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1. Do I have to live in Clark County to be an adoptive parent or foster care parent through Clark County Family and Children Services?

Families do not need to be Clark County residents to adopt children through Clark County Family and Children Services. For foster care, an inquirer living in an adjoining county of Clark County may fill out an application. However, those families living outside of an adjoining county should contact the local county agency to get more information.

2. How do children wind up under the care of Family and Children Services?

If children cannot remain safely within their own home, the agency will work with the children’s family to develop a temporary, safe living arrangement. If this is not possible, the agency may contact Clark County Juvenile Court to request removal of the child(ren) from the home.

In some cases, families voluntarily seek help from Clark County Family and Children Services to find their child(ren) a home until a family crisis subsides. The rules affecting children entering into foster care are set and monitored by federal and state laws.

3. How do we become an adoptive family?

First, families go through a free home study with Clark County Family and Children Services. The home study includes education, self-evaluation to help families prepare to adopt a child who needs a loving home, and the following (but not limited to): - 39 hours of training - Background checks and references - Fingerprinting - Fire inspection

4. Are there any additional requirements for being an adoptive family?

Adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old with a stable income and may be:
- Homeowners or renters
- Single, married, divorced or widowed
- With or without children

5. What are the foster parent requirements?

- 21 years old or older
- Able to provide a safe and healthy home for a child
- Desire to work closely with other team members to help a child and restore a family
- Enough living space for a child
- Income sufficient to meet the basic needs of the household
- Married or single

6. How long does it take to complete a home study?

About 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the family’s schedule and how quickly the required documentation is received.

7. What is the cost?

The required training and home study are free, but there are often attorney fees and court costs associated with adoption. These expenses may be eligible for reimbursement as non-recurring expenses.

8. What are subsidies?

Money that is available to help adoptive families care for adopted children. An eligibility specialist helps determine the amount that a family may receive. Children Services can assist families with adopted children until they turn 18. The agency may be able to assist children who qualify as developmentally delayed as defined by Developmental Disabilities of Clark County until age 21.

9. What benefits are available to foster families?

Foster families receive a monthly, non-taxable paycheck, 2 weeks of paid vacation per year, allowances for clothing and activities, medical coverage for the foster child, and mileage reimbursement.

10. How long does a placement take for adoption?

The amount of time it takes for a placement varies greatly. The more flexible you are regarding age, background and behavioral characteristics of an adoptive child, the sooner a placement may be made.

11. How soon is a child placed with a foster family?

This depends on a variety of factors. Children are matched with a foster family based on preferred characteristics such as: age, gender and special needs. By following the stated preferences as much as possible, the agency works to establish successful placements.

12. Does a foster family get to decide if a child is a good match?

Yes. Before making a placement, the agency asks the foster family if they would agree to care for a particular child who has been identified through the matching process.

13. How long does a child stay in a foster home?

This depends upon the child’s birth family and the progress made toward resolving issues in their home. Typically, children remain in foster care no longer than 12 months. After this time, the agency proceeds with establishing alternative permanency plans, which include, but are not limited to, adoption, planned permanent living and/or independent living.

14. Who are the adoptive and foster care children?

These children need love, affection and guidance. They represent all ethnic groups and ages, from infants to teens. Some may have disabilities and require special care. Others may have brothers and sisters who need to be placed together. They may be teenage mothers who need temporary homes for themselves and their children.

15. What are the general qualities a foster family needs to possess?

Overall, families must: - Love and understand children and want to make a lifetime commitment to parenting a child in need - Want to share their time and family life and give a child a place to call home - Be flexible, responsive and understand that there may be challenging times — and that the rewards last a lifetime

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1. Who is eligible for the program?

For details see the Ohio Works First eligibility requirements resource.

2. Who is not eligible for the program?

Find out what may keep you from qualifying by accessing the Cash Assistance Program page.

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1. What is the purpose of CAC Support and Case Management Services?

The purpose of CAC Services is to assure that children and family members feel supported during and after the interview process.

2. Who helps with this support?

The CAC / Rocking Horse Case Manager is the contact for this process. Call 937-327-3731 to reach Leslie Kleen.

3. What support services does the CAC provide?

- Support to the child and family member(s) while they are at the CAC
- Information about therapeutic services for children, caregivers, and other family members
- Assistance communicating MDT recommendations to family member(s) including information about medical exams.
- Referrals and support during medical exams.
- Follow-up with ongoing support and referrals through regular phone contact; track family's progress and use of therapeutic services
- Victim Advocacy Information and Support –which includes: Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program and Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) information

4. When does the Case Manager get involved during the process?

- During the Interview - Meet with family member(s) to offer support, answer questions, and provide information
- After the Interview - Provide family members(s) with specific referrals for medical and therapeutic services based on recommendations of MDT; answer questions about medical exams
- Post-Interview Teaming - collaborate with team on recommendations
- Any time these services would be helpful to the family - Services can be requested at any time during or after a CAC interview

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1. Who are the children that the CAC serves?

The Clark County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) serves children from birth to 18 years of age or those under 21 who are intellectually disabled. The children are referred to the CAC by child welfare and law enforcement agencies. We work to provide a coordinated community response to victims of:
- Domestic Violence
- Felony Level Physical Abuse
- Human Trafficking
- Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
- Witness of a Violent Crime

2. Why is the CAC needed?

During a child abuse investigation, experts from several agencies must talk with the child. Before the Clark County Child Advocacy Center existed, children were taken back and forth among child welfare offices, police departments, medical clinics, and therapists. Learn how the CAC changes that.

3. Where is the CAC located?

Our child-friendly facility is located at 1346 Lagonda Avenue, at the rear entrance of Building D in Springfield, Ohio.

4. How much do services cost?

There is no fee for services provided by the CAC. The Center is funded by a variety of in-kind and grant resources, which include:
- Job and Family Services of Clark County
- National Children’s Alliance
- Ohio Attorney General’s Office-Victims of Crime
- Springfield Foundation
- Turner Foundation (Rocking Horse Center Grant)

As a non-profit agency, the CAC hosts fundraising events and depends on donations to help support the services that we provide.

5. What about confidentiality and information sharing?

The unique centralization of the multidisciplinary agencies allows the team to share information, coordinate their services and streamline the investigative process.

However, as every case is an open child abuse investigation, confidentiality is a primary concern. Each agency signs an inter-agency agreement that permits the agency to share information with other team members.

Case information is not released to anyone other than team agencies unless by court order. The CAC's administrative staff does not acknowledge inquiries about scheduled appointments or whether a child has been seen or not. The CAC refers all such requests to the case investigators.

6. How can I get involved?

Your support matters. There are many ways that each person can get involved. Learn more about how you can contribute.

7. If I donate will my name and address be sold to others?

No! As part of our Code of Ethics, the Clark County Child Advocacy Center honors the confidentiality of information and the privacy of our donors and beneficiaries. Learn more about this process.

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1. What can I do to get my share of out-of-pocket medical expenses?

By state law, CSEA cannot assist in this matter. The issue must be addressed privately in the court system.

2. Can the CSEA assist with custody or visitation?

No, the Child Support Enforcement Agency is not able to assist with those particular issues.

3. What is a processing fee?

It is a 2% fee charged on court-ordered payments, as established by Ohio law.

4. Can I be denied a passport?

If you owe more than $2,500 in past due child support, the U.S. State Department will refuse to issue a passport and may revoke, restrict, or limit a passport previously issued.

5. How can a driver’s license be suspended?

A warning letter is sent to an obligor who is not complying with a support order. If the obligor does not respond within 14 days, the license can be suspended.

6. How are income tax refunds intercepted?

Our computer system generates information that is provided to the IRS.

7. Why isn’t the tax refund credited to my support account after the CSEA received it?

Tax monies may be on hold for a variety of reasons. Please contact the CSEA in person. We cannot discuss IRS information over the phone.

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1. I didn’t ask for child support, so why do I have to have it established?

State and federal laws mandate the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) pursue child support for any child who receives medical or cash assistance from the State of Ohio.

2. I am married, but my husband is not the father. What can I do?

You, your husband, or the presumed father may request paternity testing from CSEA if there is not a court order naming a father.

3. Is there a charge for applying for CSEA services?

No, there is no charge for the application service.

4. Does it cost to have genetic testing done?

No, unless ordered by the courts.

5. What can be done when an individual signs an affidavit as being the father, but is not the father?

Parties have 60 days from the date of signing an affidavit to sign a rescission to cancel it. If after 60 days a rescission has not been signed, either party has one year to file a motion with the court for paternity testing.

6. I am under 18 years old and have a baby. Can I apply for services?

A parent under 18 may apply but will need a legal guardian present to receive services.

7. All parties have had genetic testing. When will we know the results?

You may expect the results in 4 to 6 weeks. Results are sent to each party by mail.

8. Can the CSEA help change the baby’s last name?

If both parties agree, the child’s last name may be changed at the time of genetic testing.

9. Who pays support when children are in foster care?

Both parents are typically ordered to pay.

10. When a child is under the care of foster parents, does the child support go directly to the foster parents?

No, it goes to the agency or to the State of Ohio if the foster parents are paid through the agency or state.

11. Are notary services available at the CSEA?

Yes. If you need a support document notarized, the CSEA provides the service at no cost.

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1. What if I have a case with more than 1 order in different states?

Contact your local CSEA. A review of all orders will be conducted and a controlling order will be determined.

2. Can I get a child support order modified when one or both parties no longer live in the state that issued the order?

Either party can seek a modification of an order issued in another state. Procedures vary by case. Contact the CSEA for more information.

3. How do I get my child support order enforced if one or both parties no longer live in the state that issued the order?

Enforcement action may include (but is not limited to) the issuance of an income withholding order or administrative and legal action for noncompliance. When an income source is located for an obligor who resides in another state, the state that issued the support order may send a direct income withholding order to this source. If it becomes necessary to take administrative or legal action against the obligor, the obligee may either work directly with the state that issued the support order or contact his or her local CSEA to initiate action with CSEA in the obligor’s state of residence.

4. Do I have to use the services of the child support agency that issued my order?

The obligee may choose to work with his or her local CSEA or work directly with the state that issued the order. To avoid confusion, the obligee should choose one or the other—not both. Some states will only communicate directly with the initiating state if the obligee chooses to apply for child support services with the local CSEA.

5. How long will services take if we work with another state?

This varies depending on what action is necessary. If an interstate request is made for enforcement of another state’s order—and legal action is needed—it may take several months for the case to reach court. Your local CSE will closely monitor the status to assure timely action is taken.

6. I have been served to appear at a hearing in another state. Am I required to appear in person?

Some states allow testimony by telephone. This pertains to administrative hearings held at CSEA as well. If you are scheduled to appear at an out-of-state hearing, please contact CSEA as to whether telephone testimony is permitted.

7. I disagree with the outcome of the hearing results rendered by another state. How do I object?

If you dispute the amount of support ordered or have another issue, an appeal may be possible. You must communicate concerns immediately to CSEA. There are time limits to filing an objection.

8. My out-of-state order permits standard visitation. I have now moved to Ohio and am being denied visitation. Can the CSEA help me?

Visitation issues cannot be addressed by the CSEA in interstate actions and are not a defense for non-payment of support.

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1. I am the custodial parent. Why is my income used in determining support?

According to the Ohio Guidelines Calculations (ORC 3119.05), both parties’ incomes must be used to calculate the amount of support to be paid.

2. Is my current spouse/significant other’s income used?

No. Only the incomes of the mother and the father of the child are used.

3. My child is receiving Social Security benefits from a parent’s disability. Do I still have to pay child support?

First, you need to ask for a review and adjustment. If it is found that the child is receiving more in Social Security benefits than what the court would order, you would not be ordered to pay support. If you owe arrears, you would be required to pay that.

However, if it is found the child is not receiving more than what would be ordered by the court, you would be ordered to pay support. If you owe arrears, you also would be required to pay that.

4. How long does the review and adjustment process take?

Approximately 3 to 6 months, depending upon request for administrative and/or court hearings.

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1. Once money has been withheld from the obligor’s paycheck, when will I get my money?

The employer has 7 business days to send in the payments. After the payment is received, it is processed within 2 business days.

2. What if I need my E-QuickPay Card replaced?

Call one of the numbers on the back of the card: 800-503-1283 or 888-965-2676.

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1. How long is the termination process?

About 3 to 6 months.

2. I now have custody. Will my support order stop?

No. A court order is needed for a legal custody change. Otherwise, support will continue. Take a copy of the custody order to CSEA.

3. Why did payments to me stop when the child is still in my home?

This is to prevent an over-payment. A motion to impound (hold) payments is filed with the court. Once the termination process is completed, any held money will be distributed.

4. My support order has been terminated and there is no balance. Why is money still deducted?

Until a final order is filed with the court, the deduction must continue.

5. Why is my current arrears payment larger than what it was before support ended?

If an individual was paying on arrears prior to terminating support, the amount paid on that arrearage is added to the amount that was paid monthly for support. This process is mandated by the State of Ohio and provides for a quicker repayment of the money that is owed.

6. How can emancipation / termination effect my wage withholding?

If an arrearage exists at the time of emancipation, the deduction will remain the same until all arrears are paid in full. When all monies owed have been paid, the CSEA will end the wage withholding.

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1. Who are the Family Stability Team members?

• Clark County Developmental Disabilities 
• Clark County Family and Children Services 
• Clark County Juvenile Court 
• McKinley Hall (Adult Drug/Alcohol Treatment) 
• Mental Health Services for Clark County 
• Oesterlen Services for Youth 
• The Rocking Horse Community Health Center 
• Springfield City Schools

2. What is the purpose of the Family Stability Team Staffing?

To encourage safety, stability and support by helping families, caregivers and providers think through and learn about services within the community.

3. Where is the Family Stability Team Staffing held?

Clark County Department of Job and Family Services:
1346 Lagonda Avenue
Springfield, OH 45503

4. When are the Family Stability Teams staffed?

- Monday mornings 9:00 am and 10:30 a.m. - Wednesday afternoons 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

5. What are the Steps of the Staffing?

- All information shared is confidential, within limitations of the abuse and neglect law
- Introductions
- Overview of the reason for referral; headed by the referral source, aka team leader
- Family’s reported needs and concerns
- Open question and answer format from the team working together with the family
- Review action plan/outcomes with the Family Stability Coordinator
- Written action plan/outcomes of the meeting while it is the Committee’s understanding that the team leader/referral source will continue to support the family in carrying out the plan.

6. What are some reasons to participate in a Family Stability Team Staffing?

- Problem solve through difficult situations and barriers
- Work together with the members of the Family Stability team
- Learn about different resources in Clark County
- Connect children, families and caregivers to resources in Clark County
- Ensure the safety and stability of children and their families

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1. Who can get food stamp benefits?

A person may qualify for benefits if the household’s gross monthly income is within 130% of the federal poverty guidelines and within 100% of the poverty level after all allowable expenses (net adjusted income), and if the person’s resources such as cash, savings, stocks, etc., do not exceed $2,000 ($3,000 if a person is at least 60 years old or disabled). The income and resource limits do not apply if each person in the household receives income from any of the following programs:
- Ohio Works First (OWF)
- Ohio’s Disability Financial Assistance (DFA)
- Ohio’s Disability Medical Assistance (DMA) Program
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Resources of an SSI or OWF household member are excluded. The income and resource limits do not apply if at least 1 person in the household is authorized to receive or receiving benefits or services from the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program.

2. Who cannot get food stamp benefits?

Some individuals will be ineligible for food stamp benefits. For example, able-bodied adults without dependent children who are not employed or who are not participating in a work program will be ineligible for benefits after receiving 3 months of benefits in any 3-year period, unless the individual is residing in a county that is currently waived from this work requirement or the individual becomes employed or participates in a work program. Individuals who are required to work but have failed to comply with the work program are ineligible.

3. What are allowable expenses?

Allowable expenses include medical expenses for individuals 60 years of age or older; or who are considered disabled; dependent care expenses; legally-obligated child support; and shelter costs such as rent, mortgage, property taxes, gas and electric.

4. What needs to be verified?

Items such as income and expenses will require verification at the time of application. Normal processing requires that benefits be issued or the application denied within 30 days after the date the application is filed. But if the household has little or no income and resources, the household may be eligible to receive benefits right away even if all of the information can not be verified quickly. However, identification is required at the time of application.

5. How often is your situation reviewed?

Depending on the household’s situation, a review (re-certification) of continued eligibility for food stamp benefits is generally required every 6 to 12 months. Reviews will occur more often if the household is experiencing a lot of changes or has earned income. Elderly and disabled households with no earned income will have a review of their eligibility once every 24 months.

6. What can be bought with food stamp benefits?

Food stamp benefits can be used to buy most food or food products intended for human consumption. Read more...

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1. What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a public health care program funded by the state and federal government. It provides necessary health care coverage to certain individuals with limited income. In Ohio, a person is entitled to Medicaid health care coverage for free or at a low cost if they meet specific income and eligibility requirements. As an entitlement program, the state cannot limit the number of eligible persons enrolled in Medicaid or deny access to medically necessary services to control costs.

2. Who is covered by Medicaid?

Ohio Medicaid provides health care coverage to children, pregnant women, families, adults age 65 and older and people with disabilities. Some consumers may need to pay monthly premiums or copays for certain services. Learn more about the covered groups.

3. How do consumers receive Medicaid services?

Once enrolled, consumers can get health care services from a Medicaid provider who accepts Medicaid as health insurance. This is generally called fee-for-service Medicaid. Consumers may be required to get their services from a Medicaid managed care plan. Both fee-for-service Medicaid and the managed care plans provide all medically necessary primary, specialty and emergency care, and preventive services.

Ohio Medicaid also provides both home health care and facility-based services for those consumers requiring long-term care services. Home care services allow consumers to remain in their homes and communities. Long-term care services are also available for consumers needing care in nursing homes and facilities for persons with mental retardation. Alternatives to institutional care are offered through home and community-based services waivers (e.g., PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care).

4. What services does Medicaid cover?

Ohio’s Medicaid Program includes services mandated by the federal government as well as optional services Ohio has elected to provide. Some services are limited by dollar amount, the number of visits per year, or the setting in which they can be provided. With some exceptions, all medically necessary services are available to all Medicaid consumers. View details on Federally Mandated and Ohio’s Optional Services.

5. What are the monthly income guidelines?

For details on monthly income guidelines, view a table outlining this information.

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1. What services are offered at OhioMeansJobs One-Stop?

Resources include a current listing of job openings in Clark and surrounding county one-stops. One-stop services include free access to computers, internet, fax machines, telephones, workshops and much more. Many agency partners are onsite to assist with all your employment needs by offering programs such as:

•Job readiness programs

•Career exploration

•Resume workshops

•Basic computer skills workshop

•Unemployment/Reemployment services

•Veteran services

•Public assistance

•Transportation

•Training and education

2. What do I need to do to attend an open interview?

Not much. You can just come on the date and time of the open interview- preferably with a resume in hand and dressed professionally.