While workforce shortages are plaguing nearly every field these days, the stakes are particularly high for Ohio s county children s services agencies. The pandemic exacerbated turnover, as about 38% of Ohio child-protective services workers left their positions in 2020. Matthew Tracy, ongoing social worker for Licking County Job and Family Services, explained much like first responders, caseworkers serve communities around the clock and are called to support families and keep children safe, often during traumatic moments. .
By Trista BowserBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Due to the labor shortage in Ohio, many companies are employing teens who are looking to get into the workforce to keep their business going. An Ohio bill is being created to allow these teens to work later hours throughout the school year. .
It is Michigan Young Parent Awareness Day, and groups are spotlighting efforts to support expectant and parenting young people, both in taking care of their kids and achieving their personal goals. Research shows fewer than half of teen mothers get a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and just 2% of those who graduate from high school finish college by age 30. Kristie Wilcox, a University of Michigan student and founder of the group She s Got Grit, which raises money for a $5,000 scholarship for a young Michigan parent in high school, said there are many options for how the money could be used. .
It is Michigan Young Parent Awareness Day, and groups are spotlighting efforts to support expectant and parenting young people, both in taking care of their