Team got a top honor on April 21. The Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children received the Hamilton County National Crime Victims’ Rights Week’s "Commitment to Crime Victims" award.

4-23-04 HCJFS Welfare Reform Executive John Young this month joined the agency’s Executive Team. Young assumes responsibility for community affairs, with an emphasis on relationships with key social service providers.

4-15-04 Dora the Explorer and her loveable sidekick, Boots, will celebrate National Foster Care Month from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. May 4, at the P&G General Offices. The performance, open only to local foster children and their families and children of P&G employees, will be held in the General Office gardens and will feature songs and dancing from the traveling "Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys" stage show.

4-14-04 Agency Director Suzanne Burke today announced the promotion of Moira Weir to assistant director. On April 22, she assumes responsibility for Child Support (sections led by Kathy Mock, Aiesha Walker and Germaine Sheppard), Workforce Development (Cynthia Smith) and Benefit Recovery Files (Dave Schwier).

4-6-04 Mt. Airy Center, a facility for homeless men operated by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS), became financially self-sufficient by winning a long-sought grant from the Veteran’s Administration.

4-1-04 April marks the 21^st anniversary of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. In Ohio, the theme is: Attention Adults: YOU Are the KEY To Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect. Children’s Services, the county’s child protection agency, counts on the community to help prevent child abuse.

3-30-04 Children’s Services supervisor Sara Harperink of Mason has been honored for her work helping some of Hamilton County’s most troubled children. Harperink received the Best Customer Service and Multi County System Agencies (MCSA) Worker of the Year awards from Hamilton Choices, an organization that manages care for about 300 youth and adolescents who are involved with Hamilton County’s public child-serving agencies.

2003

10-24-03 On Friday October 24, members of AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Local 1768 voted to ratify a new contract with HCJFS. The ratification settles labor negotiations that began last April. It means there will not be a strike by JFS employees. The Department will be open for business on Monday morning and employees should report to work at their regularly scheduled times.

10-23-03 The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners today approved a new tentative agreement with AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), the union that bargains for workers in the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS). The union is scheduled to vote on the new contract at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24.
10-22-03 AFSCME (the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) and Hamilton County have jointly denounced the contents of an unauthorized Web site. "While the Web site ( www.strike2003.org ) is maintained by a group calling itself Local 1768 Members For a Democratic Union, and claims it is comprised of "rank and file workers," it is unauthorized and not sanctioned by AFSCME," said Bob Turner, AFSCME Regional Director. "There is information on the site that is inaccurate," said Turner.

10-22-03 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Service (JFS) issued employee guidelines in the event of an AFSCME walkout on Oct. 27, 2003.

10-17-03 On Friday, Oct. 17, members of AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Local 1768 voted against ratifying a new contract with the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS). As a result of this vote, some HCJFS employees may go on strike beginning Monday Oct. 27. The union had earlier proposed a strike begin on Oct. 20, but the date has been changed.

10-15-03 Today, a majority of the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners approved a tentative agreement between the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) and AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Local 1768. This is a three-year agreement that covers employees who provide an array of services to the citizens of Hamilton County, including child protection, welfare, child support, and employment services.

8-15-03 To encourage more single fathers to take legal responsibility for their children, Hamilton County’s child support agency is bringing its services to the new Fatherhood Center in Walnut Hills. Child Support workers with the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS), are visiting the center one evening each month. Workers will start the process for fathers who want to establish paternity and provide information about genetic testing. They’ll also take requests from people who want to change their child support order and provide general information about child support.

5-6-03 Changes to Ohio’s subsidized child care program will reduce benefits to families and increase requirements for providers.Beginning June 9, 2003, an estimated 2,504 Hamilton County families will lose government-funded vouchers that help them pay for child care. The cut will affect 3,936 children and reduce the county’s subsidized childcare program by 29 percent.

4-18-03 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services today announced the launch of a new, improved Web site: www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org.The upgraded site is designed to better serve the needs of key agency audiences, such as clients, the public (students, researchers, job-seekers, etc.), volunteers/donors, foster and adoptive parents, the media and community providers.

2-21-03 Agency Director Suzanne Burke today announced the appointment of Bill Knecht as chief financial officer (CFO) at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS). Knecht, a manager with the City of Cincinnati for nearly two decades, starts March 13.

2-10-03 Hamilton County foster children will have a gift to help ease the pain of leaving home, thanks to art students at Taylor High School. The students are designing and decorating duffel bags and suitcases, which will be donated to the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. The agency’s Children’s Services caseworkers will give the bags to children who have to be removed from home because of abuse or neglect.

2-3-03 Under additional budget cuts announced Jan. 31 by Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, an estimated 2,504 Hamilton County families will lose government-funded vouchers that help them pay for child care. The cut will affect 3,936 children and reduce the county’s subsidized child care program by 29 percent

2002

12-11-02
More than 100 Hamilton County foster children who are available for adoption will have their holiday wish lists filled by local employees of Xerox Corporation/Xerox Connect. This is the tenth year that the local office of Xerox has hosted a holiday party for some of Hamilton County’s most vulnerable children. The party not only brightens the holidays for the children, but also helps Hamilton County Children’s Services recruit adoptive parents. The agency invites potential adoptive families to the party to meet and mingle with the children. The families have completed training and are ready to adopt. Approximately 50 families are expected to attend.The party will be held Friday, Dec. 13, at Sports Plus in Evendale.

11-13-02
At any given time, Hamilton County Children’s Services is seeking adoptive homes for some 100 waiting children. Each November during National Adoption Awareness Month, we give special attention to this need. We also honor the hundreds of adoptive and foster parents who have opened their hearts and homes to children, who have finally found a family of their own.

11-4-02 Hamilton County families whose child support was erroneously withheld by the state have received more than $1.4 million in refunds since mid-August. The county expects to complete the project soon ¾ well ahead of the state’s March 2003 deadline and first among Ohio’s seven metro counties.As of Oct. 28, the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) had reviewed 17,319 cases, 86 percent of the total potentially eligible to receive the refunds. The agency has approved 5,466 checks worth $1,407,918.23. Families received payments plus six percent interest. The remainder of the reviewed cases are not eligible for refunds. The checks have been sent by the state of Ohio.

10-21-02 On Friday, October 25, the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) will close its office at 117 Williams St. in Lockland. Sixteen employees work at the office processing Medicaid for nursing home residents. The staff will move to HCJFS headquarters downtown where other Adult Medicaid staff currently work.

7-18-02
Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services today announced results of an all-staff survey that pinpoints the reasons for turnover in two key areas: Children's Services line staff and Client Services line staff. The agency collected the data as part of its efforts to retain staff.
6-10-02 HCJFS Director Suzanne Burke today announced the appointment of Rick Roberts as assistant agency director. Roberts, a long-time Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manager who began his career in Hamilton County, starts his new job June 20.
5-30-02 The Southwest Ohio Career Resource Network is this region’s new one-stop employment and training services project. The center and its four satellite offices bring employers and job seekers together. The services are designed to help people find jobs, improve their skills, upgrade their employment and to assist businesses in need of a trained workforce.
5-29-02 Among the Class of 2002, one group of graduates has won a particularly hard battle to finish school. And while their peers count on family support as they move into the next stage of their lives, this group faces the intimidating prospect of life on their own. The students are youth in Hamilton County’s foster care system. On June 20, the county Department of Job and Family Services will honor them with the fourth annual Celebration of Dreams, an event for young men and women in county custody who graduate from high school or complete a GED.
3-13-02 The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners approved a proposed settlement of a lawsuit that had accused the county of violating federal law concerning adoptions. The proposed consent decree must now be approved by U. S. District Court following a public hearing. If approved, the decree would end the three-year lawsuit, which was filed by a former adoption worker for the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) and four adoptive families.
3-12-02 Hamilton County Job and Family Services got much better marks in the most recent County Progress Report announced by Ohio Job and Family Services.
2-19-02 Local job seekers and businesses will get new and improved one-stop employment and training services as part of a joint venture of the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
1-28-02 Agency Director Suzanne Burke announced today that Human Resources Director Larry Mitchell will temporarily fill the assistant director's position left vacant by Charles Ashmore's departure. Joe Gagliardo will assume Mitchell's HR job--also on a temporary basis.
1-16-02 Local job seekers and businesses are expected to get a new and improved one-stop employment services center as part of a joint venture under consideration by Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati.
1-3-02 Clermont County Commissioners today named HCJFS Assistant Director Charles Ashmore to the position of director of the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services. He will become the agency’s director Jan. 22.
1-2-02 Suzanne Burke today became the fourth director in the 50-plus year history of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. Burke has an extensive history in county government.

2001

12-13-01 The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) is starting to use a new tool to collect overdue child support. The Child Support Enforcement division of HCJFS can freeze and seize money in parents’ bank accounts if they fall behind in child support payments. The money is used to pay off the back support, known as arrearage, which is owed to the custodial parent and children.
11-7-01 Hamilton County voted overwhelmingly yesterday to Renew Issue 2—the Children’s Services levy. Thank you! This is a critical source of funding for our agency’s efforts to assist children and families.
10-17-01 Hamilton County announced today the appointment of Suzanne Burke as the new director of the Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS). Ms. Burke, who currently serves as the director of Administrative Services, began her public service career with Hamilton County in 1988. 
9-26-01 The Support Enforcement Tracking System (SETS), Ohio’s statewide child support computer system, will not be operational Oct. 1-2 . The state will be making changes mandated as part of federal welfare reform legislation. SETS is scheduled to operate in “read-only” mode Oct. 3-4. Child support payments received through Sept. 28 were processed as normal. Payments received on or after Sept. 29 are not scheduled to be processed until Oct. 5
8-22-01 Hamilton County Job and Family Services this week signed a Housing and Employment Collaborative Action Plan with Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority and Hamilton County Community Development.
8-8-01 Two HCJFS programs -- Pregnancy Related Services and the Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP) -- have merged. The merger is designed to reduce costs and coordinate services to teen parents and women facing high risk pregnancy.
8-2-01 The Children’s Services levy before Hamilton County voters on Nov. 6, 2001, is a renewal, not an increase. The 2.77-mill Children’s Services levy is a renewal of the levy Hamilton County voters first approved five years ago. However, if voters approve the levy, their taxes will be higher than what they are paying right now.
8-2-01 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) has formed a new unit to assist Ohio Works First (OWF) participants who become eligible to re-apply for assistance starting in October 2002. Under state law, those who have hit the 36-month OWF time limit can again apply for assistance after two years. OWF participants started hitting the 36-month limit in October 2000. As of July, about 875 had used 36 months of OWF.
7-26-01 Summer youth employment programs provided by Urban League, Community Action Agency and Cincinnati Youth Collaborative under contracts with the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) have been a success. As of July 24, 2001, about 1,000 youngsters had been placed in jobs supported by the contracts.
7-19-01 The Children's Health Insurance Program's (CHIP) nine specialists regularly assist the parents of children with psychiatric, surgical and medical needs. They help moms and dads of dozens of children suffering from asthma. They assist parents of children with leukemia who need radiation and dialysis…
7-13-01 Hamilton County Commissioners last week signed the county’s third Partnership Agreement with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).
7-10-01 Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services recently became one of the few combined social services agencies in the country to gain accreditation.
7-5-2001: On Monday, July 9, the Hamilton County Department of Human Services will become the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. This change is in name only. HCJFS will continue to provide the same services at the same locations to Hamilton County residents. Those services include: temporary cash assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, subsidized child care, child support case management, child protection, adult protection, and disability assistance.
7-2-2001: Transition to a new era starts today at Hamilton County Department of Human Services. Barbara Manuel, assistant director in charge of Children's Services, becomes the agency's interim director.
6-20-2001: HCDHS and Hamilton County today gave County Commissioners a list of proposed cost savings measures. For a number of reasons, the county is facing a significant reduction in revenue in its Income Maintenance programs.
6-6-2001: HCDHS on Aug. 1 will modify major parts of its management structure to respond to social, political and economic changes.
6-5-2001: Hamilton County today announced members of a community panel that will assist with the hiring of the next director of the Hamilton County Department of Human Services.
5-30-2001: The hcadopt.org Web site has won a national award. The site features videos of kids available for adoption through Children's Services.
5-18-2001: HCDHS (HCFJS in July) has begun negotiating its third Partnership Agreement with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. 
5-17-2001: Since October 2000, Hamilton County has extended welfare benefits to 435 families who have reached the 36-month lifetime limit. 
5-16-2001: Agency Director Don Thomas told employees today that he's proud of welfare reform, improvements in Children's Services, teamwork during conversion to the new Child Support computer network, and other accomplishments.
5-8-2001 : HCDHS is heavily represented on the Ohio Child Support Reform Shareholders Group.
4-24-2001: About $1.5 million in welfare reform money has been redirected to fund summer youth employment for Cincinnati and Hamilton County residents. 

4-23-2001: Six months ago, welfare reform watchers focused on the first of dozens of cash assistance customers about to use up their 36-month lifetime allotment. What’s happened? 
4-12-2001: Due to civil unrest in Cincinnati, HCDHS Director Don Thomas ordered all agency staff to stay out of inner-city neighborhoods today and tomorrow. 

4-10-2001: HCDHS Director Don Thomas has asked all agency staff to be extremely careful in an emotionally charged environment marked by confrontations between police and protestors near agency offices. 

4-5-2001: HCDHS Director Don Thomas recently announced his retirement. Thomas will leave the agency by Aug. 31. 

3-26-2001: Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) has signed a $1.2-million contract with the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati to provide youth employment services through June 30, 2001. 

2-28-2001: Project Thaw still has more than $3.5 million available for Hamilton County residents. 

2-23-2001: Hamilton County Department of Human Services recently canceled 30 one-time, one-year welfare reform contracts with 22 community agencies. 

2-15-2001: Hamilton County Department of Human Services will terminate several job training contracts with The Citizen's Committee on Youth (CCY) on Feb. 28.

2-14-2001: More than 6,000 people have applied for the Project THAW heating assistance program. 

2-6-2001: Just days after Gov. Taft announced Project THAW, Hamilton County has begun processing more than 1,700 applications for the heating assistance program. 

1-31-2001:
Hamilton County residents with income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level--about $16,700 per year for a single adult and about $34,100 for a family of four--can apply for one-time help with their heating bills through Project THAW. 

1-24-2001: Hamilton County Children's Services, a division of Hamilton County Department of Human Services, assisted 18,447 children in 2000. 

1-19-2001: Thanks to an aggressive recruitment campaign, Hamilton County Department of Human Services added 94 new foster parents in 2000. 

1-11-2001: Barbara Manuel, the assistant Hamilton County Department of Human Services director in charge of Children's Services, today reiterated her vision for Children's Services.

1-03-2001: After months of analysis, documentation and improvement, Hamilton County Department of Human Services has achieved a milestone in its effort to gain accreditation.

2000

12-14-2000: Hamilton County Department of Human Services recently signed a 5-year contract with Family Service of the Cincinnati area to implement a unique program. 

11-28-2000: Hamilton County Department of Human Services will change its name to Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) in July 2001. 

4-12-2000: Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) successfully cleared a major hurdle when 98.5 percent of its child support cases converted to the Support Enforcement Tracking System (SETS).

4-10-2000: Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) in April 2000 is converting about 70,000 cases involving nearly 200,000 people to a new child support computer system called the Support Enforcement Tracking System (SETS).

3-17-2000: Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) on March 20 will mail an 11-minute video and brochure explaining impending changes to 100,000 parents paying or receiving child support.

2-28-2000: Employers must change child support case numbers for workers who use wage withholding to pay support to Hamilton County. Otherwise, child support payments to local families will be delayed.

1-02-2000: Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) this month launches the most extensive marketing campaign in agency history. The campaign seeks to attract 200 new agency foster parents by the year 2000.

1999

12-01-1999: Making Dreams Come True, a new video of youngsters available for adoption through Children's Services, will be available in 43 Public Library and Hamilton County locations by mid-December 1999.

11-01-1999: The Hamilton County Human Services Planning Committee, the community group formed to help implement welfare reform in the county, today announced its meeting schedule for 2000.

6-23-1999: 

Hamilton County Commissioners today approved our second Human Services Partnership Agreement with Ohio Department of Human Services (ODHS).  

5-15-1999: 

The Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) today launched a user-friendly Web site packed with up-to-date information about the innovative agency...

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