Allen County is one of four counties in the state of Ohio that has been identified with elevated lead levels according to the Ohio Department of Health. The number of older homes in the region could partially to blame. Public Health Consultant Lisa Salyers from the Ohio Department of Health speaking to members of the Family and Children First Council today. 

The number of children being served by Allen County Children Services due to neglect and abuse reports has drastically increased with the opioid epidemic. Allen County Family and Children First Council hearing some updated numbers of children being served in recent years. In 2012 330 children were in "out of home placement". In 2016 it hit an all-time high at 555 children and in 2018 it has come down slightly to 498 children in “out of home placement”. Along with higher numbers, the cost to place them nearly doubled to $2.6 million dollars in 2016. Agency officials say the day and age of working independently to serve the children is gone and working together is what's needed.

A policy change at the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities will benefit families receiving support services. Superintendent Theresa Schnipke updating the Family and Children First Council on the changes in support services dollars that families they serve can receive.

A Lima community leader has begun a little farewell tour as he approaches retirement at the end of the month.

At the monthly Family and Children First Council meeting, Michael Schoenhofer was recognized by the group in his final meeting.

The search for a new coordinator for the Family and Children First Council is in high gear.

At the end of Monday's Family and Children First Council, the organization's president, Mike Schoenhofer was presented with an award.