Photo provided IN BLUE – The supervisors and directors of JCESC OhioRISE wear blue in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month. OhioRISE care coordinators are active in working with families with children who are at risk, and the agency has strong partnerships with local service providers who help kiddos who have suffered abuse.

STEUBENVILLE — Supervisors and directors with Jefferson County Educational Service Center OhioRISE wore blue April 8 in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month and in support of efforts to protect children across Ohio communities.

Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) OhioRISE is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs in Jefferson, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Monroe, Stark and Tuscarawas counties and is operated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. The program was created to coordinate resources and connect families with available services.

OhioRISE Director Lindsay Brandon said care coordinators are not direct service providers but build close relationships with the families they serve.

“We are a support for the youth we serve and partner with local organizations who work with kiddos who have endured abuse,” she said. Those partners include A Caring Place court-appointed special advocates in Jefferson County.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the 2021 Factbook from the Public Children Services Association of Ohio, of the 2,591,911 children in Ohio, 10 per 1,000 are in custody, 19% live in poverty and 87,817 grandparents are raising their grandchildren.

In 2021, 93,844 children services reports were screened in by agencies, including 29,092 reports of physical abuse, 23,461 reports of neglect, 8,446 reports of sexual abuse, 938 reports of emotional maltreatment, 19,707 reports of multiple allegations of abuse or neglect and 11,261 reports of families in need of services.

Abuse and neglect can affect children’s physical, mental and social development, including brain development and increased risk for chronic disease, mental health disorders, learning disorders, teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency and adult criminal behavior. Officials noted the cycle of abuse can continue into the next generation.

Substance abuse among family members is often a contributing factor.

OhioRISE care coordinators said they remain focused on supporting children and families while working with service providers to ensure needs are met through a wraparound approach.

For more information about OhioRISE, call 740-792-4011, email ohiorise.info@jcesc.org or visit https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/CareManagementEntity.aspx.