Ohio AG launches pilot program to assist children of addicts

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Wednesday a pilot program that aims to help children abused or neglected due to their parents' drug use (Source: “Kids of Ohio addicts focus of DeWine's pilot program,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, March 22, 2017).

Families in 14 southern Ohio counties most impacted by opiate abuse will soon have access to increased resources at county children's services agencies.

Ohio START, or Sobriety, Treatment and Reducing Trauma, will provide specialized services, like intensive trauma counseling, to children. The program also will offer increased access to drug treatment to parents of children referred to the program.

Through START, child protective services, peer mentors, court systems and behavioral health and treatment providers will work together to provide services. Instead of monthly meetings typical for children's services, those in the START program will meet with a caseworker weekly. Parents are paired with a recovery coach.

The pilot program, which will officially launch in April, is set for two and a half years.