TOLEDO, Ohio — The Trauma Training Conference jointly hosted by NAMI Greater Toledo and CareNet at the Main Library in downtown Toledo touched on the fact that some children in foster care struggle with trauma.
This trauma can cause major issues into adulthood. A presentation slide showed how U.S. data finds those emancipating without proper assistance and resources are part of the 50% involved with the criminal justice system.
Dayna Riley, the independent living supervisor with Lucas County Children Services, said it's a big reason why they always have a plan when a child turns 18. She said they're linked with Bridges, which offers continuous mental health assistance along with several other services. But no one said children in LCCS don't experience trauma. The fact is, being taken into care is traumatic.
However, Riley said the state's goal is to not let it overcome the children. When the time comes for emancipation, those young adults are ready and have been prepared or are preparing to leave.
"It's very rare that we go in and this kid doesn't have a place to go or anything like that. They go ahead and emancipate," Riley said. "There has to be some type of plan in place."
NAMI executive director Marriah Kornowa said this conference has highlighted how there's still more to be done in the realm of care without pointing blame.
"I think children services gets a terrible rap and that they're out there to take children. They're not," Kornowa said. "They're there to help protect children, provide resources."
She added how they were intentional in conference attendees, making sure elected and community leaders and those in the social work and health care fields were invited. Kornowa said they're on the front lines to change and no one person can fix this.
"This is a bigger issue from a full community system in how we are responding," Kornowa said.
Riley said anyone looking to help should look into mentoring a foster child, volunteering at a group home, or calling LCCS at 419-213-3336 to find out about foster care.
She said even after all the plans, graduation and emancipation, they're still kids.
"Their foster parents, those placements, they're still a support group and they continue to be a support," Riley said.
For more national information on foster care, click here. To learn more about Lucas County Children Services, click here.