LEVY AT WORK: JFS maximizes funds to keep pace with ever-rising foster care costs

Impact of Human Resource Levy on Ashland County Services

Introduction

The Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services and the Council on Aging have experienced significant changes since the passing of a human resource levy in November 2021. This report examines the effects of the levy on these organizations and their ability to serve the community, particularly in relation to foster care costs.

Foster Care Costs and Inflation

In 2022, the average cost for a child placed in foster care in Ashland County was approximately $51 per day. By 2024, this cost has risen to $90.50 per day, largely due to record inflation and high demand. Peter Stefaniuk, director of the county’s Job and Family Services, has identified this as a ‘placement crisis’ for foster children in Ohio.

Levy Funding and Sustainable Development Goals

The levy generates about $2.8 million annually, providing a total of $14.3 million over its lifetime to be split equally between the Council on Aging and Job and Family Services. This funding aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), by ensuring that foster children receive the care they need without burdening the county’s general fund.

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The levy helps mitigate the financial strain on foster care, ensuring that children in need are supported.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By providing necessary funds for foster care, the levy ensures that children’s health and well-being are prioritized.

Allocation of Levy Funds

Job and Family Services received over $1.3 million in 2022 and 2023 through the levy, allowing them to cover all costs of caring for foster children. This has resulted in better pay for foster parents and competitive wages for child welfare staff, addressing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The levy has enabled fair compensation for those involved in foster care, contributing to economic stability.

Reduction in Children in Custody

Since the implementation of the levy, Ashland County has seen a 71% decrease in the number of children in custody, with only 59 children as of April 30. This reduction can be attributed to various factors, including effective use of funds and community programs that align with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The decline in children in custody reflects stronger social services and support systems.

Support Programs and Community Impact

Programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and Ready Set Learn have been instrumental in supporting the community’s needs. These programs align with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing essential resources to those in need.

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – SNAP recipients receive necessary nutritional assistance.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education – The Ready Set Learn program ensures children have access to educational supplies.

Conclusion

The human resource levy passed by Ashland County voters has had a profound impact on the ability of local services to meet the needs of foster children. By providing essential funding, the levy supports various SDGs and enhances the quality of life for vulnerable populations within the community.

Note: This report is based on an article originally published by Ashland Times Gazette.

Analysis of the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific targets under the SDGs that can be identified from the article include:

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator for Target 1.2: The number of children in foster care and the cost associated with their care.
• Indicator for Target 3.8: The funding generated from the human resources levy to support foster care without drawing on the county’s general fund.
• Indicator for Target 10.2: The number of children in custody and the decrease in that number due to improved conditions.
• Indicator for Target 16.2: The number of children affected by abuse and neglect and the measures taken to provide them with a safe environment.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators’

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: yahoo.com

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