September is National Recovery Month, a time to educate the public about substance use treatment and mental health services that can help people live healthy and rewarding lives. The Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START) department at the Division of Children and Family Services provides specialized interventions for families working with the child welfare system when a parent has a diagnosed chemical dependency.

A recent evaluation of children attending kindergarten in urban and inner-ring public school districts in Cuyahoga County documented the benefits of attending a high-quality UPK program compared to high quality, non-UPK preschool.

The program, which runs through Sept. 30, helps residents purchase an air conditioning unit or fan or pay for central air conditioning repairs. It assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health.

Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) currently serves over 3,000 youth in foster care and provides assistance to an additional 3,000 youth. The 2020 Fill the Backpack Challenge aims to help them feel prepared and ready to learn.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark civil rights law opened the doors of opportunity for people with disabilities and increased our awareness of the enormous contributions that Americans with disabilities can make to our society.

We all have the responsibility to continue to be educated on the symptoms that cause elder abuse, learn how to recognize it, and be determined to stop it. The first step in combating elder abuse is to report it.

As we celebrate National Pride Month, it is crucial to learn how we can support the LGBTQ young people in our lives.

All older Americans, regardless of income, are at risk of financial abuse. Financial exploitation entails using a person's funds, property, or assets without permission or in a fraudulent manner.

Hundreds of local families and older adults need additional support during the pandemic. The Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) stepped up to help through Operation Cuyahoga Cares.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day aims to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

David Smith, Jr. has been the Director of Nursing for the Division of Senior and Adult Services since 2018. His decade of experience spans a variety of specialties, including medical-surgical/telemetry, acute and chronic dialysis, critical and emergency care, long-term/skilled care, and nursing administration.

Every May our country observes Older Americans Month to recognize the contributions of our nation's elders. This year's theme is: Make Your Mark. The theme highlights the countless contributions that older adults make to our communities.

During the pandemic, fear of spreading germs has turned average people into virtual germaphobes. Most of us are cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing every high-touch surface in our homes, cars and workplaces. But going too far or failing to use safety precautions can also pose serious risks.

Our goal in serving and protecting children and families is always to make the family “whole” again by safely reuniting them, if possible. Often, this involves our foster parents working with, coaching, and supporting the birth family with the added help of our numerous community-based services.

Hundreds of local families and older adults are in need of support at this time, and the County’s Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) are stepping up to help through our Operation: Cuyahoga Cares program.

While the office is currently closed to the public, the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative continues to provide access to services for fathers to help meet the emotional, psychological, and financial needs of their children.

In an effort to make sure no one loses access to their medical benefits during this critical time, Cuyahoga County is implementing a number of policy changes designed to reduce the number of Medicaid discontinuances during the pandemic.

Cathy Rush is caught up in a mask-making craze. The talented crafter has shifted her focus from turning out dog blankets and aprons to lifesaving masks.

As we navigate the new reality of life during the era of COVID-19, we are having to make difficult adjustments to our comforting routines. This new reality can leave us feeling a bit disconnected and lost.

As COVID-19 impacts Ohio, it exposes the populations most vulnerable to the pandemic including currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Most people with a criminal history will find it harder now, more than ever, to find housing due to the broad deployment of criminal background and credit checks.