DELAWARE — The Delaware County Commissioners approved a proclamation at their Monday meeting establishing April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Delaware County.
“Whereas, the theme for national child abuse prevention month in 2026 is power by hope, strengthened by prevention, emphasizing that when families receive the right support, they created brighter, safer future for children in Delaware County,” Commissioner Jeff Benton said, reading the proclamation.
Bob Anderson, director of Delaware County Jobs and Family Services, told commissioners prevention is important because child abuse can have life-long impacts.
“Adverse childhood experiences can shape outcomes in health, education, and the overall well being,” Anderson said. “That is why prevention must remain at the center of our work.
“Supporting families is the foundation of prevention. When families are strong and resilient, children are safer and more likely to succeed,” he said.
According to Anderson, last year Delaware County received 2,453 reports of child abuse and neglect. That number represents a slight increase in reports from previous years, which could be due to a growing population in the county, or more awareness regarding reporting.
“Each report representing children and families in need and underscores the importance of addressing challenges prior to them turning into a crisis,” he said.
“People in the community make more referrals because they’re more aware. We want people to report that they suspect child abuse and we will do the job from there.”
How does JFS work to prevent child abuse?
Anderson said Delaware County’s JFS representatives speak at schools and other events, sharing what signs to look for if you suspect abuse, how to make a report and what JFS does after someone files a report.
The National Children’s Alliance lists the following as potential signs of neglect or abuse:
- Unexplained injuries, such as clustered bruises or burn marks
- Changes in behavior, such as a lack of interest in hobbies or isolation from friends
- Changes in eating or sleeping behavior, such as a child who is constantly falling asleep in the day or asking for food more often
- Lack of personal care or hygiene
- Risk-taking behavior, such as starting to smoke or drink
People can make anonymous reports by calling 740-833-2340. From there, someone at JFS will investigate the report and determine if opening an investigation is warranted or not.
In an open investigation, a case worker will check on the welfare of the child and determine JFS’s role, which could involve putting families in touch with resources, such as counseling or SNAP benefits, or further intervention.
“Supporting families is the foundation of prevention. When families are strong and resilient, children are safer and more likely to succeed.”
BOB Anderson
There are 20 children in JFS’s permanent custody, which means the case reached the furthest step in intervention where a court designated the state entity as the legal custodian of the child.
“Twenty children is a low number when you compare population size,” Anderson said. “There are smaller counties that have a substantially larger number.
“Our goal is not to have a high number of youth in custody.”
The team tries to avoid this by working with parents, guardians and kinship providers as much as they can to resolve any issues at home.
Anderson said often, child neglect can be the result of parents or guardians struggling with things like paying the bills, finding a job or affording child necessities.
Programs like SNAP benefits; the prevention, retention and contingency program; and Ohio’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families are resources JFS connects with families.
Resources for families in need
“If you were raised in that environment and that’s all you know, somehow breaking that chain is extremely important,” said commissioner Gary Merrell.
“I know the people in this county at Jobs and Family Services, many of nonprofits, all are committed to minimizing that issue.”
Below is a list of agencies in Delaware County that can assist individuals with various needs and programs.
- The Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities connects individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with assistance with daily living needs, therapeutic needs, learning new skills, connection to resources and social groups in the area and support to find and maintain a job.
- The Delaware County Juvenile Court Family Advocate Program is a free program designed to strengthen family relationships through screening, parenting information, and linking families to services like anger management and communication skills training.
- HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties provides a 24/7 crisis and information hotline, reachable by dialing 211 or 988. HelpLine offers emotional support, suicide prevention and connections to over 4,000 community resources including food, shelter and mental health counseling.
- United Way of Delaware County’s Family Resource Center acts as a “one-stop shop” for families needing basic needs by providing an emergency food and hygiene pantry, a diaper bank and direct referrals to community partners for housing or financial stability.
- Grace Clinic Delaware is a free medical ministry providing professional healthcare, prescription assistance and specialist appointments to uninsured or underinsured low-income residents of Delaware County. Grace Clinic is located at 40 South Franklin Street and has walk-in hours from 9-11:30 a.m. on Mondays and 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, with other varying appointment times listed on its website.
- Common Ground Free Store provides clothing, shoes, household items and small appliances to families in need at no cost at its 193 E Central Ave. store. Common ground also provides free meal throughout the week, with meal times listed on its website.
