PETITION TO STRENGTHEN CHILD SAFETY AND FAMILY STABILITY IN SCIOTO COUNTY

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of children and families in Scioto County, Ohio, respectfully request that the Ohio General Assembly and Scioto County Juvenile Court implement legislation and policy requiring mandatory, court-ordered Enhanced Parenting Education for any parent or guardian who has been the subject of three or more screened-in Children’s Services reports within a four-month period.

The purpose of this measure is to:

Improve child safety, Strengthen family stability, Reduce repeated involvement with Child Protective Services
Provide trauma-informed, skills-based parenting education to caregivers demonstrating a pattern of referrals

Many cases of neglect stem not from intentional harm, but from lack of knowledge regarding child development, trauma, special needs care, hygiene, and safe supervision. Early, targeted education can prevent escalation and improve long-term outcomes for children.

We support requiring completion of an Enhanced Parenting Education Course taught by qualified professionals in education, social work, child development, counseling, or related fields. The course should include trauma-informed care, safe home standards, age-appropriate hygiene, special needs parenting strategies, and positive discipline techniques.

Completion should be based on meaningful participation and demonstrated understanding, with documentation provided to the Juvenile Court.

By signing this petition, we urge our elected officials and judicial leaders to take action to strengthen prevention efforts and protect vulnerable children in our community.

Children deserve safety. Families deserve support. Our community deserves accountability.

Rebecca Bennett

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