LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It happens more often than many realize, and Allen County Children Services (ACCS) is working to change that.
The Lima Kiwanis Club heard from ACCS Executive Director Sarah Newland about the agency’s history and its intake statistics from 2024. According to Newland, ACCS served one in every 13 children in the county last year. The agency handled 762 reports, including 259 cases of neglect, 290 cases of physical abuse, and 90 cases of sexual abuse, along with additional cases involving mental health concerns.
The agency handled 762 reports, including 259 cases of neglect, 290 cases of physical abuse, and 90 cases of sexual abuse, along with additional cases involving mental health concerns.
“We've also seen an increase in the number of families that are asking for help to assist with children, especially older youth, that are struggling with mental health and behavioral health issues,” Newland said. “So that has been a huge number that we served last year.”
To continue its efforts in protecting and serving the youth of Allen County, ACCS will have a renewal levy on the May ballot to secure funding for its programs.
