Ohio s Children Services agencies say they are becoming the destination for young people with all kinds of intensive or "high-acuity" needs. A new report found nearly one in four kids entered Children Services custody in 2021 due primarily to mental illness, developmental disability or as a diversion from the juvenile justice system. KelliJo Jeffries, director of Portage County Job and Family Services, said it added a layer of stress to an already strained workforce. .
It s already been one week since Safer Internet Day, and in case you missed it, the National Parent-Teachers Association is helping families have "the talk" with their kids to lay out ground rules for being online. Parents can still go to the website saferinternetday.us for guidance on how to facilitate a safe experience when kids use social media or gaming sites. Carrie Neill, connected ambassador for the national PTA, said their Smart Talk tool encourages parents to give kids a say when setting family rules for technology and mobile devices. .
Bridgeport is one of six U.S. cities selected for an 18-month project kicking off this month, to create more education and career opportunities for young people. The National League of Cities has awarded Bridgeport a $150,000 grant to support projects promoting STEM education and careers, particularly for young people not working or in school. .